Choosing a SLR-like; DSC-H9 and H7 are Sony rival team against Canon S5

Sony introduced two new 8-megapixel DSC-H9 and DSC-H7 models in February 2007. Sony’s new SLR-like models must replace previous ultra-zoom cameras DSC H2 and H5. For more look through 7 best SLR-like’s specification table; Sony DSC-H5 as a cheap & clever choice. These new models both have 8.1 megapixel sensors, HDTV output, stabilized zooms and in the H9 there is Night Shot technology for, apparently, shooting in total darkness. New Sony’s SLR-like cameras have automatic face detection technology, without which any camera is now some outdated. Sony DSC-H9 / H7 are provided with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 31-465mm (35mm equiv), F2.7-4.5 15x optical zoom lenses. These new cameras are strengthened with cool features like HD outputs, a 3-inch and flip-up LCD screen (only in case of H9) so that you can shoot comfortably from nearly any position etc. consequently their prices are strengthened too. So I have made a thorough research to find out everything about advantages and disadvantages concerning these two cameras. Before buying I advise that you analyze all pros and cons presented in this post and compare Sony DSC-H9, H7 with other SLR-likes. In my opinion Sony ultra-zooms are good alternatives of well-known and so popular Canon PowerShot S5 IS.
Sony DSC-H9
The good:
- Good resolution
- Great color
- Excellent exposure
- Accurate focus
- Bright, punchy results that produce pleasing prints without the need for post-processing
- Very little highlight clipping, DR-optimization works, though the effect is pretty subtle
- Simple controls, Manual controls (if they work properly)
- Small size
- Big beautiful LCD screen
- 15x lens with image stabilization
- Zoom functional in videos
- Accepts memory cards up to 8 GB
The bad:
- Awkwardly placed zoom control
- New user interface slow
- Low resolution screen, Proprietary USB and A/V cable
- No flash compensation
- Not a sexy camera
- Menus within menus
- Pro card required for 30 fps movies
- Cluttered mode dial
- Rear control wheel huge step backwards from the H5's 'turn and click' dial on the grip
- Images quite soft and not that clean
Sony DSC-H7
The good:
- Optical image stabilization
- Rotary dial, 2.2 fps burst mode
- 15x zoom lens
- Excellent color accuracy
- Strong handling of noise
- Solid low light performance
- Remote control
- Speedy face detection
The bad:
- Zoom control
- Cluttered mode dial
- Poor LCD resolution
- Uneven strap lugs
- Flimsy battery door
- Lens hood shows in wide angle
You can compare these pros and cons with Canon S5 (look at Canon PowerShot S5 IS’s pros and cons). I think that all of these opinions are some subjective and for really good choosing you need at least to test this cameras in the store or in the exhibition hall. Conjointly it’s good to use its cool features and to think over if they are necessary for you. I have talked to some users and they say that they have some problems with memory sticks (such as Memory Stick Pro Duo) which are expensive and they can’t use old Compact Flash. They also have to buy a spare Li-Ion battery. On the other hand users appreciate the ability of shooting in very low room lighting conditions.
I collect info about all digital cameras. Tell me what you need and we will find the one together. Feel at ease at Comments directory.