Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16975 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSCH5
• Released on: 2006-06-08
• Dimensions: 2.50" h x 1.00" w x 3.50" l, .50 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
• 3.0-inch LCD display; 12x Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
• High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 1000) lets you shoot without flash in low-light conditions
• Capture VGA (640 x 480) audio-video clips at up to 30 frames per second
• Stores images on Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Duo PRO media only (includes 32 MB internal memory); powered by 2 AA-size batteries (2 NiMH batteries and charger supplied)

From the Manufacturer
Why Sony? Because Sony technology brings exciting creative innovations to digital photography--like the DSC-H5 Cybershot camera's ability to capture amazingly sharp, highly detailed long-distance images with 7.2-megapixel imaging, powerful Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom lens and Sony's Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization system. The DSC-H5 also provides comfortable, user-friendly design with many other hi-tech features and performance advantages--advancing the state of the art while maintaining the quality, simplicity, and convenience that photo enthusiasts and serious amateurs count on when they choose Sony.

Sleek Black Styling, Carl Zeiss 12x Optical Zoom
For high-contrast images that take advantage of the DSC-H5's advanced CCD capabilities, a pro-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens design with 12x optical zoom lens provides finely detailed images of distant subjects--with 24x digital zoom for dramatic closeups of your subject.

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization
Other image stabilization systems crop in to compensate for "camera shake"--but with the Super SteadyShot system, optical sensors detect camera movement and send correcting signals to a stabilization lens that allows even ultra-long-distance digital photos to capture more detail with less camera shake distortion.

7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition for editing, cropping, and making large digital prints. Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

High Sensitivity Mode
A new High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 1000) lets you shoot without flash for more natural results in low-light conditions and shoot at higher shutter speed to minimize blur from unsteady hands or fast-moving subjects--and Sony's original Clear RAW NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress the color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.

Giant 3.0-Inch LCD Screen
With an oversized 3.0-inch LCD screen, you'll find it easier to compose shots, check results, and read camera menus even in bright sunlight--and a one-touch "Play" button makes viewing your photos quick and simple.

Clear Photo LCD Plus Design
To improve your image for photo viewing and shot setup, Sony's Clear Photo LCD Plus design minimizes reflection from the LCD surface for excellent visibility outdoors even in bright sunlight--with wide-angle viewing lets you share images with a group of friends or family.

Simple Camera Setup Features
The DSC-H5 allows you to set Color Mode (Standard, Vivid, Natural, Sepia, or Monochrome), adjust image brightness with one-touch simplicity (including EV compensation for shooting into the sun or on cloudy days), and select the image size that's best for the print size you want and the remaining capacity of your camera's 32 MB internal memory or optional Memory Stick Duo media.

Function Guide Text/Icon Display
On-screen, a simple Function Guide text/icon display makes it easy to learn the camera functions that give you greater creative freedom to adjust color sensitivity, brightness, and image size for great shots in a wide range of situations. You'll also have quick reference to camera functions like flash, macro, and self-timer settings.

Creative Manual Exposure Modes
For more creative freedom, the DSC-H5 lets you adjust shutter speed to freeze the action or shoot with long time exposures--and control depth of field with aperture adjustment to concentrate on the foreground or capture "deep-focus" background.

Manual Focus with MF Peaking
In manual focus mode, the 3.0-inch LCD screen of the DSC-H5 highlights an outline of the shooting subject in color so it's easier to make adjustments. Why focus manually? To concentrate on an off-center subject, one face in a crowd, or an unexpected creative choice in a complex scene.

Capture Images In-Camera
With 32 MB internal memory, the DSC-H5 allows you to capture shots in-camera for later transfer to PC or Memory Stick Duo media--so even if you forget your flash memory card, you can always get the shot.

57x Smart Zoom Feature
Sony's Smart Zoom feature gives you an amazing ultra-closeup crop on the central portion of interest in your photo while avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-H5 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second)--with new Optical Zoom for Movie to provide high-ratio zooming for sports and long-distance subjects and allow you to adjust zoom while taking action shots.

Memory Stick Duo Media
The DSC-H5 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo or higher-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo media--the ultra-compact media for shooting, storing, and sharing your photo images.

Customer Reviews

H5 is a 5!
This is a fantastic camera. It is easy to use, and the pics are beautiful. I researched several different cameras and just sort of happened upon this one. Am I glad that I "risked" it! Since this is a new camera, there weren't many reviews. I highly recommend checking out dcresource.com['s] review; it was what ultimately swayed me.
I compared pics from the H5 to Canon's EOS REBEL XT DSLR with Lens kit, and honestly couldn't see much difference. Yes, the Rebel has less noise at higher ISO settings, but since I am mainly a hobbyist, I'd say it won't be a problem.
The Sony software isn't the world's best by any means, but the camera takes such great pics, you really don't need anything other than a photo organizer. I am truly amazed at the camera's abilities. The price is way way better than DSLRs, and for the prosumer, the H5 has just about everything you would need.

