Browse Categories

5.8 out of 10

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5

7.1 megapixels

Information found in: from 156 sources in 35 countries.

Great Deal: $499.00

  • User Score (339)
    8.7 8.7 from 339 reviewers
  • Expert Score (19)
    7.7 7.7 from 19 reviewers
  • Features (20)
    6.4 6.4 from 20 reviewers
  • Picture quality (14)
    6.6 6.6 from 14 reviewers
  • Buzz Index: 0/5
  • Activity: 1/5
More grades Less grades

No manufacturer description available.

Specifications

  • Format
    SLR-like
  • Release Status
    Discontinued
  • Max resolution
    3072 x 2304
  • Low resolution
    2592 x 1944, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    4:3, 3:2
  • Effective pixels
    7.1 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    7.2 million
  • Sensor size
    1/2.5 " (5.75 x 4.31 mm, 0.24 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    29 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    CCD

Be the first to write a Wiki Description

Review Summary

Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is a mega-zoom camera fitted with a 12x optical zoom lens. The camera is equipped with image stabilization capability, three inch LCD screen, 7.2 mega pixel resolution and a wide range of manual control options. Novices will love the easy auto operation and the variety of scene modes options. Advanced and serious photographers will appreciate the full range of manual controls provided, including aperture and shutter priority, program and full manual options.

The CNet review poi…

See more

Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is a mega-zoom camera fitted with a 12x optical zoom lens. The camera is equipped with image stabilization capability, three inch LCD screen, 7.2 mega pixel resolution and a wide range of manual control options. Novices will love the easy auto operation and the variety of scene modes options. Advanced and serious photographers will appreciate the full range of manual controls provided, including aperture and shutter priority, program and full manual options.

The CNet review points out that DSC H5 gives adequate picture quality with rich true color reproduction under reasonably good illumination levels. At higher ISO levels the noise levels are high. The camera is equipped with a smart zoom feature. The translation of images to a lower pixel range depending on the zoom level, facilitated by the smart zoom, is quite useful. The 32 MB memory provided in the camera is not adequate for high quality image storage at 7.2 mega pixel levels. The noise levels are quite prevalent at ISO 400 level, according to this review. At ISO 800 and above the images are not good enough for printing. As per the review the video output is remarkably good for a still camera. The Steves Digicams review points out that the three inch LCD with high resolution (230,000 pixels) provided in the camera, supported by the patented Sony’s clear photo LCD plus technology, is excellent for picture preview. The power consumption is low due to Sony’s advanced image processing technology. A single charge of battery can produce up to 340 shots, making it reasonably comfortable for outdoor use. Neo Camera states that the picture quality of DSC H5 is good up to ISO 200. Purple fringing of the image is the major problem identified by this review. Picture quality and speed are evenly matched to give optimal performance. The review says that DSC H5 performance is significantly improved when compared to the older models from Sony.

See less

Pros & Cons

  • short shutter lag, excellent resolution, full manual controls, large lcd, bright lcd
  • short battery life, slow flash recharge, no mac software included, very high purple fringing, slight general image softness
  1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5

    Reviewer: Imaging Resource
    23 January 2007

    Like the preceding Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1, the Sony DSC-H5 offers optical image stabilization with a very long zoom lens. The Sony H5 provides more manual exposure control than many other long zoom digital cameras, yet is easy to use in full-auto mode, and its seven pre-programmed scene modes help with tricky subjects. The design and layout of the H5 is very user-friendly, and the camera boasts accurate EVF and LCD displays. Occasionally modes can get confusing to those... Read more

  2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5

    Reviewer: Digitaltrends
    15 December 2006
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Get closer than ever with the Cyber-shot® DSC-H5 digital camera from Sony. It offers a spectacular array of advantages for creative expression, including 7.2 megapixel performance for... Read more

  3. Sony Cybershot DSC-H5

    Reviewer: Neo Camera
    26 October 2006
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Do not be alarmed by the long list of pros and cons here, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is a good camera. Since several technical review sites have seen this camera, it has been scrutinized quite a bit. The H5 does improve significantly on its predecessor, the H1and even does a few things better than the Read more

  4. A 3-inch LCD dominates the back and a 12X zoom commands the front of this revamped camera.

    Reviewer: PC World
    22 September 2006
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Design 8
    8.0
    Features 8
    8.0
    Performance 8
    8.0
     

    In our battery tests, the H5 lasted 340 shots on one charge. Though impressive for a camera that relies on two nickel metal hydride AA batteries, the number was below average among currently tested advanced cameras. The separate charger that accompanies the camera can charge AAA batteries, too. Sony doesn't bundle a Memory Stick Duo media card in the box, but you can store up to eight shots at the camera's highest resolution in its 30MB of built-in memory. Read more

  5. Sony DSC H5 / Sony DSC H2 / test

    Reviewer: e-Fotografija
    17 July 2006

    Sony se še vedno drži preizkušenega recepta. Ob zamenjavi uspešne kamere kot je bila Sony-H1 ( primerjalni test ) predstavi dve kameri, ki zamenjujeta prejšnjo. Prva, H2 je malo okrnjena in zato krepko cenejša, druga H5 pa pokaže množico novosti in uporabnih vrednosti. DSC-H2 me je na zaèetku, ko še niso pokazali H5 kar malo razoèarala. Primerjal sem jo s H1 in mislil, da bo to njena edina zamenjava. Toda že prvi ogled kamere, ohišje, zaslon, tehniène... Read more

  1. Sony DSC-H5 : nice features, but poor reliability and support

    Reviewer: Amazon
    07 May 2009
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    I got the DSC-H5 in 2006, and liked the features and performance, except for the slow shutter lag, but even that could be partially offset with prefocusing by pressing the shutter button halfway. Not any more. The switch for the pre-focus no longer works since about a year ago, and Sony refuses to acknowledge that there is a defective part - even though hundreds of owners have complained online and to the company about this problem, caused by a bad switch. So I recommend... Read more

  2. Nice picture poor battery life

    Reviewer: Digitalcamera HQ
    29 April 2009
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    This camera has 2 AA batteries. If you re charge them and start taking pictures, after 30 + pictures with flash you will end up re charging. I look like a stupid running around to find the charger in middle of a party at my home. I have Sony cameras for long time and I like them. But this one... it's a NO NO. Read more

  3. Great Camera!

    Reviewer: Kayaking Ann, CameraWorld.com
    24 November 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Read more

  4. Reviewer: Whizbang2k, PC World
    18 August 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Overall, I am very happy with this camera. I have taken over 5000 shots with this camera and have been pleased with the outcome. I had thought at one point in time that I was going to go for an SLR-D, but found that this camera meets, and excedes my camera needs. I must admit though, that I am not too happy with the JPEG format. It certainly would be nice if Sony would think about a lossless format option... that way there is very little chance for photo distortion. Read more

  5. Absolutely Great!!!

    Reviewer: jayheisler, Msn
    20 February 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Have only had camera for a few weeks but have taken hundreds of photos. This is the best mid-range digital I have ever seen. In my opinion, the reviews I have read don't do this camera justice. I highly recommend this camera for anyone. I bought this camera for my wife as I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR of my own. I find the photos I have taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 are superior to those I have taken with the Rebel. The preset settings all... Read more

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Price comparison partners:
Shopping.com  PriceScan  Shopper
Show additional offers
Hide additional offers
More grades
Less grades
Collapse all sections
Expand all sections
Read More/Edit
See Less
See More