Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Digital Camera

Great Super Digital Camera

Posted May 18, 2006 - I owned several digital cameras, mainly olympus and canon. I had a canon S2 IS but I always experienced slow shutter speed escpecially when using the flash. The shutter button will simply not get pressed as the camera is taking its time to focus. It was very annoying. I was going to go for the canon digital SLR, but I need the zoom power and didn't want to carry all that weight with me, especially the long zoom lenses and a big camera bag with all the extra stuff. I spent a lot of time doing my research and also talking to the people at the camera shop and I was told that Sony cameras are usually faster. I think canon also improved their S3 so it is faster now, so I was undecided between the canon S3 or the Sony H2. After reading a lot of the reviews I wanted the DSC-H5 as it has a better LCD screen, but couldn't wait any longer so I went with the DSC-H2 the minute it came out. So far I tested the camera for a few days and I am really happy with the camera's performance. Have not used all the features yet though. The only thing I don't like is the low resolution on the LCD screen, but I knew about this before buying the camera. I usually just use the viewfinder anyway. It is smaller and lighter than the Canon powershot too. I still would probably want the H5, maybe I'll upgrade it in the future. I would have rated it a 5 star if it is not because of the LCD. I still recommend it if you want to save an extra $100 over the H5 and don't mind the smaller and less pixels LCD.

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DSC-H2 Review

Posted Apr 27, 2006 - I am so far pleased with this camera. The 52x zoom at VGA setting is wonderful. I can't wait to use it at a baseball game to get pictures of players and actually be able to tell who it is. The 30MB internal memory is a nice feature, however you can only take 5-7 6MP pictures at this setting and you can not do high resolution videos. Moving the play pictures function off the mode dial is nice so I don't have to keep moving the dial around. I like this camera, it is a decent size, not to big like the F717 or too small like DSC-P92.

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Sony H2

Posted Jul 8, 2006 - I've had camera for only hours. I'm no pro. I'm a 50 year old "non-geek". Still, in the last 3 years I've bought a computer, a cell phone,and this is my 2nd. digital camera. Olympus d-580 Camedia was the 1st. I was looking for a camera that could get closer and this one does it. As I said I'm not much of an expert on tech stuff. This gives me the chance to tell others like me what to expect. I bought a sandisk 1Gb memory stick at time of purchase thanks to others before me. There is a paper in the camera box that explains the problem with using sandisk has been fixed. Look for this confirmation before buying the memory card. At home I put in the batteries I had in other camera and the memory card with only a little help from "Read this first". Set up required only setting time and choosing how much megs I wanted to use. (Did not know I would have that option)Then I was off to the back yard. The zoom on this is really cool but I guess I'll never have too much. LCD screen seems to be cluttered with too much info, but the instructions helped clear much of that up. Buttons are pretty close togather so be aware while "In training". LCD screen seems to exagerate the image but no big deal. So far steady shot doesn't seem to work well in low light. Pictures are as expected, there's options to punch up color if desired. Flash worked as expected but may startle you first time it activates. Remember it's automatic. The macro mode is also neat and works well. Just imagine if I read the instructions. Anyway, It's a point and shoot with 12x optical zoom, uses AA batteries, a great many features I don't know about yet and doesn't need anything to hook up with windows XP. Just plug it in w/supplied usb cable and let them get acquainted. The price is not bad considering all you get, did I mention the zoom, and made by Sony. Don't be afraid of this camera. It simply puts your first 2 cameras in the same box. Its a great point and shoot and I'm sure after fiddling a while I'll find more to rant about. Did I mention 12X zoom?

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Great camera

Posted Jul 31, 2006 - The camera has excellent image quality. This has a nice grip and fits nicely on the hand. The design is neat. The ISO is from 80 – 1000. At ISO 200, there will be a little noise visible. But for a print size 8 X 10 inches, it is significant. It has 2 AA size alkaline batteries and the performance is average. It has three AF modes. At single AF mode, camera focuses on a stationary subject, when the shutter release pressed half way. In case of monitor, it takes some time in focusing. In continuous AF mode keeps on focusing and refocusing a moving subject, until the shutter release is completely pressed. It takes more battery power. Focusing is excellent – Multi point, centre, and flexible point auto focus along with manual focusing. There is no distortion in the images, but the lens shows a tendency of purple fringing when shot against light. Performance is very good in low light. Very good movie mode and powerful flash are other plus points. According to my opinion it is a very good camera and you can definitely go for it.

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the best of the best

Posted Jul 24, 2006 - I recently upgraded from a 2 mega pixels hp camera and oh my. This camera gives me the best pictures I've ever taken by far and it is so easy to use my technology illiterate wife can take professional quality photos from the first time she picked it up. I took it to a bike stunt show and with the zoom and high speed shutter I felt like I was a part of the action. I have a new baby on the way and can't wait to take his first picture with my new camera.

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Great Super Zoom Camera

Posted May 25, 2006 - I have been comparing this camera to Canon S3 IS and finally decided to go with this one because Canon S3 is way overpriced. This camera comes with the adaptor, which is required for filters and conversion lens, a lens hood, which is useful when shooting in strong sunlight, two rechargeable batteries (instead of the alkalines Canon provides), and a battery charger. The camera takes two batteries that can give you about 250 shots. I took the camera with me to a concert and shoot about 200 pictures and was happy with most of them. The ISO 400 is noisy but you won't tell when zoomed to half size on the computer screen, so I'd imagine that small print would be more than OK. Hight ISO sensitivity is another reason I choose H2 over its predecessor H1 or Canon S2. Generally I am happy with its ISO performance. I didn't try ISO 800 and doubt that it would be any useful.

