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6.8 out of 10

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9

8.0 megapixels

Information found in: from 88 sources in 23 countries

Great Deal: $1,349.99

  • User Score (556)
    8.3 8.3 from 556 reviewers
  • Expert Score (18)
    7.7 7.7 from 18 reviewers
  • Design (8)
    7.1 7.1 from 8 reviewers
  • Value for money (12)
    6.7 6.7 from 12 reviewers
  • Features (44)
    7.2 7.2 from 44 reviewers
  • Ease of use (52)
    6.9 6.9 from 52 reviewers
  • Performance (157)
    7.0 7.0 from 157 reviewers
  • Picture quality (175)
    6.6 6.6 from 175 reviewers
  • Durability (10)
    6.9 6.9 from 10 reviewers
  • Overall quality (5)
    7.1 7.1 from 5 reviewers
  • Playability (7)
    6.7 6.7 from 7 reviewers
  • Battery performance (13)
    6.7 6.7 from 13 reviewers
  • Display (155)
    8.0 8.0 from 155 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (155)
    6.9 6.9 from 155 reviewers
  • Equipment (2)
    8.4 8.4 from 2 reviewers
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  • Best Deals

  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(4)
7-8
(10)
5-6
(4)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(288)
7-8
(164)
5-6
(53)
3-4
(16)
1-2
(19)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. neocamera.com

    review.neocamera.com
    6.0/10
    29 September 2011

    The Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 is a feature-rich ultra-zoom camera with good overall performance. Compared to its predecessor, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 , Sony augmented several major specifications: a wider 15X optical zoom (instead of 12X), a maximum ISO of 3200 (instead of 1000) and a 2.2 FPS continuous drive (instead of 1.1 FPS). However, Sony unfortunately cut-down on the quality of the viewfinder and the use of AA batteries. Read more

    • Vibrant image colors, Good exposure and focus accuracy, Extremely fast focusing near wide-angle, Very fast focusing near telephoto, Quite responsive with short shutter...
    • Very high purple fringing, Auto ISO goes to 800, which is rather noisy, Strong edge softness, more so near telephoto, Slight general image softness, Noticeable lens di...
  2. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.5/10
    1 May 2007

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 certainly has a great deal going for it, but equally a number of aspects which really let it down. On the upside the 15x lens offers a great range bettered only by the Olympus SP-550UZ and the stabilisation really works. The H9 is additionally one of the quickest focusers in its class, so at last we have a non-DSLR which can genuinely take a stab at action or wildlife shots. Read more

    • 15x optical zoom with stabilisation., Large and adjustable 3in screen., Very quick focusing for a non DSLR., Closest focusing distance of just 1cm.
    • Noise becomes a problem above 200 ISO., Coloured fringing visible throughout range., Relatively poor battery life., No RAW, compression or NR options.
  3. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.5/10
    1 November 2007

    The idea of having the shooting control of a DSLR, combined with a 15x optical zoom and 3in tilting LCD in a smaller and lighter body is an appealing one. Features The H9 contains a lot of features that could easily be mistaken for attempts to provide attention-seeking headlines for press releases. In reality though, they are effective and genuinely useful. Read more

    • 3in tilting LCD, 15x optical zoom, Ergonomic design
    • No Raw mode, Aggressive fringing, small sluggish EVF
  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    31 October 2007

    There's certainly a lot to like about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9. It has a big 3-inch swiveling LCD and its image stabilized 15x optical zoom lens provides enough range to capture wide angle as well as telephoto shots. Top-notch macro capabilities and the availability of accessory lenses expand the camera's already broad focal range options. Read more

    • 15x Carl Zeiss Lens, SteadyShot optical image stabilization, Above average Macro quality, Lightweight and compact, Full complement of manual and auto exposure options,...
    • Aggressive noise reduction turns shadow areas into blurry areas, even at ISO 80, Significant chromatic aberration, even at Macro, Barrel distortion is significant at 3...
  5. DP Review

    DP Review
    14 December 2007

    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 Read more

    • Good resolution, great color, excellent exposure, accurate focus, Bright, punchy results that produce pleasing prints without the need for post-processing, Very little...
  6. Wired

    Wired
    2 November 2007

    The DSC-H9 is mighty fast, blasting more than 18 JPEGs in 10 seconds, with no shutter delay for single shots – great for sports and outdoor snaps. But this speedy camera also blurs life’s details: Object edges glow and colors bleed on nearly every photo, distracting from otherwise accurate hues. And put it away if the clouds start to gather: Low-light areas get grainy, and noise creeps in like ants ruining a picnic. Read more

