Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 reviews
The march of the compact mega zooms continues. Sony recently introduced a very small 8-megapixel digicam with a 10x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. Like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and Canon PowerShot SX100 IS this camera is really targeted to folks heading out on vacation or just need a digicam with a wide range of focal lengths. Yes, we know there are 12x, 15x even 18x models available but they’re much bigger than the H3, TZ3 or SX100 IS. In fact, the DSC-H3 is even smaller than the 6x 8MP Canon PowerShot A720 IS . Since we recently tested the similarly priced TZ3 we were anxious to see which one was the better camera.
The H3’s partially retractable 10x Carl Zeiss zoom is at the heart of this camera’s appeal. From a usability standpoint, it’s a nice unit with few flaws. The zoom toggle’s soft-touch feel allows for fine adjustments, and the zoom is not stepped – allowing for apparently limitless settings between 1x and 10x. An on-screen read out displays the magnification level.
“In most of our speed tests the H3 also impressed. It exhibited a lightning quick 0.05-second shutter lag and just 1.2 seconds between shots. Power up time was also quick at just over 1.5 seconds….The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 is a great ultra-zoom camera. Its compact build makes it ideal for travellers and it has a boatload of features along with capturing some fairly good shots.”
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 reviews from cnet
The good: Has 10x optical zoom lens; small size; optical image stabilization; face detection.
The bad: Noisy images at higher ISOs; no place to put your thumb.
The bottom line: If you don’t like electronic viewfinders, but want a superzoom, this Sony packs a 10x zoom lens and 8 megapixels into a tiny package, but image quality at higher ISOs is a bit lacking.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 reviews from imaging-resource
Pro:
* 10x zoom in a compact package at an affordable price
* Advanced Sports mode combines faster shutter speed with continuous and predictive autofocus
* Bionz processor holds details in shadows and highlights
* SteadyShot optical image stabilization
* Manual mode
* Face detection for focus, flash, white balance and exposure
* In-camera editing adds fun features
* Lens hood included
* Good Macro performance
* Excellent image quality
* Very fast prefocus shutter lag
* Excellent battery life
Con:
* No Aperture or Shutter Priority modes
* No HD output cable included
* Slow flash recycle time
* Lack of detail in high ISO images
* Menu system is confusing
* Slow AF at telephoto
* Focus seeks a lot in low light
* Chromatic aberration is strong at both wide angle and telephoto, and runs across the frame more dramatically at telephoto
* Lens hood is very large
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