Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-08-28
If you love the functionality of a digital SLR, but you don't want to have to bother with a constant changing of lenses in order to get the perfect shot, then you may want to check out the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50. While it may look like just another upscale point and shoot in the realm of digital cameras, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50comes with a wealth of features that makes it stand out from the rest. With an above average optical zoom, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 may just be the go to camera for aspiring photographers of nearly any skill level. Weighing 15.6 ounces, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 should be considered anything but just another point and shoot camera. Offering users 9.1 Megapixels and a 15x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 offers users the functionality that allows them to capture the perfect shot in any situation without ever having to change a lens. The lens can handle anywhere from a 31mm wide angle to a 465mm telephoto shot with a rating of f2.7 - f8, which gives photographers of any skill level the ability to capture a wide range of photos without the worry of missing the perfect shot due to a lens change. The Cyber-shot DSC-H50 also offers users a 3.0 inch Tilt-up Clear Photo LCD Plus screen that can be tilted up for low angle shooting and with an anti-reflective coating it makes capturing photos in even direct sunlight a breeze. Unlike the standard point and shoots in its price range, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 also comes equipped with a viewfinder that allows photographers of any skill level the ability to utilize the display option that they are most comfortable with.
FeaturesWhen it comes to features, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 comes equipped with a wide range of features that will make nearly any aspiring photographer happy. Some of the most popular features are those that can help photographers of nearly every skill level capture the perfect shot each and every time. With Face Detection, Smile Shutter Technology, Sony's Double Anti-Blur Solution and Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization even the most novice of photographers can capture a quality image. Face detection works by controlling the flash, focus, exposure and white balance which allows all faces in your shot to look more natural, while reducing red eye so even group shots will look natural. Those who have ever had a problem with capturing a shot when everyone was smiling will be thrilled with the smile shutter technology. This feature works by capturing the shot based on your setting of choice. You can either choose laughing, smile or even a grin and the camera will trigger the shutter to capture the shot at the exact moment the desired setting is seen. Combine this with Sony's anti-blur solution and image stabilization technology, and each and every shot will be perfect no matter how shaky your hands may get. Another unique feature to the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 is its Intelligent Scene Recognition Mode. If you are new to taking photos, or you have a hard time choosing the right setting in order to capture the perfect shot, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 can do the work for you. It will automatically choose from five different modes, which include backlight, backlight portrait, twilight, twilight portrait, and even twilight using a tripod. This gives you the chance to capture the perfect shot each and every time without worrying that you will miss out on that special shot due to an incorrect setting. This option also comes equipped with an advanced and auto mode. Auto will utilize the camera's best settings while advanced will take one shot with the standard auto settings and a second with the best settings. A few of the most unique features that may be found only on the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 is its NightShot Infrared System and the fact that it actually comes complete with a remote control. The NightShot system gives users the chance to take shots in either near dark or completely dark situations without using the flash. While this may be a feature you may not use all that often, it gives you the chance to capture unique night shots whenever the mood may strike. The best part is the fact that this camera offers remote control functionality for use with the supplied remote. While many cameras will support remote control functionality, many require you to purchase the remote separately in order to use this functionality. The Cyber-shot DSC-H50 includes the remote as part of the package so you can utilize it to control basic camera features like zoom, menu settings etc when capturing a photo. This makes it great for capturing those tripod shots that allow you to be in the shot or any other situation that requires complete stillness of the camera. PerformanceWhile the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 delivers great images for a point and shoot camera, it is not without some minor bugs. The biggest complaint about this camera is the length of time it takes to power up and the pre-set automatic shutdown. Startup is estimated to take about 2.3 seconds, and while this may not seem like a lot of time, it can potentially hinder you from capturing the perfect shot. The auto shutdown feature is also somewhat irritating because the camera is set to turn itself off after 3 minutes, which while this may be great for saving battery life, it can also hinder you from capturing a shot since you will need to wait for the camera to boot up again. Battery life also appears to be shorter than manufactures specifications which can be easily remedied by taking along extra power if required. Other than these minor flaws, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 delivers high quality images that any aspiring photographer will be thrilled with. SummaryIn conclusion, the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 may just be the best point and shoot camera that has the ability to satisfy the needs of photographers of nearly any skill level. While it may offer some minor power up problems, its image quality is sure to make nearly any photographer look past this minor bug. If you are looking for the functionality of a SLR with the ease of a point and shoot then the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 may just be the way to go. Pros
Cons
Related LinksSony Cyber-shot DSC-H7: |