    • LCD tilts up and down for extreme-angle shots. Face-recognition technology is smart enough to fire fill-flash in harsh sunlight. 15X optical zoom.
    • Tiny viewfinder nearly useless. No RAW support. Shadow details can be grainy even in daylight. Noise ruins darker shots.
  7. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    24 September 2007

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 digital camera is Sony’s flagship model in the "super-zoom" arena and does so with quite a list of features. Included are the 15x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, a new night shot (IR) mode, a 3-inch LCD, and the now ubiquitous face recognition feature, with image stabilization and 8 megapixels to boot. Read more

  8. Pop Photo

    Pop Photo
    13 July 2011

    The H should stand for Hooray. The Cyber-shot DSC-H9 ($459, street), the new flagship in Sony's line of superzoom electronic-viewfinder cameras, has a 15X optical zoom, 8-megapixel capture, image stabilization, and a slew of fun and useful features. It's almost as good as a DSLR, with the added benefit of a 31-465mm equivalent f/2.7-4.5 Carl Zeiss zoom. Read more

  9. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    10 March 2007

    - Big beautiful LCD screen - 15x lens with image stabilization - Zoom functional in videos - Accepts cards up to 8 GB - Wide 64-3200 ISO range - Long burst mode - NightShot Dislikes - No flash compensation - Not a sexy camera - Menus within menus within menus - Pro card required for 30 fps movies - Cluttered mode dial Conclusion Everything about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 is big. Read more

  10. DigitalVersus

    DigitalVersus
    6.0/10
    23 April 2008

    While the H9 isn't a bad camera, we can easily prefer more versatile models equipped with larger zooms (Panasonic FZ18, Fujifilm S8100, and Olympus SP-570 UZ) and more refined image processing in terms of noise. Read more

    • Optical stabilization, 15x optical zoom, Quality of images in lower sensitivities, 1 cm macro mode, Night Shot mode
    • Rather visible purple fringes, Severe processing of noise, White balance could be improved, Distortion in the wide angle
  • User Reviews

  1. Unbelievable Cost Increase

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: Flasheroo, Amazon
    3 weeks ago See Product at Amazon ($1,349.99)

    Bought my DSC H9 about 4 years ago because I knew my mother was on borrowed time.Wanted to get as many quality pictures of her as I could.This camera has taken some memorable pics of a beautiful woman.Lost the battle june of 2011.I have about 500 perfect photos to share with my siblings.Only have 1 question,why is this camera now priced at roughly 3 times what I paid for mine?Realize prices go up but 300 percent? Read more or see product

  2. A camera worth looking at should last for the next 5 years

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: quepeter, epinions.com
    2 weeks ago

    Bought this camera May 07, now it's December 07 and never failed me, the pictures are very good sinc Read more

    • Infrared nightshot, face recognition,15x optical to 78x with digital zoom, 3200 iso, optical image stabilization
    • Only 8.1 Mega Pixel, uses proprietory batteries.
  3. "one of a time."

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: Yohandesilva, CNET
    3 July 2010

    The best I have ever used.me and my dad covered a engagement recently.dads was with a canon.sure my pics looked better with ultra zooming.i recommend sure. Read more

    • zooming, 3"display, pic quality, shutter speed, Flasher
    • nothing to me.feels little bulky :D
  4. ABSOLUTELY GRATIFYING! PRICE & PERFORMANCE!

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: gongora34, Ebay
    7 September 2011

    ABSOLUTELY GRATIFYING! PRICE & PERFORMANCE! SEPTEMBER 2011... BEST BUY! BRAND NAME, MANUAL, PREVIOUS SATISFACTION WITH PREVIOUS MODELS OF SAME GROUP TYPE... EVERYTHING. Read more

  5. Great buy

    J&R
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Kanuto, J&R
    19 June 2008

    In general is a superb, easy to use camera for most people that are casual users and don't want to spend a lot of money in a professional setup. The zoom is wonderful and the color resolution even greater. I am sure that there are still a lot more features and tricks to learn with the camera, but the little I know is already great. Excellent buy for the money! Read more

    • Easy to Use, Good sized screen, Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings
  6. Can't go wrong with Sony

