NewsFebruary 2005

Previous news story    Next news story

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1

Pre-PMA 2005: Sony has today announced the SLR-like Cyber-shot DSC-H1, which offers a massive 12x zoom and image stabilization to cope with camera shake at the long end. The manual H1 offers a 5.1 million pixels, a 2.5-inch LCD, 640 x 480 @ 30 fps movie mode limited only by the capacity of the Memory Stick (PRO) in use. It will ship in June and will cost around $500 (£400).

Press Release:

EAGERLY ANTICIPATED:SONY DEBUTS HIGH-ZOOM CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL CAMERA

ORLANDO (PMA 2005, Booth 3032), Feb. 19, 2005 — The adage that good things come to those who wait has never been more appropriate than with today's introduction of Sony's DSC-H1 Cyber-shot® digital camera.

A five megapixel, Super HAD™ CCD imager, 12X optical zoom lens and a large 2.5-inch LCD are just a few of the features on this model that are sure to please even the choosiest photo buff.

"We've responded to requests from enthusiasts for this type of camera," said Hiro Takahashi, vice president for Sony Electronics' digital imaging products. With the DSC-H1 model, we have fully leveraged Sony's digital imaging expertise to offer a high-zoom camera worthy of the Cyber-shot brand."

With a focal length range of 36 - 432 millimeters (a 35mm equivalence) the DSC-H1 camera lets you frame distant objects with ease. Making the most of this telephoto reach, Sony's Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization feature counteracts camera-shake to ensure sharp images. This feature also benefits low-light photography by allowing the use of longer shutter speeds with reduced risk of image blur from camera-shake.

Sony's Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry is incorporated in the model for better battery efficiency, more responsiveness and high quality movie taking, while seven preset scene modes allow quick selection of the best setting for specific shooting conditions.

The camera also includes a five-area, multi-point auto focus to help you concentrate on the subject without mistakenly focusing on the background, as well as aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes for creative control of the image.

For added convenience, the model has 32 MB of internal memory (30 MB of usable memory) and a Memory Stick® flash media slot. PictBridge™ compatibility enables prints in a flash when the camera is connected to an enabled printer.

"We've been able to put all these powerful capabilities in a camera that is far more compact than most would expect," noted Takahashi. "The combination of form and function in this model will broaden the market bringing advanced features to wider audience."

The DSC-H1 Cyber-shot camera will be available this June for about $500

Optional Lenses

For truly professional shots, this new camera is also compatible with optional telephoto or wide conversion lenses. The VCL-DH0758 model .7x wide angle conversion lens provides a wider field of view with virtually no color aberration or distortion. The VCL-DH1758 model 1.7x telephoto conversion lens offers greater magnification and a crystal-clear shot. Both lenses will be available by mid-June for about $150 each.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.4" Super HAD CCD • 5.1 million pixels total • 5.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 2592 x 1944 • 2592 x 1728 (3:2) • 2048 x 1536 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 16 / 30 fps • 160 x 112 @ 8 fps
File formats	• Still: JPEG • Movie: MEPG VX • Sound: Yes
Lens	• 36 - 432 mm (35 mm equiv) 12x optical zoom • F 2.8 - F 3.7
Image stabilization	Super Steady Shot fights motion blur during longer exposures at full zoom
Conversion lenses	Wideangle, telephoto, close-up
Digital zoom	Up to 2x
AF area modes	• 5 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF • 5-Step Manual
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	Macro: 2cm
Metering	Multi-pattern metering
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400
Exposure compensation	• +/-2EV • 1/3 EV steps
Shutter speed	• 1/8 – 1/2000 sec (Auto) • 2 – 1/2000 sec (Program Auto) • 30 – 1/1000 sec (Manual)
Aperture	F 2.8 - F 8.0
Modes	• Program • Manual
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight portrait • Soft Snap • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Candle
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent • Incandescent
Self timer	10 secs
Continuous shooting	0.7 fps up to nine shots
Flash	• Pop-up • Modes: Auto, on, off, slow sync, red-eye reduction
Viewfinder	TBC
LCD monitor	• 2.5" TFT LCD • 115, 000 pixels
Connectivity	• USB • AV out
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	• Memory Stick / Memory Stick PRO • 32 MB internal memory
Power	• 2x rechargable AA battery (NiMH, alkalkine, NiMM • Charger included
Weight	460 g (16.2 oz) with battery, media and strap
Dimensions	108 x 81 x 82 mm (4.2 x 3.2 x 3.2 in)

Additional images