Sony Cyber-shot DSCH50 9.1 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot

Loving my camera. Easy to use as is but I'm getting more out of it by using the manual that comes with on the provided disc. Great pictures too!

I got this camera last October thinking it would be a step up from my regular digital point and shoot camera. Unfortunately, I was wrong. My old point and shoot takes better pictures on a consistent basis than the Sony H50 does. I was really wanting a digital SLR but it wasn't in the budget at the time, so I settled for this one and I ended up being disappointed. I was frustrated by how misleading the LCD screen was. A picture would look perfect on the LCD screen, and I'd even zoom in a bit to make sure the image was sharp and in-focus. But without fail I would always get the images back on my computer and notice that they were fuzzy! It was especially frustrating when taking family portraits and having only a few salvageable pictures out of the many that were taken, even after checking the images more carefully on the screen. I did manage to get some breathtaking shots from this camera, but it was so inconsistent that I didn't feel like I ever knew how my pictures would turn out and found myself holding my breath when I uploaded them to my computer. Just not consistent enough for me.

Another thing that bothered me was the noise of this camera. I couldn't delete, fix, browse or do anything with this camera without it beeping at me each time I pushed a button. I searched but couldn't find a way to turn off the beep, thinking maybe there was a mute button. It was hard to shoot and check my images while still trying to be discreet in certain settings (ie, places you don't want your camera beeping and interrupting proceedings or scaring off wildlife).

I ended up selling this camera after 2 months of frustration and saved up for an SLR. I have had the Nikon D60 now for a few months and couldn't be happier with it. It is a great camera for people who are new to the SLR type camera (like myself) and has improved my photography immensely. I would not recommend this camera. Save up for the digital SLR instead. You will not regret it.

I am not a good photographer. I like to take snapshots, and I like to shoot short movies with my camera. In some settings, the time between the pressing of the button and the opening of the shutter is 2-3 seconds. The shot I had intended is lost. In some settings, the snap is immediate; so I will use only those.
The battery charge is not very durable when doing short movies. The quality of the movies is great, but the battery charge goes down vertically when taking them.
I have a Lumix FX6 which takes a lesser quality movie, but will do 1/2 hour with no problem and still have plenty of battery left. The Lumix will also do snapshots faster than the Sony.
I guess I can learn to live with these shortcomings, given the quality of product it performs.
In spite of my lack of expertise, I have taken spectacular shots of active sports, smiling people, portraits and scenery.
I must confess, however, I was quite shocked at these shortcomings.

gwc
Arlington, Va

I bought this camera in April (when the price was $299). Some of the features that I have come to love about it are:
most impressed with action photos- great pics, no blur, great detail (must be in well lit place)- if planning on taking a lot of action shots indoor (basketball, wrestling, etc. I don't think I would recommend this camera unless the gym is well lit- for outdoor shots the pics are beautiful)
when you are viewing pictures if you lightly touch the snap button it will instantly take you back to the picture taking mode- which helps catch those moments- I didn't realize how much I loved this feature until some family members asked me to use their cameras to take some pictures- I had to switch modes on their cameras and realized how much time you loose.
really like being able to crop the pictures on the camera- gives you the option to zoom while cropping which is a feature I was always interested in finding in a camera or photo software
the video options are fun- can record in b/w, sepia, and a few other colors
the zoom is great- I was at my daughters school play and I was in the back of the auditorium but the zoom made it seem like I was in the front row
the slide show with music is fun
the LCD screen pulls out and that's fun
Very, very happy with the camera- have received a lot of compliments on pictures
also, you can find extra batteries for cheap prices- I ordered one on line for $12 (including tax and s/h)
The only reason that I gave the camera 4 stars is b/c the camera is now $599 and for that price I would expect a better picture for the action shots in low lighting- all other features have exceeded expectations.

After returning a Canon Sure-Shot I received, and did not like at all, I did a lot of searching reviews before deciding on the H50. Even then I still wasnt sure it would be the camera for me. I have to say that so far I have been more than satisfied with the ease of use and quality of this camera. I have taken over 200 photos and other than due to my own errors each photo has come out wonderfuly. I havent gotten the hang of a few of the options and settings but even the basic ones take great pics. The color and clarity come out crisp and detailed. Photos of moving objects are well defined and stop action seems to work better than I had expected. The super steady shot is great, it really prevents blurring and the viewfinder or screen option is great. Battery life seems fairly good but I will get a second battery to have on hand. I have used this for about 3 weeks and so far I am glad I chose the H50. If I can take a good photo I would imagine anyone can