    B&H Photo
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Looney One, B&H Photo
    24 April 2008

    I am a railfan and love the burst mode for taking pictures of moving trains. I also like the body style and fit. Easy to hang onto with one hand. It is hard to reach into the lens shield to get the lens cap into place. Too tight of a space for larger hands. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Quiet, Small Lag Time
    • Lens Cap Falls Off
  7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Digital Camera Too Big...To

    ReviewView
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: Aja C, ReviewView
    12 March 2008

    The body style of this camera is very impressive. When most people see it they say, "Wow, that looks like a nice camera." And for the most part they are right. It is a nice camera for someone who is wanting to take high quality pictures outdoors, from a distance. The 15x optical zoom is incredible working in conjunction with the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Where this camera failed me was in low light areas. The results were ALWAYS less than desirable in low light. Read more

    • Awesome 15x optical zoom and OIS.
    • Quite large body and bad in low light
  8. Awesomeness in a box

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: Dylan, Newegg
    24 September 2007

    If you want good quality in a camera with all of the features and then some, but don't have the funds to buy a SLR I'd say buy this camera. Read more

    • I bought this camera for my girlfriend because it best matched what she was looking for. From her reaction and how she can't stop talking about it I'd say I made the p...
    • None
  9. A camera worth looking at should last for the next 5 years

    epinions.com
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: quepeter, epinions.com
    12 November 2007

    Bought this camera May 07, now it's December 07 and never failed me, the pictures are very good sinc Read more

    • Infrared nightshot, face recognition,15x optical to 78x with digital zoom, 3200 iso, optical image stabilization
    • Only 8.1 Mega Pixel, uses proprietory batteries.
  10. Sony Hits A Home Run!

    Ritz Camera
    10/10
    Reviewer: Bob W. 706, Ritz Camera
    25 February 2008

    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Read more

    • Adjustable LCD, Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Great Macro, Quiet, Strong Construction
    • Bulky hood
  • WikiFreak Description

Another anticipated release from Sony is the Sony DSH-H9. Also known as the upgraded version of its previous model, the Sony DSH-H7, the new Sony DSH-H9 has included all the updated features of its previous model. A certain reviewer quoted that the Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 boasts some of the most advanced specifications of any current digital camera. Referred to as a top snapper, the attractive features of the Sony DSH-H9 are loads of manual and automatic features available to be used, a large 3 inch flip-u…

See more

Another anticipated release from Sony is the Sony DSH-H9. Also known as the upgraded version of its previous model, the Sony DSH-H7, the new Sony DSH-H9 has included all the updated features of its previous model. A certain reviewer quoted that the Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 boasts some of the most advanced specifications of any current digital camera. Referred to as a top snapper, the attractive features of the Sony DSH-H9 are loads of manual and automatic features available to be used, a large 3 inch flip-up LCD that features a double resolution of its previous model the H7’s 2.5-inch display, wide familiar angle for a megazoom and the famous fast continuous shooting. Unchanged are the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x image stabilized optical zoom lens and the 8 megapixel image sensor. Its night mode is considered to be another big addition as it allows photographs that simulate night goggles. A maximum ISO of 3200 and full manual control are also available features found in the camera. A certain user describes the Sony DSH-H9 as one of the quickest focusers in its class, so at last we have a non-DSLR which can genuinely take a stab at action or wildlife shots. Despite all these good reviews on the Sony DSH-H9, its users still find faults with it. Some users dislike its small EVF, its lens aberrations and its annoying image noise. It is also known to desperately lack a hotshoe and a raw file support. Some would describe its image quality far from perfect while some would say common users would find it usable. New photographers or amateurs find this camera interesting as according to them it is easy to use. Its manual is simple to understand and the technology is not that advanced so even normal people would understand how to use it.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

# 8.1 MP resolution, black stylish finish # Powerful Carl Zeiss® 15X Optical zoom lens # Tilt-up 3.0”2screen for low-angle shooting # Advanced Sports Mode for fast-action subjects

Specifications

  • Format
    SLR-like
  • Max resolution
    3264 x 2448
  • Low resolution
    2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    4:3, 3:2, 16:9
  • Effective pixels
    8.0 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    8.1 million
  • Sensor size
    1/2.5 " (5.75 x 4.31 mm, 0.24 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    32 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    CCD
  • Sensor manufacturer
    Sony

Release Date

  • First seen
    7 January 2007

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