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Such Focus !

Posted Apr 16, 2006 - Being the owner of several exotic cats, I want clear crisp shots even when the move fast. The Sony DSC-H2 has done just that and more.The color is so vivid and the detail is so remarkable. This is my 5th digital camera and Sony..You have done it again!

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Excellent PS camera with amazing 12XCarl Zeiss lens.

Posted Aug 4, 2006 - After having a Canon G5(which is a very good camera) for a year I decided to buy this SLR like camera with the wonderful Carl Zeiss lens.Honestly I have to say I like this one much better.I am taking beautiful, sharp and crisp pictures with amazing pure and clear colors. the 12X zoom works fine and the macro mode is wonderful.High ISO like 800 and 1000 is kind of noisy but still usable,which is a big advantage for a no SLR camera with small sensor.this camera has all the features that any beginner might need or want,even keep the experts happy. I am very happy with my purchase an I recommend it.

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THE BURST ACTION ON CAMERA IS FANTASTIC

Posted Jul 15, 2006 - I have had multiple digital (Kodak, Olympus, and Fuji fine pix) and this camera exceed them all. I always seemed to miss the picture I wanted because of shutter lag. With the burst mode, I will not miss them again. It allows me to take up to 16 sequential photos so now I can take photos of her entire round-off back handsprings. Still photos are also great. The 6.0 megapixels provides great detail. All in all, this camera is a great buy for the photographer who wants a high zoom and multiple fast photos.

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Great value camera

Posted May 31, 2006 - Price/performance ratio of the DSC-H2 is so huge that I'd say: those who still nickpick on small inadequacies should just buy a digi-slr and see how much they have to pay for what they get in this wonderful little package. Small to lug around in a camera bag and the 12x zoom makes this the best all round p&s I've ever wanted for any occasion. The ISO 200-400 limit is REAL! Less noise than I thought. Macro is great and using closeups at a medium zoom range is also crisp and sharp. Controls are right at your fingertips, literally, and as with all Sony's, the menu is one of the most user-friendly. The only slightly disappointment, for me, is the manual focus which is slightly better than not having one.

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Sony DSC-H2 digital camera

Posted May 22, 2006 - this is the one I have been waiting for in this price pt.. I bought mine at local store that offered $40 instant saving and $25 rebate on camera and memory stick! Like the zoom capability and low lighting feature. great pictures with both. I was considering the Canon SLR cameras but this will meet most of my needs for alot less $$. I had a Kodak 3mp that had a printer too and was talked out of the sony printer that does 4x6 prints since no improvements in quality of pics. I found this to be true also. The manual has taken some time to go through and understand for a novice photographer. Having to use the Sony Pro duo memory stick and thus wasting the media from my old camera was troubling but my camera did have a note in the box that the issues with the sandisk memory stick has been resolved but I found no difference in price and got a $10 off rebate for the Sony! This is a great camera for this price to take action sports shots and great close ups on stage in low lighting! I would highly recommend this camera.

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H2

Posted Aug 9, 2006 - Overall, I love it. Given the state of most cameras in movie mode, I'd say the Sony H2 is pretty good. Most importantly, the zoom works in movie mode. The sound quality is tinny and only mono. Also, movie-mode does not support 16x9. The purple fringing with subjects that have light behind them is a problem. It seems worse than other cameras I've seen. While I like the included 2500 mAh batteries, you should get a nice charger. The included one is fine for something that is bundled (and it's small).

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Terrible Camera - Please don't waste your money on it

Posted Sep 26, 2006 - I bought this product because of the Brand name and the fact that it was new to the market. Last time I make that mistake. I will never ever buy another Sony camera. I had the camera about 3 months and may have used it a total of 5 times before the shutter button fell off. Called the support people and they made me pay for the shipping only to later tell me that this is considered impact damage and is not covered under warranty. Okay seriously, its a shutter button, you have to push down on it to take a freaking picture. Anyway they want to charge me $180 to repair the camera. I have already spent over $600 behind it, I am not about to spend another $200 to fix it. For that amount I can just go buy another camera, one that I know will work longer than 90 days. I am so frustrated with SONY that I am honestly thinking of never purchasing any more of their products. The support people are pure idiots and all they are out to do is get your money. They don't care about the consumer and it shows. If you don't believe try calling them.

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This camera rocks!!!!

Posted Jul 3, 2006 - I have had this camera for over a week now and this camera is exactly what i wanted. powerful zoom, what a picture quality. and it takes nice pictures in dark also ...what a powerful flash.

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works great

Posted May 12, 2006 - first I want to metion an typo in pricegrabber, it says " 6.0MP, 2592x1944, 2x Opt...." But actually it is 12x opt rather than 2x. Good camera with not high price,comparing with its older version, cybershot H1.Now the marketing price between this two is less than 50 bucks.Just choose H2 if you want a super zoom camera,while you are not a professional guy on that. But if you are not a Sony fan,and want a more popular Dc, I would also recommend Canon S2IS with also have 10x zoom.

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