The only Cons I've come up with are:
-No RAW capabilities for the serious prosumer (I could care less, but I think my husband was a little disappointed.)
-The memory is pretty expensive, but you can catch really good deals.

So far, those are the only cons I can dredge up.

Overall, the H5 makes me feel like a much better photographer than I actually am. I am probably as close to a beginner as you can get (My last digital camera was bought in 1999). I posted some pics above, so check them out, if you want to see some examples of what the camera is capable of.

A Great Camera for Anyone
I have now had this camera for over two weeks and have already taken almost 700 pics! It has something for everyone. The color is true to life and there are no flaws in its pictures besides the occasional purple fringing in bright shots and some noise at ISO's above 400. The flash is extremely powerful and actually enhances color, not bleaching out shots or causing red eye like other cameras. You can go all of the way out to 12x zoom, and because of the image stabilization, you can still take shots without any blur. I did find that the autofocus light is intimidating to people and causes them to look away, so you should turn that off and put up with slightly slower focus speeds. Th camera fits very well in my hand, with a great rubber grip and a handy adjustment wheel below the shutter button.
When I was shopping for this camera, I had a tough time choosing between this camera and the Canon S3 IS. They are direct competitors, and I found that the only way to decide between them was to see them and actually use them at the store. Either one is a fantastic piece of hardware and the only real things that should influence your purchase are how you like the camera's feel and what kind of lcd you like. The canon has an lcd that can be positioned at any angle, which is nice, but the sony has a huge, beautiful 3 incher that is pretty much the most impressive one that I have seen on a camera. You'll get a lot of oohs and ahhs with the Sony. I ended up getting the sony because I liked the way it fitted in my hand better than the Canon. I also like to have a cooler looking camera. For additional research besides amazon reviews, I used dpreview.com and of course, cnet.com. I hope this review helped people figure out which camera they should buy.

Superb, crisp photos are only the beginning
A word about the reviewer:
I am an amateur photographer who was interested in "stepping up" from a simple point and shoot. In particular, I wanted a camera with greater than a 3X optical zoom (better for nature photography) and an above average level of resolution. My husband is a serious hobbyist - he was interested in having a backup camera, or one that could easily be taken hiking without having to bring along the LARGE dSLR and the lenses. When American Photo picked this camera as its Editor's Choice in the Superzoom EVF category we decided to check it out. I am so very glad we did. This review will focus on comments not covered by other reviewers.

CONS:
1. Short battery life
This camera comes with a set of 2 rechargable batteries. However, it will suck through them quickly; approximately 100-200 pictures. I HIGHLY suggest that you purchase an extra set of batteries and keep them charged and with you. I always have the backup set in my pocket when we head out with the camera.
2. Shutter lag
I find it difficult to take high quality action shots (e.g., kid's soccer games)with this camera due to the shutter lag. It is better than other point and shoot digitals, but not the caliber of the Nikon D100. But then again, this camera cost ~$1000 less. If you are taking landscapes, still life or portraits this is not a problem. Interestingly, has not been a problem with wildlife photorgraphy either. Go figure.

Pros:
There are too many pros to cover them all, so here is a sampling
1. 12X optical zoom
If you, like me, are moving up from the 3x optical zooms, you will NEVER go back once you try this camera. Clear, crisp photos, with the equivalent of a 432 mm focal length will change your photography world.
2. Steady Shot image stabilizer
If you want to use that 12X optical zoom without your images being blurry you will need a tripod or a camera with a superb image stablizer. The H5's image stablizer delivers very consistent, sharp images. I have attached a few images - none were taken with a tripod. Please check out the photo of a squirrel shot with full zoom and no tripod- he is crisp and sharp.
3. Relatively small size
No, you can't stick this camera in your pocket. However, it easily straps across a shoulder and only weighs a few ounces. I can hike or bike with it and not notice it. Try doing that with a bulky SLR!
4. Easy to handle
I find this camera to be very ergodynamic - it just feels right in your hand. All controls are well placed and with the "virtual dial" that appears in the view finder or monitor means you don't have to take your eye of the subject when you change settings. Futher, the settings are very intuitive and easy to learn. With this camera, I have learned how to adjust shutter speeds and apertures to improve my photographs.
5. Superb, crisp photos
This camera takes excellent photos in its point and shoot (automatic) mode, but also has several specialized modes (macro, landscape, portrait, sport, etc) to fine tune your photo quality. In addition, it is so easy to take charge of the camera in regards to shutter speed, apeture, etc, you can "dial-in" the photos even more. It's easy.

Summary: for a beginner looking to advance or the serious hobbyist, this camera is a wonder. For significantly less than the cost of a digital SLR, you can have a camera which will do ~80% of its functions. In short, this camera has helped me to become a better photographer.