Camera Test: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H9

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COMPETITIVE SET
• Canon PowerShot S5 IS ($500, street): This new 8MP rig has a less super 12X 36-432mm equivalent f/2.7-3.5 zoom. ISO tops out at 1600. Continuous shooting is a slower 1.5 fps. And it uses 4 AA batteries, not rechargeables. Pluses? Hot-shoe for EX-series Speedlites, and it records video in stereo, not mono.
• Olympus SP-550 Ultra Zoom ($490, street): Current zoom champ, with 18X 28-504mm lens equivalent f/2.8-4.5 and sensor-based image stabilization. But the 7.1MP Olympus produces more noise through ISO 800, and its aggressive noise reduction punishes resolution at ISO 1600 and above. Captures RAW, and shoots faster bursts at lower resolutions, but the Sony wins for full-res bursts. Vital Statistics

Imaging: 8.1MP (effective) CCD captures 8MP images (3264x2448).
Storage: 31MB internal memory, plus Memory Stick PRO Duo slot. Stores JPEGs.
Burst rate: Up to 20 highest-quality JPEGs at 2.5 fps, up to 100 at 1.8 fps (tested).
Video: 640x480 at 30 fps with mono sound.
AF system: TTL phase detection system with user-selected AF point anywhere on the screen or 9 autoselect AF zones; selected zone is highlighted on LCD. Single-shot and continuous AF. Cancelable AF-assist lamp.
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec.
Metering: Evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering. EV -1 to 18 (at ISO 100).
ISO range: 80, 100 to 3200 in 1-EV increments.
Flash: Built-in with TTL autoflash, GN 43 (ISO 100, feet).
Electronic viewfinder: 0.2-in., 200,000- pixel LCD.
LCD: 3-in. TFT with 230,400-pixel resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, A/V, and HD-component video.
Battery: Li-ion rechargeable; 280 shots per charge (CIPA rating).
Size/weight: 4.3x3.3x3.4 in.; 15.6 oz with card and battery.
Street price: $459.
For info: www.sonystyle.com.

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