Sony H3 ultrazoom

[bascom]

Another new entry in the small-size ultrazoom market. Looks very similar to the Canon SX100.

H3
$300, 8MP
10x zoom (38mm - 380mm)
F3.5 - F4.4
Dynamic Range Optimizer
MS cards
Li-ion batts
4.2 x 2.7 x 1.9 in, 264g

SX100
$300, 8MP
10x zoom (36mm - 360mm)
F2.8 - F4.3
full manual controls
SD cards
AA batts
4.3 x 2.8 x 1.8 in., 265g

[nutmac]

Although it remains to be seen, Canon seems to be the winner.

Faster lens: f/2.8-4.3 vs. 3.3-4.4
Slightly wider at 36-360mm (vs. 38-380mm) -- I suppose some will prefer the later
Higher resolution LCD (172K vs. 115K pixels)
Full manual
Longer battery life: 400 vs. 330 shots


In Sony's favor:

9-point auto focus with spot (vs. lame 1-point with center)
Wider ISO 100 to 3200 (vs. 100 to 1600), although I am sure both will be unusably noisy well before they reach ISO 1600
Twice as fast continuous shooting


Pretty similar in other respect. I wonder if Sony has restored the JPEG compression setting. Judging by DSC-H7, I would go with Canon though.

[PH81]

Can't wait for the Canon and Sony to get to NZ (end of year I suppose) - and for reviews on here! I have been looking for a camera for the longest time, CONSTANTLY changing my mind on what I want. I think often I'm too put off a camera by reviews though - when the negative points probably wouldn't affect me THAT much.

Now, looking at Canon SX100, Sony H3, Panasonic TZ3. I like how the Sony's zoom button has gone back to being a BUTTON. Hate those zoom rocker/lever things.

LOL, and as for the site - I think it's funny how the Upcoming Reviews has a mystery camera (says "something new") for September. Interesting.... :rolleyes: