Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 8.1 Megapixel Bridge Camera - Black

Cyber-shot DSC-H9

Strengths: Beautiful pics, 10X optical Zoom, Features

Weakness: none

This camera was a gift by my husband. I've never wanted anyone else to pick out a camera or camcorder for me. I was always particular about quality and extra features and would not hesitate to return a product. I really thought that my next camera would be a full blown professional camera since my dsc-s85 was still fully operational. But boy was I wrong! The picture quality and ease of use of...
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This camera was a gift by my husband. I've never wanted anyone else to pick out a camera or camcorder for me. I was always particular about quality and extra features and would not hesitate to return a product. I really thought that my next camera would be a full blown professional camera since my dsc-s85 was still fully operational. But boy was I wrong! The picture quality and ease of use of this camera is exceptional. I just can't wait for the summer pics. The winter snow was absolutely beautiful. I took several pics and made them panoramic and waited until almost dark for the snow that has that almost blue look effect with the naked-eye. My other cameras would never pick that low light up like this one did. Unbelievable - beautiful wall hanging poster print and I did it. Best camera so far! Now I don't need to learn all that professional camera stuff all over again! Because I'm sure it has all changed anyway. More time for the family and fun.

By cruzzin - Apr 26, 2008

Awesome Camera!

Strengths: Sony quality is evident. Great LCD viewing screen. Packed with tons of features.

Weakness: I can't find any weaknesses yet.

The camera balances well in your hand and the features of the camera are easily accessed and logically placed. I love the ability of the camera to adjust automatically to the light on the subjects face automatically and I especially appreciate the automatic compensation for a shakey hand!

By Anonymous - Feb 11, 2008

Sony DCS H9B

Strengths: Excellent lens! Good color management. Bright, vivid images with a wide tonal range and excellent exposures.

Weakness: Mode dial too easy to move unintentionally. No option to start up in review/view mode. Always starts with the LCD active. EVF somewhat dim. Click wheel somewhat small for normal fingers.

I preordered directly from Sony and received mine on May 4th, a full week before the anticipated delivery date. I've taken about 700 images with it so far. The long zoom is excellent. Nice wide end with minimal distortions, and acceptably sharp long end...certainly sharp enough for scenics and people. Birds (small birds like warblers, one reason I bought the camera) challenge the H9s...
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I preordered directly from Sony and received mine on May 4th, a full week before the anticipated delivery date. I've taken about 700 images with it so far. The long zoom is excellent. Nice wide end with minimal distortions, and acceptably sharp long end...certainly sharp enough for scenics and people. Birds (small birds like warblers, one reason I bought the camera) challenge the H9s capabilities. The continuous shooting mode and image stabilization make even warblers possible though. The best shots (good light, cooperative bird) just about equal my digiscoped shots for resolution and feather detail, and certainly equal on color and exposure.
For the most part I like the layout of button controls and menus. Most program over-rides are logically placed and accessible when you need them. The HOME menu idea is interesting, but really just duplicates the regular menus in functionality.
The pivoting, very large, very bright LCD is a joy.
Macro mode produces stunning results.
Battery life is acceptable.
Overall, I'd recommend this camera to anyone wanting a wider than normal zoom, but, at the same time, one with enough range for distant shots as well, all in a relatively compact camera. The image quality, typical of my experience of Sony cameras, won't disappoint you.

By IngrahamS - May 16, 2007

I Love It!

Strengths: 8.1 Megapixels, 15X optical zoom, large clear tilting viewfinder display, remote control

Weakness: Haven't found any yet.

I just got this camera and love what I see so far. Its menus are easy to use and read (contrary to many reviews that I have read). Picture quality is exceptional. The remote control allows you to enjoy a slideshow on your TV while navigating the camera menus, etc. from the comfort of your sofa. It is also great for taking the family portrait without having to use the self-timer and running into...
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I just got this camera and love what I see so far. Its menus are easy to use and read (contrary to many reviews that I have read). Picture quality is exceptional. The remote control allows you to enjoy a slideshow on your TV while navigating the camera menus, etc. from the comfort of your sofa. It is also great for taking the family portrait without having to use the self-timer and running into place before the shot is taken.

By davef777 - Sep 15, 2007

Sony H9 Review

Strengths: Everything but Image Stabilisation and Image Compression

Weakness: Image Stabilisation, No Raw, JPG Compression could be less

My full review is at sydneysnaps.blogspot.c... but in conclusion: Well, okay, here is the box and dice, if you have a later Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax DSLR unless you want Nightshot and a movie mode this isn't going to be for you. If you have a Lumix and hate the noise or want to see what a good picture is, its worth taking a look at the H9. I for one won’t look at another Lumix until the CCD...
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My full review is at sydneysnaps.blogspot.c... but in conclusion:

Well, okay, here is the box and dice, if you have a later Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax DSLR unless you want Nightshot and a movie mode this isn't going to be for you. If you have a Lumix and hate the noise or want to see what a good picture is, its worth taking a look at the H9. I for one won’t look at another Lumix until the CCD has changed, no matter how many megapixels it has. If you’re a Sony H5, Olympus 550 or recent Canon S3 user and just want to feel good that you just didn’t waste you’re money, there’s probably not enough here unless you have a bit of spare cash to warrant a change. But there are some reasons for the change, Click to capture is good, ISO is excellent, Stabiliser works but not as good as I had expected. However if you’re new to the game this is the best balance out there that raises the notch that little bit better especially in the area of point and shoot and excellent image reproduction. The higher shutter speed with a decent ultrazoom is going to do most things for you at half the price of a Canon twin lens kit DSLR.

I just hope though that Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Konica Minolta realise that there are people out there that know they can make a better product and it’s a matter of the first to jump and deliver what is technically achievable now to get a new generation of brand loyalty. They’re close but protecting a burgeoning DSLR market where prices on lens kits, diffusers and other accessories will get them more money is a short term vision of something that is begging convergence.

By cg88 - May 16, 2007