Sony Cyber-shot H2 and H5

Sony has just announced two updates to their H-range of digital cameras, a range of SLR styled super-zoom cameras - the Cyber-shot H2 and H5. Both the cameras are of similar specification: as usual with these kinds of updates their differences are more in terms of physical features rather than internal camera function. The differences between the two cameras are merely in terms of sensor size and LCD size. The H2 has a 6mp sensor and 2 inch LCD while the larger H5 has 7.2 mega-pixels and a 3 inch LCD, in terms of everything else they are virtually identical.

The cameras certainly live up to their “super-zoom” birthright with a huge 12x Carl Zeiss lens, and a more impressive 24x Precision Digital Zoom and a 57x VGA Smart Zoom (52x on the H2). Sony have also made a big effort to improve the quality of photos in low-light and reduce the effects of camera shake, the bane of photographers everywhere (well those without tripods). They've included the “double 'Anti-blur' technology” from the T9 that works to reduce hand wobble in difficult conditions, and also Super Steady Shot and High Sensitivity modes that further reduce camera blur and low-light performance respectively. The Sony Real Imaging processor incorporated within the camera helps keep camera operation quick while improving sharpness and colour range.

All important camera functions are fully manual, focus, aperture, shutter and exposure amongst others, can all be set to automatic or manual. There are seven photo scenes, and 5 colour modes including subtle “Natural” colours and intense “Vivid” colours, and a quite useful 16:9 widescreen shooting mode.

The H2 will be available first at the start of April, whilst the H5 will be available slightly later at the end of May. Both cameras will be available in silver, and the H5 will be available in a black finish as well. Prices are yet to be announced. For more information on Sony click here.

Specifications and Images

Cyber-shot H2 Cyber-shot H5 Mega-pixels 6 7.2 Optical Zoom 12x 12x Digital Zoom 24x / 52x 24x / 57x LCD screen 2 inch 3 inch Storage MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, 30mb int MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, 30mb int Size 113.2 x 83 x 94 113.2 x 83 x 94 Weight 389g 406g Batteries STAMINA AA STAMINA AA