Sony's DCS-H9 15x megazoom digicam reviewed

If you (or your wallet) aren't quite ready to succumb to the DSLR urge just yet, but yearn for a solid megazoom to bridge the gap between your pocket-friendly P&S and that future money pit you're sure to eventually end up with, Sony's DSC-H9 offers an enticing list of options including a 15x optically stabilized zoom lens. Reviewers over at Megapixel were quite pleased with the "comprehensive bundle" that Sony includes in the package, and while the svelte three-inch flip-up LCD monitor, ridiculously long zoom, and "good image quality for printing past the widest angle" were praised, there seemed to be a negative vibe about the whole shebang. Among the lengthy list of digs were complaints that the compression was too strong, noticeable barrel distortion, purple fringing, and pincushion effects marred image quality, and a "convoluted menu system" kept operators on the verge of frustration. As if those weren't damaging enough, the battery was said to drain faster than other Sony digicams, and the plastic enclosure was dubbed "too slippery" for their preferences. Of course, it's not unusual to see these megazooms suffer in one area or another while still offering incredible closeups for a relatively low price, but we'd recommend perusing the read link for yourself before pulling the trigger on the H9.

[Via PhotographyBlog]

[Alexandre @ May 27th 2007 10:37AM]

I have one H9 from 1 month and really happy with it!

But I will change it next month (i think) for a Nikon D80.

If you want see my pics go to my flickr!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alelex/

[Crayola @ May 27th 2007 11:02AM]

Agree with the negative vibes on the review, too many weasel-words inserted, suspiciously, they sound like Canon fanboys... The 15x super-zoom is probably a result of using a smaller CCD squash with ever more mega-pixel, image quality might be affected with less sensitivity per pixel, hence that's one reason for the over-reaching compression and processing, still, a definite improvement in specification over older generation in Sony's super-zoom lineup.

But I doubt the reviewer noting inferior plasticky build, most of Sony cameras are rock solid, especially so in their high-end range. Too bad with their stickler to proprietary memory stick format...

I think dpreview will probably give a better rounded and technical review.

[Rob @ May 27th 2007 4:16PM]

I hope you are kidding to think any reasonable manufacturer would move to a smaller CCD in order to brag a greater zoom. A 15x zoom isn't rocket science, especially with the quality issues this lens seems to deliver. The CCD size remains the same at 1/2.5".

[Dan @ May 27th 2007 11:16AM]

I've been impressed using it in-store. The LCD screen makes it easy to take pictures at any angle. It has excellent speed, obviously a great lens, and the stabilization works well. The buttons on the back feel cheap and a little awkward, but it doesn't hinder the performance and fun of using this great cam.

I haven't done any extensive testing. I'll leave that to the experts at www.dpreview.com. Thus far, I would recommend it.

[sandal @ May 27th 2007 3:07PM]

hey, u guys miss-type the title. it's written DCS :p

[DT Jacobs @ May 27th 2007 4:30PM]

I urge anyone looking into Sony digicams to consider Panasonic as an alternative...their cameras are very underrated...I have used both brands (comparable models) and am far more pleased with the color and brightness of the Panasonic pictures, as well as the build quality and the fact they use SD cards, not a proprietary format. I'm going to switch all my cameras (still and video) to Panasonic very soon. Everyone I've recommended them to is far happier than with the Sonys.

[1mopsta @ May 27th 2007 10:51PM]

Camera labs has a way better review than this photographicspamblog, look how many bloody ads they have and how bad the review is.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/SonyH9/video_review.shtml

video review

[michael @ May 28th 2007 2:15PM]

No more then 2 hrs ago I was shopping for a camera. I had it narrowed down to the Canon Rebel xt, the Sony h9, and the Sony alpha 10(not sure if thats the correct name) I went with the Sony alpha 10 because I used to have a Minolta and some and the lenses that I had fit perfectly. During the drive home I regretted not getting the h9 because it can capture 1080p video(at least the sticker said so) and I don't have a quality video camera. I bought it for my mom with my dads money (birthday is today) and my thought was worst case, she returns it, gets the h9 and we have a $400 best buy credit. And guess who needs a new surround sound system. Another reason I went with the alpha was because she talked about perusing photography lessons, and if she does, the dslr camera will be a better fit, and also for action photography.

[albert @ May 29th 2007 1:48PM]

Apple, please make a digital camera that just works!

[tekdroid @ May 29th 2007 6:00PM]

they have, it's called a digital SLR :)

Judging from the cameralabs review "1mopsta" posted (thanks), I'm not gonna be a fan of anything less anytime soon (see pics)

...except for pocketability and convenience, none of which this cam really has over an SLR.