H2 or H5

[Silversmyth]

I'm going to buy a camera soon and have been looking at the Sony H2 Sony H5 and the Cannon S3IS . I'm leaning toward the Sony's. Is the H5 worth the extra 100$ over the H2??? :confused:

[RichNY]

I'm going to buy a camera soon and have been looking at the Sony H2 Sony H5 and the Cannon S3IS . I'm leaning toward the Sony's. Is the H5 worth the extra 100$ over the H2??? :confused:

The only time the H5 will really shine over the H2 is when you've got people gathered around your LCD to view pictures you've just taken- the bigger LCD really shines. Otherwise, you won't find the H2 lacking.

I'm not sure what prices you've been seeing on the Sonys but it seems like the Canon is being discounted much more heavily and is a better value.

[Silversmyth]

Thanks for reply Rich.
I have a 125$ gift card from Circuit City, so I'm limited to buying from them.
Their sale prices (with a extra "online only 25.00$ "off )are:
H2--336$
H5--426$
S3--375$

Still can't decide:confused:
Any more opinions??

Thanks again, Rick

[RichNY]

You can't go wrong with any of them- it's just a matter of personal preference. I tend to favor the S3 after looking at some of the pictures here:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21728

but that could just be because there are lots of folks posting with more skills than me :) If you think you'll be hanging around this forum you will find a lot more people with the S3 who can help you out if you've got questions though.

If you want to compare pictures fromt he H2 I posted these on 9/20/06 (sorry I don't know how to link you to the exact spot in the thread)

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7720 post 519
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7499 post 725http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8545 post 494

[che3300]

just like said above.
it's the matter of taste.

another H2 plus is the less battery consumption, because of the smaller LCD screen. but H2 only 6 MP, and H5 is 7 MP.

hmm.......... maybe u should choose H5.

[Zigtek]

Hi, I'm on the verge of buying a new camera myself and have narrowed it down to 3 the S3, FZ30 or H5.
I'm torn between the 3 cos they all have good and bad, though after looking at the test shots I am leaning more and more towards the H5

[karen m.]

Zigtek,
Those are the 3, I am thinking about to, I keep changing my mind.

[LindaLou]

I ordered the H5 from Amazon and just received it 2 days ago. I haven't had time yet to test all the features but so far my initial observations are favorable. The weight is light but enough substance to not feel too flimsy. The LCD is large, bright and very nice for composing and viewing. I did purchase a LCD screen protector because the screen is likely to get bumped and scratched hanging from a camera strap.

I like having full manual capability and also several auto setting modes to choose from. After initial reading of the user guide and getting used to where all the menu items can be found I am learning to navigate thru the system more quickly. With time I believe it will become second nature. The only downside to the button layout I have found so far is that the positioning of my right hand holding the camera makes it too easy to hit the menu button. I have to hit the menu button again to return to the normal LCD screen.

I configured my camera settings based on suggestions from A. A. Katz's whitepaper article http://www.aakatz.com/h1whitepaper/ . I highly recommend reading of this article for anyone seriously considering the H series of cameras.

I have used the manual, aperture priority, and program settings so far. The ability to change EV settings is very nice. The Histogram display is a novel feature which should be of great help with manual exposure settings. I am trying to get used to using the flexible spot focus area but can see where it would have distinct advantages over center focus.

The 12x Optical Zoom was the primary feature that attracted me to the H5 and it appears to function as advertised. I do find that the zoom speed is a little fast which causes me to backtrack to adjust to the right spot from time to time. The Electronic Viewfinder is a nice feature to have on a point and shoot. It does have a diopter for eye adjustment and the screen is bright and shows same menu items as the LCD even though the viewfinder is relatively small.

I have not yet connected to my PC and uploaded images so can't really comment on any issues at this point. Am hoping to have time to test shoot a variety of exposure settings and get familiar with the camera's features and capabilities over the next couple of weeks. Perhaps by then I can post further impressions.

My personal photography experience is one of a serious amateur with film SLRs for over 20 years. Never did do my own darkroom work but now with ease of digital I have purchased Photoshop CS and hope to learn more than the basics with digital editing. In the digital arena previous to the H5 I owned several models of the original Sony Mavicas that used floppy disks, then upgraded to an Olympus D40 Zoom 5MP about 4 years ago. I was not ready to make the investment leap into the serious Digital SLR cameras just yet so felt that the H5 would be a good option for providing many more high level features than the typical point and shoots.

