Sony Cyber-shot H3 Review, January 2008
Lars Rehm

The Cyber-shot DSC-H3 was first announced back in August 2007 and is the latest addition to Sony's High Zoom range of compact cameras - and something of a departure (previous models were all considerably larger 'SLR-style' affairs). This 'baby-brother' of the Cyber-shot H7/H9 offers a 10x zoom in a very compact body for photographers on a tight budget. It is equipped with an 8MP sensor and has inherited a number of its bigger sister-models' features such as Face Detection, Optical Image Stabilization and HDTV output (albeit using an optional composite video cable or Cyber-shot Station dock). Looking at its specification and price point the H3's is obviously designed to go head-to-head with the popular - and similarly specified - Panasonic TZ3 and Canon SX100 IS.

In its press material Sony says the Cyber-shot H3 has been introduced for "parents looking to capture and re-live their children’s back-to-school memories." Let's see if the Sony H3 could be an attractive camera option for any further demographic groups, starting as usual with the headline features:

• 1/2.5" CCD sensor, 8.1 million effective pixels
• 10x (38-380mm equiv.) Carl Zeiss branded optical zoom
• 2.5" LCD screen
• HDTV video output (requires optional cable or dock)
• Super Steady Shot image stabilization
• 2cm macro
• ISO 100-3200
• 9 Scene modes
• Face Detection
• Dynamic Range Optimizer

Color Options

The H3 is available in two different colors, silver (as shown here) and black (which looks to our eyes a little less 'toy-like'). You may well find that only one of the two is on offer in your own country.

Sony DSC-H3 specifications

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

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