Sony CyberShot DSC-H7

The ultra-zoom segment of the digital camera market is expanding as consumers seek more than the standard compact 3x lens and lust for the double digit optics. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 will satiate zoom cravers with its 8.1 megapixels and 15x optical zoom lens. The H7 is the less expensive sibling of the Sony H9, which has a bigger fold-out LCD monitor. The Sony H7 might be overshadowed by its big brother, but still provides a decent set of features at a reasonable price. The H7 will retail for $399 when it is shipped in June.

Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 (reviewed here) and the top-of-the-range mode the DSC-H9 (reviewed at the end of May). That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control. The H7 and H9 appear to be internally pretty much identical, though there are some feature differences that explain the $80 price difference (chiefly, the H9's screen and NightShot mode) - the H7 is basically the 'budget' model.

- Cyber-shot DSC-H7 vs DSC-H2 - key changes
- New sensor (8MP versus 6MP)
- longer lens range (15x up from 12x)
- Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 3200)
- Larger screen (2.5-inch vs 2.0 inch)
- Lithium Ion battery
- Control dial has moved to rear of camera
- 9-point AF (was 3-point)
- New Sports mode
- HDTV (1080i) video output (via optional component cable)
- Face detection
- D-Range optimization (auto contrast)
- In-camera retouching
- Remote control included
- Entirely new user interface

Overall Impressions
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 is positioned to be the camera that consumers can buy if they can’t afford the swankier H9. The Sony H9 has the same resolution but a bigger LCD monitor that folds and tilts; that feature will cost an extra hundred bucks. The Sony Cyber-shot H7 retails for $399, which is a fair price to ask for the 8.1 megapixels, 15x optical zoom, image stabilization, and full manual control. The H7 isn’t exactly a budget camera, but is certainly fairly priced and more affordable than its H9 counterpart. However, interested consumers should tack on the additional cost of a Memory stick Duo card if considering shooting video.

Read Full Review about SONY Cybershot DSC-H7
- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyh7/
- http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H7-Digital-Camera-Review-13152.htm

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