Sony DSC-H9 and DSC-H7

[LRY]

Sony remains a player in the super zoom league with two new replacements for their H2 and H5 models. Both the new DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 are 8 MP, 15x zooms (31mm-465mm in 35mm equivalent). These should be interesting models to test as they have all the latest Sony features such as the Bionz image processing engine from the Alpha DSLR line, as well as Face Recognition (up to eight faces) and Super SteadyShot Optical image stabilization.






The lens zoom range is respectable for this type of camera since the wide end of 31mm (equivalent) is a reasonably usable wide angle focal length. Not as wide as 28mm, but almost. In addition, both models have ISO sensitivity up to 3200 and shutter speeds up to 1/4000th of a second. The H9 also has two extra features: a large tilt-up 3-inch screen and Sony NightShot technology which claims to enable you to make images in "virtually no light." The H7 has a non-articulating 2.5-inch screen.






One area where Sony is pushing their products and customers is toward the High Definition (HD) format. Accordingly, both new cameras have an HD output for direct connection to HDTVs (special cable required, estimated cost $40). Expect to find these available in April 2007 from $400 to $480. DSC-H7 pictured on the left below, DSC-H9 on the right.