I know making the decision of which camera to purchase when there are so many similar choices is difficult. I also know that finding the "perfect" camera which has every single feature you ever want is unlikely. I felt that the H5 offered enough advanced features along with the attraction of the 12x zoom and 3" LCD to make it a good choice for me.

P.S. Oh and regarding battery life I have never been that impressed with the rechargeable NiMH. The H5 did come with the charger and 2 batteries which I promptly charged up the required 6 hours before loading into the camera. During the initial 2-3 hours I spent viewing all the various screens and testing my camera features....lots of zooming, off/on...flash etc... the batteries were drained. One of the features I really like about the H5 is that I can use the High powered Energizer Lithium AA batteries for cameras that I routinely buy from Sams Club or other discount stores. I have had more luck with these batteries than any others as far as reliability and battery life.

[davew]

http://www.handgunplace.com/images/11_Nov_06_Dave_White/index.htm
there are a few shots from my new dsc-H2
I am a total new person to digital cameras and I am amazed with this H2 so far.
I need to learn so much besides Auto mode though :confused:

[Sintares]

Remember the H series has the excellent H1 Whitepaper.

Written by a pro photographyer, it covers just about everything you need to know.

http://www.aakatz.com/h1whitepaper/

[davew]

Yes I have read that
Still I have a load to learn.

[p03designs]

Hi there,

I just started in photography and the very first camera i bought is an H2... as for my review. I think its really good for a starter, if you really get to manipulate the correct settings using this, you will get excellent shots! Btw im replacing it with an XTi soon, ill make it as my backup camera! PLUS!!!! The movie mode is sick! I never knew when you zoom in with H2 on movie mode it auto focuses! I was like what the H!@#!@#??!! and the video i was takin back then was on a bowling alley, and the lighting is really really perfect. @ 30fps and SUPER FINE settings you have 26 mins of ALMOST DVD quality video. NOT BAD considering it was suppose to be an SLR-like camera right? I thought of the H5, i thought of why paying a couple of $ for a larger screen and more MPs right? at 6MPs i can blow it up to 18x16 or more.. First photo i had printed is on a 18x16 and it really looks good. I suggest H2 at the moment because I really havent tried the S3 and alike. I used S1 before and I didnt like it at all, you are limited to manipulate the settings. unlike H2, its almost a DSLR. If Sony can release an H2.5 where you can take out the lens and stuff! that would be neat! oh wel! have fun selecting cameras. :D

Here's a sample night shot I took on my H2.
http://p03designs.gfxartist.com/artworks/135742

This is my GFXartist portfolio. All of the pictures here were taken with H2 except the very 1st 1 in(winter photo).

Some were manipulated in PS just for the levels and a lil bit sharpenings.

Enjoy

[Djzleite]

I'm going to buy a camera soon and have been looking at the Sony H2 Sony H5 and the Cannon S3IS . I'm leaning toward the Sony's. Is the H5 worth the extra 100$ over the H2??? :confused:

I was reading the review on this page as usual and i decided to give the extra money and go for H5 without any esitation at all even if it costs 450 euros here.
Did the right option too when i bought the W100 one month ago but now i need a more professional thing to the school.
For the look and the features i have no doubts, display is bigger and the design also very important.
Sony as always and i´m never disapointed, on the other hand i have 3 memory sticks of 2GB and 2 of 1GB and one of 4GB wich will be knocking on my door soon, they´ll be usefull on this magnificent camera.
Video with zoom and super steady shot is another great feature.
Go for H5 and you won´t feel disapointed because if you pick H2 you´ll be always looking behind for the H5 ;) i know i´ll grab mine tomorow on the 10% discount day.

Edit: as expected i grabbed H5 now just waiting to arrive home and do some testings, i´ll be back latter.

[davew]

399 on sale for a h5 at circuit city
Picked up mine today
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H5-B-Digital-Camera/sem/rpsm/oid/152041/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[cgl88]

So davew, how do you decide when to take out your new H5 or your D50?

[davew]

In home shots that I don't want to play with red eye I will use the d50
Or i will make sure the lighting is ok and use the h5 no flash
depends on conditions.


outdoor close shots and macro work
I take the H5 as I don't have to spend extra on a special macro lens..

If i want to pack light I take the H5 10 optical zoom is ok for most situations

sporting events D50 with the 70-300 lens.. etc..

Or i simply pack both
the h5 is nothing to carry on a strap :D