Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5

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Modeled after the Cyber-shot H1 but with the killer looks of the Cyber-shot R1, the 7.2-megapixel Cyber-shot H5 is capable of holding its own as a compact 12x optical zoom shooter. Camera aside, we feel the H5 can possibly pass off as one of the most futuristic-looking digicams in the market today. Alternatively, if you prefer a smaller 2-inch LCD, the 6-megapixel Cyber-shot H2 would suit your fancy.

Design
With a full load of two 2,500mAh nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries and our benchmark SanDisk Ultra II 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, the weight of the Cyber-shot DSC-H5 provides a substantial and solid feel without straining our hands.

The H5 retains most of the design set found on the previous H1. The rotating mode dial sits prominently on the top edge of the camera. A wealth of controls occupies the areas above, as well as to the left of the mode dial. Here, you can find the shutter, focus, continuous/bracket, power, optical image stabilization, finder/LCD and playback buttons evenly spaced among the limited estate on the top of the camera. In addition, there's a jog dial nestled on the front of the hand grip where your first finger rests when holding the shooter.

	The diopter adjuster hides under the viewfinder.

One major gripe we have with the H5 is its vertically challenged stature. When we picked up the unit, our pinky slid under the camera conveniently. Not much of a problem initially, but during prolonged one-hand use, we realized the shooter was, in fact, resting on our last finger, giving it undue strain. We had to consciously command our digit to move back up to the hand grip.

A 3-inch LCD occupies most of the rear estate on the H5. There's also an electronic viewfinder (EVF) above the monitor. Most people would miss this, which we initially did as well, but the rotating diopter adjuster sits right beneath the protruding viewfinder. The zoom lever, display, menu, resolution/delete and directional controls occupy whatever space that's left on the back of the camera. What we didn't really care for was the very cramped feeling which usually results in unintended key presses on the unit.

Most impressive on the H5 (as well as on its predecessor, the H1) is the dual-hinged cover for the Memory Stick Duo and battery compartments. You can open the media card cover without risk of your batteries falling out when you are switching cards. It also makes the changing of batteries and memory cards a whole lot easier when your camera is on a tripod.

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