Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: A good choice if you're after an ultra zoom camera. Commands only a reasonable premium over its 12x competitors.

Verdict: With digital cameras, you can increase the megapixels, throw in some extra features such as wireless connectivity, or do what Sony has done with the Cyber-Shot DSC-H9 and pack in a massive 15x optical zoom. In addition to the gigantic lens, the H9 ...

Review summary: A 15x optical zoom and 3in tilting LCD screen debut in Sony's flagship Cyber-shot model

Pros: 3in tilting LCD, 15x optical zoom, Ergonomic design

Cons: No Raw mode, Aggressive fringing, small sluggish EVF

Verdict: With the prices of DSLRs dropping lower and lower, it was hard to see the gap where a camera like the H9 would fit in. However, with its excellent tilting 3in LCD screen, 31-465mm equivalent zoom range and compact size, we can see the benefits of ...

Pros: 15x zoom, Sharp pictures, Good noise response, Image stabilisation

Cons: Very poor haloing and purple fringing issues, Chunky and somewhat flimsy design

Verdict: A strong choice if you're after an ultra zoom camera, the Cyber-Shot DSC-H9 sports a 15x optical zoom and captures some good shots, however it does have issues with haloing and purple fringing, which will be irritating for many users.

Review summary: What do you get when you put a huge 15x Carl Zeiss zoom on a tiny 8MP EVF body? Practically a DSLR.

Review summary: The 8 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 has a versatile and image-stabilized 15x optical zoom lens, starting at a respectable 31mm (35mm-equivalent) wide angle and reaching out to 465mm. The Sony H9's broad feature set includes all forms of exposure ...

Pros: 15x Carl Zeiss Lens, SteadyShot optical image stabilization, Above average Macro quality, Lightweight and compact, Full complement of manual and auto exposure options, Wide range of features, Very good performance, Automatic Face Detection, Dynamic ...

Cons: Aggressive noise reduction turns shadow areas into blurry areas, even at ISO 80, Significant chromatic aberration, even at Macro, Barrel distortion is significant at 31mm setting, Pincushion distortion is also dramatic at 465mm, Auto White balance ...

Verdict: The H9 includes Sony's new face detection technology, capable of detecting up to eight faces simultaneously. Sony's system is linked not only to the camera's autoexposure and autofocus systems as in most similar systems, but also to white balance and ...