Sony's DSC-H7 / DSC-H9 CyberShots get official, pack 15x optical zoom

If you're here for surprises, you're not apt to leave satisfied, but if you're interested in a few extra deets on Sony's latest duo of megazoom digicams, this is the spot. Set to replace the DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 just about one year after their respective releases, Sony once again did a horrendous job keeping the DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 on the low, but we're not complaining or anything. Anyways, future H7 / H9 owners can look forward to a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, 8.1-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, HDTV output, the ability to shoot up to 1/4000 of a second, Bionz processing engine (seen in the Alpha lineup), Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and red-eye reduction. The H9 steps it up ever so slightly by adding a three-inch flip-up LCD (compared to the H7's 2.5-inch rendition) and Sony's own NightShot technology, which purportedly allows photographers to snap legible shots even in dark alleys. Notably, neither camera sports any kind of movie mode whatsoever, and those hoping to shoot in RAW will also be sorely disappointed, but if you're fine with those two oversights and the massive zoom tickles your stalking instincts, both cameras will be landing in April for $400 (DSC-H7) / $480 (DSC-H9).

Gallery: Sony's DSC-H7 / DSC-H9 CyberShots get official, pack 15x optical zoom

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[Jeff Keller @ Feb 27th 2007 12:31PM]

Both of these cameras have the same MPEG movie mode as Sony's other cameras. 640 x 480, 30 frames/second, with sound.

[Mike @ Feb 27th 2007 12:33PM]

Hmm, Memory Stick/Pro Duo only, no RAW, no hotshoe, proprietary batteries instead of AAs, 2.2fps, no movie mode is no big deal to me, but I think i'll wait to see how the image quality turns out especially with a 15x lens and if there are any noise issues. Wonder what Canon's S4 IS will do to counter this and the new Oly?

[tekdroid @ Feb 28th 2007 10:39AM]

isn't 2.2fps continuous shooting quite good for the expected selling price?

[Brian @ Feb 27th 2007 2:54PM]

I refuse to buy any Sony product that uses Memory Stick. When will they figure out that people don't want to buy their proprietary crap?

[Blunt @ Feb 27th 2007 4:18PM]

When hell freezes over.

[William Brand @ Feb 27th 2007 7:21PM]

I think they -both- support video. Read the specs.

MPEG VX Fine / Standard
(640 x 480 @ 30 / 16 fps MPEG-1 with audio)

[Raymond @ Mar 5th 2007 10:08AM]

I there.. I pre-oredered one of these cameras on sonystyle.com after asking quite a few questions. I just wanted you to know that it DOES indeed have a video mode that utilizes the full zoom capability along with the stabilization features. Just so you know....

[Raymond @ Mar 15th 2007 9:38PM]

Picture noise, common to pictures shot at high ISO levels, is minimized by Sony's Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology. This quote was from their press release in Las Vegas on February 27th.. another just F.Y.I.

[Richard wamser @ Mar 11th 2007 5:27PM]

Any info on OFF to Shot Time ??? Time Shot to Shot ??

[John Benson @ Mar 27th 2007 9:10PM]

After view pictures of the DSC-H9, I couldn't see the manual wheel that use to be on the front of the camera on the DSC-H5. This wheel was helpful because it allowed you to adjust aperature and speed manually. I am wondering if that function is still available on the H9 and if so, where did they put the control for it?

[Steve S @ Apr 28th 2007 5:48PM]

It's on the back

[ryand @ May 14th 2007 10:38PM]

the H9 does do raw... check out www.dpreview.com ....

[sam @ May 16th 2007 1:41PM]

What do you think I should buy the h7 or h9 or even the kodak P880?

[Connie Hoge @ Jul 22nd 2007 9:59PM]

First purchased the Panasonic DMZ-FZ8, the first time I used it, the flash didn't work properly. Thought it was some setting that I didn't have right, then it stopped working completely. Dead. Bought the DSC-H7 -- what a relief! Great Camera! Great pictures, easy & QUICK to use! No complaints~

[chaindropz @ Aug 16th 2007 11:29PM]

I have and recommend the Sony H-9. I like the black and white Night Shot better than the grainy 3200 color. I like useing Nite Shot for night vision. I take baseball action shots from the outfield fence using the 15x zoom. My sons have the h-5 and My oldest son took enough movies to fill 5 CD's with his h-5. I took som pictures of phorid flies that are the size of an ants head. I wish you could see them.

[rossi @ Nov 12th 2007 1:29AM]

I would like to know if H9 has option for external flash light becouse I cought`n see it anywhere
I`m looking forward to buy this digital camera and to go dive with it,and for that I`ll be needing external flash.