Sony Cybershot DSC H9 - opinion, HELP!!

[Mayra]

Ok

First i really don't know anything about photography, i'm learning.

I have a 4MP panasonic lumix 12x zoom, it's been good to me but... i want a new camera for my upcoming trip

I am about to buy the new Sony Cybershot DSC H9, mostly because reviews i have found about this line from sony from other users.

I still haven't found a good review about this particular new camera. If any of you already has the camera, can you give an opinion? or what do you think about this camera, if this will be a good choice.

I want a good camera for night pictures and i really use the zoom a lot, this one seems to be it. You are the experts, what do you think???

 

[JCTurner]

Im considering buying one as well but waiting on some professional reviews (already have a Rebel XT and A620 but need something with ZOOOM)

Have a read over at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1009

These guys are pretty clued up. So far reactions have been mixed hence my patience.

Cheers

JC

 

[ukcatfan]

It is still a little too new to have many reviews out. Due to that and the fact that the prices will still be near top retail, I would wait a little to buy it. Also, do not expect too much out of it for low light. It will likely be better than average for a p&s, but it will not come near a DSLR for that. If low light is really import and you need to stay in p&s cameras, the Fuji models might be better b/c they have a slightly larger sensor and are better at low light due to it. The downside is that they do not offer IS on any of their models.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Like Kevin said, I'd not expect a big jump in quality, possibly the opposite, actually, since it's probably the same sensor size (not sure about the size of the one in your Panasonic but it's probably a 1/2.5", same as my old 5mp Minolta 12x PnS) but trying to squeeze out many more megapixels.

What are you looking for in a new camera? I would suspect that the Sony will be faster and maybe have a better movie mode, but I doubt you'll see any big improvement in actual image quality.

The Fuji will be the best for low-light in a PnS; to get a serious improvement, you need to go to a DSLR.

 

[Mayra]

Thanks for you replies.

Well i think i'll wait a little more before making a desicion. I'd really like to get a DSLR, but since i really don't know anything about photography i'd prefer to stay in the P&S department for now

Someone recommended a Fuji before but they don't have IS.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

If you think you want to stay in the P&S market, the Canon S3 IS is a nice camera and very popular with DISers. I love mine.

It doesn't have the low-light performance of the Fujis, but it can get the job done. It does have great IS, a longer zoom, better movie mode and a lot of other really nice features (lots of auto/scene modes as well as a full Manual mode).

Because the newer/more expensive Canon S5 IS is due to come out soon S3's are reasonably priced. You could wait for the S5 if you want a bigger LCD and a flash hot-shoe, but if those things aren't important to you, the S3 is a much better buy. Also, they've jammed a lot more MP into the S5's small sensor and that usually means noisier pictures. The S3's 6MP is more than enough for 8x10 or even 11x14 prints.

You should be able to get one, on-line, for less than $300!

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks for you replies.

Well i think i'll wait a little more before making a desicion. I'd really like to get a DSLR, but since i really don't know anything about photography i'd prefer to stay in the P&S department for now

Someone recommended a Fuji before but they don't have IS.

Do not let your experience deter you from a DSLR. You should decide if one is what you need based on what you want it to do more than your experience. You can learn enough of the basics in a weekend to get you started. Budget is a huge consideration though. You would likely need to spend about $800-900 to get a good setup that covers your desire to use telephoto and low light. You would probably need around three lenses, so portability might also be a factor for you.

Kevin

 

[YEKCIM]

Someone recommended a Fuji before but they don't have IS.

Correct, and a major shortcoming of the Fuji lineup, as compared to their competition. However, their larger sensors offer cleaner and higher ISO's than the competition. IS is effective, of course, but only addresses *camera* movement; it will do nothing to help with *subject* movement. A faster shutter speed is the only thing that will help here, and the Fuji's ability to deliver higher ISO's will allow use of faster shutter speeds. Faster shutter speed will also help with camera motion, but it's doubtful that it would be as effective as IS.

So, if camera motion is your primary concern, IS is probably the way to go. OTOH, if subject motion is a concern, you may want to include a Fuji or two in your research.

~YEKCIM