Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Review

Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 and the top-of-the-range model reviewed here; the DSC-H9. That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include Sony's unique 'NightShot' infra-red mode (seen on many camcorders as well as a few Cyber-shots over the years), a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an articulated (tilt-up) screen, improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control.

The super-zoom market is still one of the most competitive sectors and the H9 is up against some stiff competition from old foes such as Panasonic, Canon and Olympus. The H2 and H5 were both well-received when reviewed this time last year, so let's find out if Sony has built on that success or not.

Cyber-shot DSC-H9 vs DSC-H5 - key changes

• New sensor (8MP versus 7MP)
• longer lens range (15x up from 12x)
• Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 3200)
• Tilt-up articulated screen
• Lithium Ion battery
• Control dial has moved to rear of camera
• 9-point AF (was 3-point)
• New Sports mode
• HDTV (1080i) video output (via optional component cable)
• Face detection
• D-Range optimization (auto contrast)
• In-camera retouching
• Remote control included
• NightShot function for shooting in the dark
• Entirely new user interface

	Sony DSC-H9	Sony DSC-H5
Sensor	• 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 8.1 million effective pixels	• 1/2.5” CCD, • 7.2 million effective pixels
Lens	• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • 31-465mm (35mm equiv) • 15x optical zoom • F2.7-4.5	• 36-432mm equiv • 12x optical zoom • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • F2.8-3.7
Maximum Image Size	3264 x 2448	3072 x 2304
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80-3200	• Auto • ISO 80-1000
Top shutter speed	1/4000th	1/2000th
Autofocus modes	• 9 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF • Flexible spot AF	• 3 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF (selectable) • Flexible spot AF
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • High Sensitivity • Advanced Sports Shooting	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • High-speed shutter • High Sensitivity
Continuous Shooting	100 shots, 2.2fps, 8MP (max)	1.1 fps, up to 7 frames
Flash range, Auto ISO	Up to 9.8m (wide)	Up to 9.0m (wide)
LCD screen	• 3.0-inch tilt-up TFT • 230,000 pixels	• 3.0 " TFT • 230,000 pixels
Power	• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery	2x AA
Battery life (CIPA standard, using LCD)	280	340
Weight (inc batteries)	546g	554g
Remote control	Included	No
Other	• NightShot infrared system • Face Detection • HDTV output (optional cable) • Bionz processing engine • In-camera effects

Cyber-shot DSC-H9 vs DSC-H7

As we saw with the previous generation the DSC-H9 has a 'little brother', the DSC-H7. Basically a slightly cut down, cheaper version of the H9, the differences are actually fairly minimal - for most users the screen will be the key.

• H9 has a larger (3.0 inch), higher-resolution tilting screen (H7: 2.5-inch non-articulated)
• H9 has external buttons for metering and continuous shooting modes, H7 doesn't
• H9 is around 32g (1.1 oz) heavier
• H9 has NightShot function, H7 doesn't.

DSC-H9 specifications