Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 reviewed

That 6 megapixel DSC-H2 announced last month just pulled a righteous first-look review over at HardwareZone. The H2, remember, is Sony's prosumer followup to the DSC-H1. If you liked the H1, then the H2 is sure to please with its higher megapixel count and better low-light imaging capabilities due to a high ISO 1000 sensor sensitivity and "Clear RAW" noise reduction technology. And Sony fanatics will be stoked to hear that Sony opted for a Carl Zeiss lens with that same 12x optical zoom boasted by the H1's in-house Sony lens. Throw in Sony's "Super SteadyShot" optical image stabilization and HardwareZone sez the DSC-H2 is "highly recommended" for travelers who prefer image quality and functionality over portability. And with macro shot focusing at 1-cm, the H2 makes a "fine camera that is ideal for most occasions." Look for these to drop any day now for about $400 beans.

[Thanks, Rubylized]

[Dax @ Apr 7th 2006 7:48AM]

$400 at retail is hard to argue, which means the smart shopper could find it for much cheaper (saw the Sony dsc-H1 on sale for $244 recently) The sample images on the site look quite good for a camera in that price range.

[OlivierB @ Apr 7th 2006 8:12AM]

I sure as hell am not buying any Sony gear anymore. They don't play nice with consumers (cf CD DRM rootkit fiasco) and they don't play well with other products (lockin proprietary formats: Memory-Stick, Mini-Disk, UMD etc...)

My money's on the Canon Powershot S3 IS. Does everything the Sony does but more and better.

[TZK @ Apr 7th 2006 8:15AM]

Is this the cheaper, plsatic stuff made in China? Sony seems to be lowering its prices on most stuff excluding the T series. So, it makes me wonder if this new stuff thats so cheap is being made in china.

[30D @ Apr 7th 2006 9:15AM]

This mindless Sony-bashing is pathetic, people like you need to get a life, seriously just buy the better product.

The Canon Powershot S3 IS isn't a competitor to the H2 (costs way more). The 7.3 megapixel dsc-H5 is in the same price range as the powershot S3 IS.

Also, I just bought a Canon Eos 30D, had to pay over $200 for the battery grip BG-E2 from Canon (basically a grip where you can put batteries in, needed for any prolonged photography), the canon battery grip from my Eos 10D wouldn't work. Canon, may build good cameras, but they lock you into their products just as bad as any other company (and Canon isn't as open as Nikon with their F-mounts)

[FuZi0n @ Apr 7th 2006 10:33AM]

#2 You are an idiot and no one wants to hear your mindless bable! I'd like to give you a nice drm infected kick in the arse for wasting 10 seconds of my life.

#3 Of the Vaio's the TX is the only one made in Japan. All of the rest say made in China on the box. As for the cameras, I'm going to take a look at some of the boxes tommorow and see where they are built. But I'm assuming China as well.

[OlivierB @ Apr 7th 2006 11:10AM]

Guys take it easy. "30D", you are right in saying that the S3 is more expensive, but the S2 is almost as good (with 1MP less) and still wipes the floor with Sony's new H2.

As an amateur photographer I used to like Nikon as much as Canon, but their recent fiasco in encrypting RAW headers so that only the "licensed" (i.e. paying) software developers could read it made me want to puke. I want to decide what software to use thank you.

Can't you see what they're doing? Nikon was introducing DRM on *MY* PHOTOS. Wtf?

Sony makes decent products nowadays, they don't benefit from a technological advance on the competition anymore.
As I said pulling these kind of DRM stunts is not of my liking, and I vote with my money to support that.

Btw, If you are *that* serious about photography, just snatch a 300 Rebel or Nikon D70/D50 on ebay for $400. Much better pictures out of the box (though you won't have super zoom)

[iomatic @ Apr 7th 2006 11:34AM]

Sony's P&S cameras are great, including the H series. I also recently got a 30D, and yes, they "lock you in", but you knew that going into a D-SLR purchase?

OliverB's right; if you value image quality over portability, you'd get yourself a D-SLR, some basic photography classes or a lot of experimentation, and start getting serious with image making.

[30D @ Apr 7th 2006 5:05PM]

OliverB, Nikon's RAW is small potatoes compared to Canon's lock in (and saying this as a Canon guy), at least you can buy a Kodak or Fuji body and use Nikon Lenses, or buy Nikon Body and use a whole plethora of F-mount lenses. Also, Canon's RAW format is just proprietary as much as Nikon's; and it has nothing to do with DRM.

