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Sony CyberShot H2

HQ Grade: C+

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

4 out of 5

"great with good light - poor in low light"

4 out of 5

"good"

See rating based on 208 user reviews
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This camera is ranked

13th of 40 in 6 Megapixel (#1 is Nikon D40)
51st of 63 in Extended Zoom (#1 is Panasonic FZ35)
28th of 41 in Sony (#1 is Sony HX1)
57th of 88 in $350 - $600 (#1 is Canon S90 IS)

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Answered!

Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 12, 2006 7:16 AM

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WHICH ONE IS THE BEST,, CANON A 710 IS OR OLYMPUS SP 150UZ

Hi all, I want to buy a digital cam, gone thro many reviews and narrowed down to these 2 models. My prob is Can I Obtain good quality pics using OLYMPUS'S DIGITAL IMAGE STABILIZATION as we get using CANON'S OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION? Also A710 has a redeye issue, It is worth neglecting this prob because it provides a lot of features?

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This question is also associated with Canon SD800 IS, Nikon S10 and Canon S3 IS.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 12, 2006 7:18 AM

Oops sorry guys that was OLYMPUS SP510UZ not 150

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 15, 2006 2:10 PM

The A710 does have some red eye issues, but in terms of the stabilization, optical is much better. It makes a physical correction for shake rather than just tweaking the image slightly like digital stabilization does. If you can possibly choose, go with optical.

I will warn you that the A710 has some issues with a slow recharge between photos when using the flash. Some people are disappointed with this, and it might get in the way if you want to take photos quickly. But, it does have a nice zoom and is super easy to use as well as compact, and the image quality is great. Might I suggest the SD800 IS if you haven't looked at it already?

In terms of the red eye, this is just a fact of life with ultracompacts, since the flash is so close to the lens. In order to really avoid it you'd have to give up a few features or move up to a larger camera in most cases.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 16, 2006 12:41 AM

Thnx 4 ya response mate.. Well after posting this topic, I went thro 2 of the latest cams, Nikon s10 and Sony dsc h2. I like the Sony but it looks beyond my budget,, nikon also looks cool and well within my budget. Now can u help me deciding about the Nikon s10?

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 16, 2006 1:13 AM

165

No problem. The Nikon S10 is relatively new (Sept. 06) so there aren't a ton of reviews on it yet. It's an updated version of the Nikon S4, and the main reason people like it is the swiveling body. It has a few cool features- 'best shot selector' where it takes multiple shots in a row and chooses the sharpest; and one-touch portrait, which uses red-eye reduction, face recognition and exposure correction to take good portrait shots. The vibration reduction system is also effective, especially with the size of the zoom.

One issue with this camera is that it doesn't have Manual control- it has 16 or so selectable Scene Modes, but if you want Manual control this isn't the camera for you. Not everyone cares about that. It's generally speedy although some people find that the Auto focus runs a little slow. The menus and controls take a little getting used to- the camera has a joystick plus a few levels of Menus and Record Options that you'll have to learn before you can quickly find the settings you want.

Overall though, I've heard that it's a really fun camera to shoot with and that image quality is good particularly for this level of camera and price range. Hope that helps.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 16, 2006 10:36 AM

Thnx again mate.. Can u help me regarding S 10's battery? It doesnt have easily available AA type batteries.. Im worried 4 its battery life.. Also help me knowing about Sony dsc H2. How it is Performing and especially is it worth buying it at that high price? Tho Im new to digital cams, really interested in Photography,, want to take some cool close up pics of Kids, Flowers, Birds, Beaches, nature etc. If I feel its worth at that high price, I may try to extend my budget some how.. All I need is a vv good cam worth every penny of my HARD EARNING MONEY

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 16, 2006 10:43 AM

I went thro some cams,, Canon A 710IS, Olympus sp 510uz, Nikon s10, Sony dsc W70. Nothing seems to be satisfying me in full.. Finally gone thro Sony dsc H2,, V interesting cam,,but a little high 2 my Budget. But mate as I said earlier, I may extend my budget some how,, If I feel Purchasing Sony dsc h2 is worth EVERY PENNY.. It should be a 1 time Purchase for Life..

