Sony hits us: The Cyber-shot DSC-H1, DSC-W5, DSC-W7, DSC-S40, DSC-60, and DSC-90

The big Photo Marketing Association started today, you'd think everyone would have already made they're big announcements today (FujiFilm, Nikon, Canon, Rollei, Pentax, Kodak, HP, Concord, Olympus, Casio, and Panasonic carpet bombed us with new cameras the two weeks or so leading up to the show), but Sony waited until this weekend to show off anything new. Here's what they've got:


The 5.1 megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H1, their latest prosumer-style digital camera. 12x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and 32MB of internal storage. We were hoping DSC-H1 would have dual CompactFlash and Memory Stick memory card slots like with the DSC-V3, but Sony's stuck to just Memory Stick with this camera.
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The 5.1 megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-W5 is old news by now—it was accidentally "announced" last month—but we hadn't known that Sony would also be announcing a 7.2 megapixel version called the Cyber-shot DSC-W7. Both are about the same in the looks department, and each has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32MB of internal memory, and nicely-sized 2.5-inch LCD screen pasted on back.
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Next up, the 4.1 megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-S40, which looks a little like it should be part of Sony's U-series of cameras, and has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32MB of internal memory, and a small 1.5-inch LCD screen.
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Heading up the rear are two pretty similar new entry-level 4.1 megapixel models, the Cyber-shot DSC-S60 and DSC-S90. Each has a 3x optical zoom and 32MB internal memo; the only significant difference between the two is the DSC-S90 has a 2.5-inch LCD while the screen on the DSC-S60 is just 2.0 inches in size. Not that it matters much, we can't see much of a reason for buying either in the first place.
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[TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

What do you mean "internal" memory? Is this something in their description? If its removable, Ive never heard it referenced as internal.

I wonder if the H1 is their compactflashless V3 feature wise. Ill have to check it out. I Still like the V3 better because of the micro drive support. :)

[Andrei @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

The H1 looks nice, too bad it doesn't use Zeiss lenses, but for USD500... I guess it's ok. Seems like the F-717 is going to rule 5 MP for a long time.

[Jon Norman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

I retail SONY cameras at Best Buy and I think Sony's line is the best as long as you're buying the upper models: P100, P200, W1, T1 and V3.

I think a 5 megapixel camera is more than enough but 7 is cooler as long as they don't raise the price too much more.
The way i see it, we may and may not even order these new models since #1 we are selling the p41, P73 and P93's so well due to the cheaper price. Also its nice that the T1 is only $379 now

#2 these things are probably very expensive and won't sell to customers without credit cards.

I'm pissed off by the fact SONY doesn't include a camera bag (extra $20) or a decent 128MB Memory Card ($44.99) which causes me to have to push customers harder for the extra cash.

[Stewart Tan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

Sony's DSC-W7.
I just ordered this beauty from my local camera shop near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (you guys know where in the world it is?). Just to share with you, the deal I got is Camera (from box),512MB stick, plus a camera utility bag (not Sony's!) plus a VIP card to develop photos at a 40% discount. All that for RM1,600.00 which is approximately USD421.00. Do you guys think I got a bargain or am I suckered? :))

[Stewart Tan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

....more:
Now that I've played with this W7, it is really a good buy, functionally speaking. Pictures were great and the various auto programs do work. The manual setting ability works, especially for night shots. The AA batteries (GP 2300 mamphr) did last; after about 4 days of feverish photography !

[Jon Norman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:10AM]

Sony stopped putting memory cards in the boxes knowing that customers were gonna have to buy bigger memory cards anyway. This was a good idea since it makes them easier to sell as ready to use out of the box cameras.


the DSC 90 is way better than the DSC 60 because for a few bucks more you get a larger lcd and a Sony rechargable battery NIMH pack.
At best buy the S90 is $269 while the S60 is $249. JUST PAY THE FRICKIN 20 bucks !

alot of reviewers are sh*tting on the Sony line because they aren't as "powerful" as the Canons or the ugly Kodaks but I will swear by Sony. They have the nicest looking, easiest to use entry level cameras. If you need a gift for someone, get an S40, or S90.

the S40 is dirt cheap for $199 and the S90 is the cool one with more bells and whistles.