Anyway, programs like CaptureOne support Nikon's RAW format; and most serious photographers manipulate their RAW files in either the software that accampanies the camera or a CaptureOne. Adobe doesn't release patches as quickly anyway (it took them over six months after the release of the Canon Eos 5D and Mark-II for the RAW patch to be released).

OliverB, the problem with your comments is that you are mindlessly bashing Sony without much of a clue about photography. For $400 the H2 is great for people that want something a little better than a point & shoot, and the image quality on the page is fairly decent. Personally I believe the Carl-Zeiss on the Sony are just as good as Canon's prosumer lenses and their sensors are also decent, however I'm not a fan of Sony's metering, but the Sony is a great deal and I'm sure like the H1 you can find it for $250-300 if you look hard enough.

And, if you are really serious about photography, buy a used Nikon F2 for a lot less(not a rebel or D50), and really learn phorography from the ground up and the camera will last forever. Otherwise, the H2 seems like a decent camera for decent folks.

[OlivierB @ Apr 7th 2006 6:03PM]

Sorry if I didn't state my opinion clearly enough; I didn't want to bash Sony (although I must admit reading my comments it does look this way). My point is that Sony does some nice cameras, but I disagree with the kind of strategy they have with regards to interoperability.
And for Nikon, I digress but CaptureOne may be cool for now, but I like to keep my options open.

I am not sure I followed your point regarding Canon's lock-in; sure you don't have F-mounts, but I can still by Sigma lens can't I? Not sure I am getting your point here.

People thinking about a Sony H2 are in the market for a digital camera. I don't think a Nikon F2 will cut it for them, although it is an excellent piece to learn the ropes (actually should be enough for just about anybody).

Back to my original argument, people looking for a $400 digital camera should consider Canon's S2 or a used Digital SLR (if they don't mind the added bulk).

Before the make up their minds, I highly recommend that they go read the reviews and most importantly get a feel of it in a store even if they order it online later.

30D, nothing personal, just trying to have a sound argument. No need for bashing.

[Kenneth Burchett @ Apr 8th 2006 12:22PM]

I am not getting into a knock down drag out over which
camera is or isn't the best camera. All I want to say is before you consider buying a digital camera, go to
google and ask for Steve's reviews or go to dpreviews so you can get expert advice on the digital camera of
your interest. Then you will know what you are talking
about.

[Kenneth Burchett @ Apr 8th 2006 12:23PM]

I am not getting into a knock down drag out over which
camera is or isn't the best camera. All I want to say is before you consider buying a digital camera, go to
google and ask for Steve's reviews or go to dpreviews so you can get expert advice on the digital camera of
your interest. Then you will know what you are talking
about.

[Dejan Zikic @ Apr 14th 2006 10:09AM]

I have Canon S2 IS, it is a fantastic camera, but there is a E18 ERRORR on CANON cameras, and I do not want to see it on my camera anymore. My first S2 is replaced by service because E18, unrecoverable error. If you want to buy CANON camera read first about E18 on www.e18error.com. Now I want to replace my new S2 with similar one, and that is SONY H2.

[Mohan @ Apr 18th 2006 1:01PM]

Hi folks,

I have ordered the H2 Camera today.. am sure it is going to be fantastic.. will be reciving it in 2 days... am just excited to lay my hands on it.. hehe.. my previous camera was Canon Powershot A530, it was good.. but this time am trying a upgraded one..and a different brand.. thats SONY. Canon did live up to my expectation.. hope this Sony H2 will exceed my expectations... keeping my fingers crossed..!!!

[Mohan @ Apr 28th 2006 10:44AM]

Hi guys,

SONY DSC-H2 is such a big disappointment, it broke the 1st day i started using it.. It gives an error message "Access" with a black screen. Also tells you to turn off and turn on the camera. I called SONY and they said since i was using Sandisk Memory Pro Duo, this is a problem, and they would release a patch for this next month ( May). I did not expect SONY to be of such a cheap BUILD. Please ensure that YOU DO NOT BUY SONY ANYMORE.. ITS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT...

[Jerry @ May 7th 2006 10:46AM]

I'd love to go to dpreviews or Steve's reviews to read what they have to say about the H2, but unfortunately, neither one has reviewed this model yet. Surprising since it's been out for a couple months.

