The Sony DSC H3 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 10x optical zoom lens. In addition to the longer than standard lens it has a number of useful features. These include a manual exposure mode, image stabilisation and face detection technology. Where the DSC H3 differs from a number of other super zoom cameras is that it comes in a smaller, more compact body. This makes it easier to carry around. For someone who is looking for a camera with a longer lens, but does not wish to use the more advanced features this camera has a fully automatic mode that allows you to use the camera as a simple point and shoot camera.
Image Quality Sony DSC H3 test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
One of the main points that strike me about most of the test shots the DSC H3 produced is the levels of brightness in the photos. This helps to bring the shots to life. This first photo is a good example of the lighting.
I am also pleased with the levels of sharpness in the photo, as the camera manages to bring out plenty of detail.
The camera also handles the glare from the sun very well.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
This photo has above average levels of sharpness. Again I like the brightness and colour in the shot.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
As with all super zoom cameras an element of purple fringing shows up in the shot. Even though it is visible the levels are substantially less than most super zoom cameras produce. Sharpness works well once again and this is another bright photo.
Outdoor Portrait
Here I have used the cloudy white balance setting to add some extra strength to the colours. This has worked well and I am very happy with the skin tones in the shot. Using face detection processing the DSC H3 has produced a sharply focused image.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
I like this shot. With the flash popping up away from the camera the chances of red eye are radically reduced and there is none showing here. The DSC H3 retains colour well and the flash gives plenty of brightness without washing out the photo.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
Without flash you can produce more natural looking photos. The DSC H3 does well in this test. Focusing is good although noise does start to show up. Therefore it will probably be safer to go with flash for larger prints.
Colours
The colours produced by Sony digital cameras are about standard. Skies show a deep shade of blue and scenic shots normally have plenty of colour.
Macro
This is a decent attempt at a close up shot. The photo is sharp and clear. I am confident that the camera will take a good macro shot in most situations.
ISO 400
As you start to push the ISO rating up noise creeps into the photo. At ISO 400 quality starts to dip, but the DSC H3 still produces a photo that compares well against many other cameras.
ISO 3200
Not surprisingly once you push the ISO setting up to extreme levels picture quality more or less disappears. I would suggest only using this setting in extreme lowlight situations where there is no other way of getting a photo.
Overall
I have no real issues with the picture quality produced by the DSC H3. The camera performed well in all of my key tests.
Shutter Lag
I was able to take a single photo in 0.18 seconds and five photos in 7.22 seconds. With the flash on a single photo took 0.45 seconds and five photos took 11.05 seconds. These are all very fast times.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style: The DSC H3 is a cut down version of other larger, super zoom digital cameras. It has an aluminium body and is available in black and silver.
Dimensions: 106 x 68.5 x 47.5mm
Weight: 264g
Batteries: Lithium ion (NP BG1). Sony suggest you should be able to take around 330 shots before a recharge is needed.
Memory cards: Sony has built 31mb of memory into the DSC H3. I was able to take 15 photos before the memory was full. The camera is also compatible with the following memory cards: Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo High Speed, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo (same speed as PRO Duo).
Click here to save money on Memory Stick.
Ease of use rating: Average. With the extra features this camera has it is going to take time to be able to really get to know the camera. Sony cameras are quite straightforward, so after experimenting with the camera for a while you should find yourself well on the way to mastering it.
Points I like:
Picture quality - fast shutter lag times - build quality - design
Where it could improve:
Hard to say!
Alternatives
A couple of alternatives with similar features are: Canon Powershot SX100 IS and Panasonic DMC TZ3. Personally I prefer this camera.
Verdict:
The Sony DSC H3 ticks all the right boxes for me. The picture quality is there and shutter lag times are very impressive. I also like the design of the camera and build quality seems good too. If I was looking for a smaller, super zoom digital camera this would be the one I would buy.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Sony DSC H3 Summary |
| Description: | 8 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 8 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 8 |
| Indoors: | 9 |
| Value for Money: | 9 |
| Style: | 9 |
| Movie Mode: | 8 |
| Image Quality: | 9 |
| Build Quality: | 9 |
| Total: | 85 |
| Verdict: | Picture quality, build quality and shutter delay times are all very impressive. I really enjoyed testing this camera and would be happy to own one. It is smaller than most super zoom models and sells for a reasonable price. Recommended |
| Review Date: | December 2007 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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