Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Digital Camera Information

If you want to save some money, then you may be interested in the H9's little brother, the DSC-H7. This camera is almost identical to the H9, with the differences being LCD size (2.5" on the H7),NP-BG1 battery life (better on the H7), and NightShot (the H7 doesn't have it).

Cyber-shot DSC-H9

• New sensor 8MP


• longer lens range 15x


• Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 3200)


• Tilt-up articulated screen


• Sony NP-BG1 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

Like all of Sony's 2007 cameras, the Cyber-shot DSC-H9 has built-in memory instead of having a memory card included in the box -- 31MB worth to be exact. That holds just ten photos at the highest quality setting, so you'll want to buy a memory card right away. The DSC-H9 uses Sony's Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, which currently top out at 8GB, and I'd recommend picking up a 1GB card along with the camera. An adapter is included with all MS Duo cards so they work in standard Memory Stick slots.

The DSC-H9 uses the same NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery as several of Sony's other cameras. This is the only Sony digital camera battery that I know of that isn't an "InfoLithium", which means that it won't tell you how many minutes you have left before the battery dies. The NP-BG1 has 3.6 Wh of energy, which isn't much compared to what you'll find in other ultra zooms.

While it’s easy to compare numbers in theory, the H9’s lens has a big advantage over its rivals in practice: it focuses very quickly indeed, making it much easier to grab action shots be they of wildlife or sports.

The H9 also trumps its rivals with its screen: not only is it much bigger at 3in, but you’ll also enjoy the flexibility of flip-out capabilities. It may not twist to be usable in portrait orientation or for self-portraits, but it’s still very impressive

If you shoot primarily outdoors in daytime--especially sports, children and animals--and don't find the interface quite as crazy-making as I do, the H9 is a great choice. The approximately $100 difference in street prices between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 makes your choice simple: if you can forgo the infrared and the flexible LCD, then buy the cheaper model.