[Paula Ramos @ Jun 13th 2006 12:02PM]

Greetings! I am trying to decide between the Canon S2 and the Sony H2 for my recreational shots of active animals mostly outdoors during day and evening times(close up and far away). I am experienced with a 35 mm SLR, but new to the digital camera world. I like the shared advantages of both cameras (zoom range, battery life, small size, within my price range). I am interested in learning about their differences...good and bad. If anyone can offer comparative advice to help me decide, I would greatly appreciate it! For example, how annoying is the "noise" on the Sony when using ISOs of 400+ and how would that be a problem for someone like me? Also, some reviewers were really annoyed by Canon's lens cap that did not securely remain on the lens...any feedback to offer me? ANY helpful advice (including other comparable cameras I should consider?) is most appreciated! Thanks! PWR

[JOE PETERS SR @ Feb 13th 2009 12:18PM]

PURCHASED A NEW DSC-H2 AND SO FAR I'VE HAD THREE SHUTTER CROME BUTTIONS POP OUT AND THEIR GONE. EVERY 3 TO SIX MONTH'S THE BUTTION FLY'S OUT AND I HAVE TO GET THE DAMM THING FIXED. CAN ANYBODY HELP ME WITH THIS SONY P.O.S. [e-mail]..... JOE PETERS

[Jai Singh @ Aug 18th 2006 6:20AM]

I recently bought a Sony DSC-H2 and am quite happy with it. The lens when pops out has some play which I was told is Ok and I need not worry.The result is great and quite noise free. However, the delete button has all of a sudden become a bit loose and needs to be pressed a bit harder to use.

[shafari @ Oct 10th 2006 9:20PM]

Actually I looking for Kodak Easyshare camera. But when I saw Sony DSC-H2, I look nice for design and price. I bought the camera and i'm quite happy with it.

[centurion1s @ Dec 8th 2006 7:12AM]

I am considering the purchase of either the Canon PowerShot S3 IS or the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2. Am having a hard time making a decision. Can anyone give me some good, solid advice? thanks.

[Tomcat54 @ Jan 17th 2007 12:22AM]

I bought the Canon Powershot S3 IS and it is amazing, in my opinion there is no comparision, I am not here to bash sony. The thing I dont like about the cybershot is that there is no way of attaching wide angle lenses or even a telephoto or filters. If you want to upgrade you wont be able to with the cybershot. I also think the quality of the optical lense and coatings on the lense are better on the canon. The lense cap is a little loose on the Powershot S3 IS but it isnt really a big deal. If you buy the Conversion lens (LA-DC58E) with either a telephoto or wide angle you can buy the USM 58mm lens cap which will fit better. Or any lense cap you want dosnt have to be Canon. Your best bet is to compare the features of both camera and decided for yourself. But anways ask yourself this, who is making SLR camera's Canon or sony? The other Con to the Canon Powershot is that the button dont feel as High quality as an SLR like canon EOS. However they have to cut the cost somewhere. The point is if you want a good quality camera go for Canon powershot S3 IS. Just check on www.flicker.com you will have like 4000 results for Canon. Then type in the sony camera and you will have only 100. Anyways whatever you decide happy hunting.

[G.Campbell @ Jan 9th 2008 2:46AM]

Wow theres alot of complaints on the h-2 and I heard alot of misinformation as to that theres no wide angle or telephoto lense's for them ?
Thats funny cause when I bought mine for $270.00 at Best Buy it came
with a booklet that said you could order lense attachments such as wide and telephoto . Have you people seen the newest dsc h model ?
I'm wondering how good it is .
I use to use Pentax SLR's in the 35mm days and one things for sure digital is the only way go no more photo lab stink .
I love the fact that my Mac with i Photo works great with my DSC H-2 and also I can just open double click the cam's icon on my desktop and grab the files and open them with photoshop and trick them out .
Plus if you have and older version of PhotoShop 5.5 don't get rid of it it's the best PhotoShop ever made and alot of the functions of the 5.5 are not in the newer PhotoShop programs .
I love the fact that Sony was aloud to produce the Zeiss lense and they are the only company that has permission to do so . And I read in some of this blog that they thought that the DSC H-2 was made in China ?
Not so it's made in Japan .
A friend of my dad's who come's from one of the most famous photography families saw my DSC H-2 and he was quit excited that I bought one . He use's Nikons only but was very impressed on the DSC H-2
features and the fact that they havee a Zeiss lense .
Zeiss has been used on such cameras like Hassleblads which like Nikon are one of the best cameras ever made and NASA uses Zeiss lense's on most all the space flights and lunar landing cams.
I've read alot of bs here .