Sony Cybershot DSC-H1

Tony O wrote:

> I am giving serious consideration in purchasing a Sony Cybershot DSC-H1.
> Well i have read the testimonials on paid web site and you know how the
> reviews go there.
> But I would appreciate you thoughts on this digital camera.
> Thanks.

After doing intensive research for more than a month, I narrowed down
my options to three models : Sony H1, Panasonic FZ5 and Canon S2, but
ultimately decided to wait for the Panasonic FZ7 to become available in
my country.

In the isolated region I live in, there's no possibility of going to
the local camera shop and trying out each model. I have to gather as
much info as possible from the Internet and even try to read between
the lines of what's written. This is a summary of what I found :

Sony H1 pros - large LCD, uses only 2xAA NiMH cells, powerful flash,
low shutter lag, 3:2 ratio. Cons - slightly more color fringing and
less effective image stabilisation than the other two, use of memory
stick.

Pana FZ5 pros - superb lens and image quality, effective IS, lowest
price. Cons - proprietary battery, small LCD, low-res movie, weaker
flash, lack of manual focus, slightly higher noise.

Canon S2 pros - great pics & movies, effective IS. Cons - Small LCD,
weak flash, most expensive (at least in my country).

I'd almost decided on the Sony, but I kept on reading and became more
and more impressed with Panasonic. Then they announced the coming of
the FZ7 which addressed all of my objections against the FZ5 except the
battery and the noise, both of which I can live with. And added a bonus
1MP and speeded up the timings even more. I'll wait.