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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 Digital Camera (5.1MP, 2592x1944, 12x, 32MB Internal Memory)

77

Good

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Pros
Powerful 12X optical zoom
Optical image stabilization
Cons
Mediocre image quality

Performance: Fair: 68
Features: Superior: 96
Design: Very Good: 80

Find out how these scores, and their relative weights, combine to produce the PC World Rating.

Performance
Battery Life (minutes)	168
Battery Life Score	Very Good
Image Quality Score	Fair
Image Quality, Color	49
Image Quality, Distortion	46
Image Quality, Exposure	51
Image Quality, Exposure--Flash	58
Image Quality, Exposure--Normal	48
Image Quality, Overall	50
Image Quality, Sharpness	31.8
Number of Batteries	2
Number of Shots	306

Performance
Image quality: To gauge picture quality, we take a series of shots, with and without flash, at the camera's highest resolution and default automatic settings. We photograph a complex still life and a mannequin to see how well each camera captures details and subtle colorings such as skin tones. A panel of judges reviews the on-screen and printed photos and assigns image-quality scores; we then average those scores. Data based on tests designed and conducted by the PC World Test Center. All rights reserved.	Fair
Ease of use	Very Good
Features	Outstanding
Maximum effective pixels/resolution	5.1 megapixels/2592 by 1944
Bundled media	32MB internal memory plus Memory Stick slot
Focal range (35mm equivalent)	36mm to 432mm
Maximum aperture(wide/telephoto)	f2.8/f3.7
Shutter speed range (seconds)	30 seconds to 1/2000 second
Viewfinders	Electronic viewfinder, 2.5-inch LCD
Video/audio recording	640 by 480 video with audio; clip length limited by size of media
Semi-automatic/manual modes	Seven scene modes; aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes; manual focus
Continuous shooting speed	0.7 frames per second for a maximum of nine frames
Optional lenses	Telephoto
Software	Picture Package for Sony 1.6, Cyber-shot Life tutorial
Other features	Optical image stabilization, lens hood
Battery score	Good
Battery life	306 shots, 168 minutes
Battery type	Rechargeable NiMH AA
Dimensions (w/d/h) and weight	4.3 by 3.3 by 3.3 inches; 21 ounces
Support policy score	Very Good
Support policies	One-year parts and labor warranty; 15-hour daily toll-free support

What You Should Know about the Cyber-shot DSC-H1 Digital Camera (5.1MP, 2592x1944, 12x, 32MB Internal Memory)

Larger-Than-Average Optical Zoom Range

The optical zoom range on this camera is sufficiently broad to give you considerable creative control. Your options extend from individual portraits to group shots to wide-angle landscapes. Most point-and-shoots offer a focal length range that’s roughly equivalent to 35mm to 105mm on a 35mm film camera. At the wide end (the 35mm, in this case), they shoot a bit wider than what you see with your eye. At the telephoto end (the 105mm, in this case), they can zoom in a good deal closer than you’d be able to with the naked eye.

Reviewed by: sisbill

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: nice camera while it worked

Weaknesses: unreliable; too expensive to fix

Overall Evaluation: 3 years old; power will not stay on. new batteries, card format, factory re-set did not help; camera has not been dropped; worked well last week but now dead; repairs estimated at $250. I'll go back to Olympus which has not failed in the last 7 years.
Reviewed by: Iflyfish47

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: This camera has lots of settings, the 48 times zoom is assume, and the macro delivers clear crisp shots.

Weaknesses: None

Overall Evaluation: I saw this camera at around 320.00 and at that price you can't beat extras that come with this unit. The camera comes with a charger w/ batteries, lens hood, lens cap and lens adapter. I was considering the Canon S2 IS but after comparing both display screens, the Sony had a much clearer display, while Canon's was washed out and grainy. I took pictures of my daughter's graduation, we were in the second to last row of the stadium and I was able to get a picture of her getting her diploma handed to her, it was absolutlely amazing! How about a steady shot that really works, I took some pictures on full zoom, you could actually see the display shaking, but once the picture was taken it was clear and crisp with absolutely no streaking! The digital zoom is outstanding, it was just what I was looking for, and in an affordable price range, I highly recommend this camera to anyone you won't be disappointed. There are also tons of manual settings, although I haven't played with them that much, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.