Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-02-26
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 is Sony's latest entry into the budget compact super-zoom market. An upgrade to their highly successful DSC-H3 model, the DSC-H10 features a larger 3" LCD display with an increased resolution of 230,000 pixels (vs. 115,000 on the DSC-H3). It features the same 8.1 megapixel resolution, 10X optical zoom, and Carl Zeiss optics. The DSC-H10 also features face detection technology, optical image stabilization, and a high ISO operating mode that extends the ISO range to 3200. The DSC-H10 has an advanced sports mode, a host of shooting and scene modes, and video capture at VGA resolution (640 X 480) at 30 fps. The camera features HD compatible video output for still images, 9-point autofocus and a burst mode that allows 3 continuous shots at 2-second intervals. The unit uses Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards, has an in-camera red-eye reduction system, and features a Color Filter Kit that allows you to apply 5 different color filter effects to your images.
ValueGiven its feature set and excellent image quality, the DSC-H10 is an excellent value for the money. It includes most of the features of more expensive super-zooms at a much lower price, yet produces competitive performance. Image quality suffers somewhat at higher ISO settings due to noise reduction, but this is an almost universal problem with the small sensors used in compact super-zoom cameras. The only other item to complain about is the lack of an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that is standard with most of the competition. But the DSC-H10 still wins hands-down on price vs. performance if you don't mind composing your shots on the excellent 3" LCD. PerformanceThis would be 5 stars except for the previously mentioned aggressive high ISO noise reduction, significant barrel distortion at the wide angle end of the zoom and the rather lackluster continuous shooting speed (2 seconds between shots). But to be fair, this is a budget compact super-zoom - if these items matter to you then you might want to look at a camera more in the class of the DSC-H10's more expensive siblings, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 or DSC-H9 . Image quality is still excellent at lower ISO settings, and unless you make extra large prints, you probably won't notice the noise reduction problem anyway. SummaryIf you can live without an electronic viewfinder, you won't find a better value in a compact super-zoom than the DSC-H10. The zoom factor is not as high as most of the competition, but 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) is still a lot of zoom. The advanced features, excellent image quality at lower ISO settings, and Sony quality all combine to make this camera a best buy in its class. Pros
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