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 16, 2006 12:01 PM

I know what you're saying, because buying a digital camera is always a bit of a gamble- and no digital cam lasts forever, but it's nice to feel like you're getting one you're going to like for a long time.

The S10 uses a lithium-ion; about 300 shots per charge average, which is pretty good. If that one's still in the running for you, I would say don't worry about the batteries. I prefer AAs myself but the lithium ion with this one is decent.

The H2 is an excellent camera. The image quality is really good, handling is nice and quick, and it's got great battery life and a nice flash ... my only real issues with this camera are that it doesn't handle itself as well as it could in low light situations (some graininess), and sometimes colors/ highlights seem a little overblown. It also has issues occasionally with chromatic aberration at high zooms- this is fairly common with all extended zooms, it's the purplish fringing around contrasty objects that can sometimes be seen. I also think the movie mode in this camera leaves a little to be desired, but I don't know how important that is to you.

You've mentioned the things you like to take pictures of but I'm curious, what features are important to you? Do you need a large LCD? Do you have to have a lot of zoom? Do you want the option for manual control, or would you rather just point and shoot at all times?

I am really tempted to point you to the Canon S3 IS, which in my opinion is the H2 only better, but it is more expensive as well.

Let me know what is important to you and maybe we can help narrow this down a little more.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 12:12 AM

Well mate LCD is not a big issue for me, I believe We dont get What we see. Because Im not a Professional, at the moment I do not need a big Zoom and Manual Controls. But in future I will use them for sure after getting some experience in Photography, the reason tho Im not an expert, I love Photography and curious to become not Professional but an expert. Yeah I saw the reviews of Canon S3 IS and Canon S2 IS also. S2 IS is well with in my reach, but I thought why settle with a 5 megapixals when u r ready to purchase a cam with 10, 12 zoom n sophisticated features. S3 IS, Oh It adds more pressure to my pocket. Another reason why Im looking at Sony is that, Only they have a big Company Showroom aswell a Service centre in My city. All other cams r available in Only retail counters n they have service stations at Hyderabad and Chennai, both 800km away from my Palace

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 12:26 AM

I saw many cams, Sonydsc S500, dsc W5, Canon A430, A540. All these definitely suits my Budget. But I thought having a good digital cam is a Big plus in life. Some Other cams like Sony dsc w70, dsc w100, Canon A630, A 640, A710Is have 7, 8 megapixals. In my Opinion having a heigher Megapixals is a waste with out a good Zoom n latest unique features.. So I increased my budget. By now I think my mind is Open to you

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 12:31 AM

That's a pretty good reason to choose a Sony I would say. Canon does have a decent customer support line, but if you need in-person service there's no substitute for actually being able to drive to the place.

I would say, after all the cameras we've talked about, swing for the H2 if you can afford it. I think the manual control that it does offer will be good if you learn a little more (it's sort of an investment camera to grow on, if that makes sense; I think you'll be more satisfied with a little bit of a learning curve than you would be with a point and shoot). It's also larger than the others we talked about and thus doesn't have the same red eye problems, plus image quality is awfully good esp. considering the price range. I would say, if you can swing it it's worth a little extra cost for the extra features/ flexibility.

