Sony H-1 vs. Kodak p850: any thoughts?

[Argelius]

Hello All,

I've researched and read every review of the Sony H-1 and the Kodak p850 and have come to the conclusion that I am at a total loss as to how to proceed.
Their specs seem more or less identical.

Admittedly, this is a VERY open-ended question, but does anyone have opinions as to which is the "better" camera, or which camera has the least annoying flukes? (Given that I am posting this in a Kodak forum, the responses probably will be biased, but thought I'd give it a shot...)

Thanks to anyone to takes on my questionless-question!

[Techie419]

a hard question, since both are good capable cameras. And if you have read the reviews and still can't make up your mind, then you should get your hands on each model and try for yourself.

Which one is best? It's alot like the question, which is better "Chevy" or "Ford", or which sport is more exciting "Basketball" or "Football"?

However, here is some "general" information to help.

First, they are both good products! And whether one prefers Sony or Kodak depends much on individual user preferences. Some prefer the "features" that Kodak offers, while some prefer Sony's. It's a toss up in many ways, because what one cam does well, the other may not.

If you read all the reviews and that wasnt enough, try searching for threads on each at the forums. You will find users with other findings. Here is a thread on the P850 http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13418
You may find something similiar in the Sony forum.

There are many simularities in the cams. Both are high zoom with Image Stabilization.
Both have scene modes and movie mode.

And here are some documented "differences"

Sony requires Sony memory stick, where Kodak uses the less expensive SD card.
Kodak P850 has a 2.5 inch LCD screen, while the Sony H1 LCD is smaller.
Kodak P850 has Lithium battery, while Sony does not.
Kodak P850 has an optional flash (hotshoe), the Sony H1 does not.
Kodak P850 is dockable, there are no docks for Sony units.
Kodak P850 has manual focus, the Sony H1 does not.
Kodak P850 zooms during movie recording.
Kodak P850 has lens attachment capability.
(not sure about Sony in the last 2, but don't think it exists)

From there you have to compare individual specs and features, which is even more difficult.

I recommend any potential camera buyers, do the following:

1) Read the reviews of each at this web site and at www.steves-digicams.com
2) Read the reviews at shopping sites www.epinions.com and www.pricegrabber.com
3) Try www.Google.com to find additional reviews and information about features
4) Visit the manufacture web sites
5) And most importantly, please do yourself a favor and VISIT A STORE that has digital cameras you are interested in and personally TRY OUT each one. See what one you feel most comfortable with. You may like the size or "feel" of one over the other. You may find a particular feature that you prefer easier to use. What works for one, doesnt work for another. Then after your visit, go shop around for the best price on the model you like the best. And when shopping, make sure the store you get it from has a return policy so if for some reason a week later you change your mind, you can return it.

Hope that helps, and Good luck!!

[Argelius]

Thanks very much for that excellent post. I guess I am strugging so much because they are so very similar. I have checked them out at a local store and find interesting things about them both.

The sad, shameful reality is that I have a great camera now (Panasonic FZ5), but I'm a major gadget addict and want to get a new camera. About the only thing I dont like about the Panasonic is the really small LCD (and I've found many of the pictures less-than-sharp).

I'll probably end up taking a DEEP breath and hold out for any new image-stabilized superzoom cameras coming along. (Anyone know of any in the pipeline)?

Thanks again....

[speaklightly]

Well, I actually own and actively use both cameras! The clear and very easy winner is the Sony H-1. The H-1 wins primarily due to its much sharper images. To me that is the biggest fault of the Kodak P-850, and it is borne out in thewww.dpreview.com review conclusion of the P-850. The conclusion faults the combination of a soft lens and a noisy sensor make a bit worse by the in camera processing.

Speaklightly

[Techie419]

Well, I actually own and actively use both cameras! The clear and very easy winner is the Sony H-1.

Speaklightly

if the kodak is so dissapointing to you then why in the world would you "actively" use it?

:confused:

[speaklightly]

Yes, I use both cameras. However 80% of the time it is the H-1.

Speaklightly