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 12:41 AM

I agree with you regarding the megapixels and zoom thing. And I think a nice zoom is a majorly underrated feature on most digitals. I'm always surprised that 3x and 4x zooms are so popular.
I dug up some H2 sample photos too:
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/sonyh2_samples/

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 12:51 AM

As Im more interested in Photography, sure I wil do my Homework in learning the tips n toes of the cam,, Most Probably I may stick with the Sony DSC H2 for many reasons. I quit Canon for the reason of Not having a Service Station at my Place.. As a beginner I guess would want some in-person service. Well mate thnx a lot for your help in this matter. Mate can I ask for your email id if I need any further assiatance? If you do not want to give it in Open forums, Plz email me at vasu_vzg@yahoo.co.in... Thnx once again mate

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 1:04 AM

You're welcome. Definitely post back, let us know how the H2 works out. If you want to call my attention to a post just put my name in the question somewhere and I'll definitely see it. I'll send you an email as well in case you have further questions, no problem.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 1:08 AM

109

I saw many of my friends roaring for more megapixels rather than Zoom,, they say More Megapix More Clarity..But What is the use of a 8 Megapix cam with 3x Zoom.. I dont think u feel much difference in Clarity between 6 and 8 megapix. Better spend money on Zoom and Features then megapixels.. Well mate I have decided to go for Sony dsc h2,, Will go to Showroom this evening.

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 1:23 AM

The size of the sensor matters too- lots of lesser cameras cram more megapixels on a lesser image sensor, and sell the camera to unknowing people who don't realize that a lot more goes into image quality than just megapixels. Luckily people are learning more and this trend is slowing down nowadays.

Let us know how the H2 goes- Here's a link if you want to write a review after you've tried it out!

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 1:41 AM

Oh ya even I do know Nothing about this Senser.. Well, hope I have selected the best combination of Megapixals, Sensor, Features, quality and reliability... Yes I definitely do care to post my review after purchasing My Sony DSC H2,,,

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 1:54 AM

I think you'll be happy with this one. The image sensor sensor (basically, the thing that captures the image and records it inside the camera) on the H2 is great for this amount of megapixels and gives nice quality images. Let us know how it goes.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 2:00 AM

Sure,, Hay mate do not forget to email me.

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 17, 2006 2:03 AM

Yup, I sent it.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 10:40 PM

Good morning Brenda,, Last evening I went to 1 of the Biggest Cam stores here. Had a good bargain. He quoted Sony DSC h2 (FREE 512 MEMORY CARD) for Rs25000 ($532) and Canon s3IS (FREE 1GB MEMORY CARD) for Rs27000 ($574). Not its up to me to decide

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 17, 2006 11:40 PM

Brenda I dint reveive ya email ya.. Send it again Plz

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 18, 2006 1:28 PM

This is tricky, because personally I way prefer the Canon S3, and the problem is that I can't really explain why. I think the image quality is better and the handling is faster. It doesn't have as many issues with softness and contrast as the H2 does, at least in the samples I've seen. Also, a plus to the Canon is the fact that the memory cards it uses are much cheaper than the Sony ones. But honestly, both are great cameras and relatively similar. My best advice is to go to the camera shop and pick up both, play with them a little, and choose the one that feels best in your hands.

Can you repost your email address or check it to make sure it's correct? I can't figure out why it won't send to you.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 19, 2006 12:10 AM

Mate Last evening I went to the cam shop again and did play with both of them. I agree with you regarding Canon. It has a good LCD and clarity I think. But felt a little bulky and unable to hold it Properly. Also Canon supplying Non rechargable batteries.. So I have to Purchase them and a charger aswell, which adds more on pocket. It comes with a 2 years Warrenty. No service station or Company showroom. Im not sure wther that shop keeper will supply Original Memory card and can give good after sales service. Now coming to Sony, it is small, light and fits perfectly into my hands. I felt really confident of holding it properly. Sony is supplying 2 rechargable batteries and a charger along with the cam. It comes with a 3 year warrenty. The main reason which is pushing me towards Sony is that the company has a big Showroom and a Service Station aswell in my city and we can expect these people to be honest regarding sales and after sales services. If Canon scores 90/100 points, I think Sony will Score 85/100. Well, honestly in my Opinion we or I can say, I have many more good reasons to choose Sony at the cost of those 5 points. Mate my email ad is vasu_vzg@yahoo.co.in

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 19, 2006 4:55 PM

You know what, I agree- I think with your particular situation it sounds like the Sony is winning out. And like I said, a big part of it when the cameras are as close as these is how it feels in your hand. All things as they are I'd say you'll be happy w/ the Sony and it's a pretty safe buy.

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 19, 2006 5:04 PM

PS- check your junk mail folder, I sent the email again.

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Vasu (225) 232 pts

December 19, 2006 11:06 PM

Thnx 4 the email mate. Hay I have decided to purchase Sony dsc h2. Already paid advance money. Will be getting it in a couple of days. Im exited. Thnx 4 ya help mate. I will post my experience with the care when I got 2 use it

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Vasu 1 pts

December 21, 2006 12:22 AM

Brenda P, I got a doubt.. Will STUDY SHOT (Optical Image Stabilization) on h2 work while recording Video??

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 21, 2006 6:04 PM

Yes, the stabilizer should work during movies. I don't know this for 100% sure, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't.

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Rob J. (Rquake) 0 pts

December 22, 2006 4:45 PM

Hello. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on which camera to buy. I wanted a small one that I can carry around with me easily. I was deciding between the Canon Powershot SD800 IS, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 , Panasonic Lumix TZ1, Fuji FinePix F30, and Canon PowerShot A710 IS. I have no idea how these cameras really performed and was hoping someone could help. I really want good optical zoom and IS but I also want it to take good quality pictures. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks

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Vasu 1 pts

December 22, 2006 11:53 PM

Well Rob, I definitely suggest Sony dsc h2,, tho it is not compact not bulky too.. I purchased it yesterday.. Need 2 get a hand on it Ofcourse.. I think Brenda P will see this post and will help u definitely... Hiya Brenda I took delivery of my H2 last nite.. took 26 pics.. Most look awsome. Some dint get focused, but Its my fault.. Need some practice tho

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Brenda P (BrendaP) 28728 pts

December 23, 2006 10:58 AM

Hi Vasu, glad it is working for you so far. Image quality is great on that camera.

Rob, the ones you mentioned are definitely each good cameras in their own way but they have some distinct differences. For example:
SD800 IS= good all-around performance, neat wide angle lens, maybe not the best in low light but pretty good
Panasonics= excellent bargain for price, possible graininess issues in very low light (depends on if you're blowing images up, etc.)
Fuji F30= excellent low light performance, lack of manual control
A710 IS= great image quality, some slow operation times when shooting with flash

As you can see, it will sort of depend on your needs/ preferences as a photographer. Can you give me a few more details on what is important to you/ what kind of shooting you plan to do?

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Lorri 0 pts

December 24, 2006 11:05 AM

Brenda
I need assistance in choosing a compact camera with this criteria:
auto focus (I'm not one to fiddle with adjustments).
pocket sized or similar, otherwise I probably would not use it that much.
Long zoom, hopefully 10x as I'm going to Egypt, Turkey and Greece soon and want to capture everything.
Clarity and color.
Optical view finder is preferable.
Fast start up and repeat shots to catch my toddler grandchildren in action.
Good battery life.
Light weight.
Built in lens cover.
I also use a camera to take a lot of house interiors, probably 100 per week in my business.
Is this too tall an order?
I currently use an Olympus C-60 which I've hated from day one.
Previously I used an Olympus D-450 which I loved! It took excellent photos in low light. It took excellent photos period! I broke the battery door or I'd still be using it!
Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

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Vasu 1 pts

December 24, 2006 11:49 PM

Lorii, its hard to get a Pocet sized cam with 10x zoom I think.. Try Nikon s10. Auto focus, 10xzoom, Image stabilization. It is not really small, but smallest in 10x zoom range..

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WHICH ONE IS THE BEST,, CANON A 710 IS OR OLYMPUS SP 150UZ

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