Sony radically redesigned the positioning of key camera components to fit a powerful 10x optical zoom capability into a compact design that's easy to carry anywhere.

---

Product Description

With compact body design, 8.1 megapixel resolution, 10X Optical zoom and a top-quality Carl Zeiss lens, the black DSC-H3 Cyber-shot(R) packs more photo opportunities in a small size. Advanced Sports Mode combines high shutter speed (up to 1/2000 sec.) with Continuous AF and predictive focus control that tracks moving subjects and forecasts their position during the interval between shutter release and image capture -- a great way to catch the perfect, fast-moving moment. Face Detection detects up to eight faces in a picture, so everyone will look their best. HD Output provides spectacular photo viewing on your Sony BRAVIA and other compatible HDTV screens and the Sony Double Anti-Blur Solution combines Super SteadyShot(R) optical image stabilization with High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) for crisp imaging in low light. Face Detection recognizes up to 8 faces in a photo and automatically makes skin tones look more natural and reduces red-eye 31 MB Internal Memory, supports up to 8GB Memory Stick(R) PRO DUO media capacity Capture VGA (640 x 480) audio/video clips at high frame rate HD Output direct to compatible HDTV screens Powerful, Versatile Flash illuminates up to 23 feet away with multiple flash options Super SteadyShot(R) Optical Image Stabilization to compensate for ?camera shake? High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) lets the DSC-H3 shoot effectively in low light without flash to preserve the mood HD Slide Show with Music 9-Point Auto Focus D-Range Optimization - preserves image data in bright highlights and reveals more detail in shadows or backlit areas In-Camera Retouching lets you add creative effects to photos after you shoot Up to 51X Smart Zoom Feature Fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery gets you up to 330 shots per charge

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5114 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSCH3
• Released on: 2007-09-24
• Dimensions: 1.88" h x 2.69" w x 4.19" l, .84 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 8.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16-by-22-inch prints
• 3.0-inch LCD display; 10x zoom with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
• High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) lets you shoot without flash in low-light conditions
• Face Detection technology (up to 8 faces); Advanced Sports mode
• Powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery; stores images on Memory Stick Duo or Duo Pro media (not included)

Manufacturer Description
Longer zoom, smaller size. Sony puts 10x optical zoom in the palm of your hand. With compact body design, 8.1-megapixel resolution, and a top-quality Carl Zeiss lens, the Cyber-shot DSC-H3 packs more photo opportunities in a small size. Advanced Sports Mode (up to 1/2000 second) catches fast action. And Face Detection detects up to eight faces in a picture, so everyone will look their best. HD Output provides spectacular photo viewing on your Sony Bravia and other compatible HDTV screens, and the Sony Double Anti-Blur Solution combines Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization with High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) for crisp imaging in low light.

10x Zoom in a Sleek Compact Body
Sony radically redesigned the positioning of key camera components to fit a powerful 10x optical zoom capability into a compact design that's easy to carry anywhere. The grip fits firmly into your hand, the lens ring adds a high-performance feel--and the top-mounted Wheel Dial lets you adjust shooting modes faster.

High-Power Carl Zeiss 10x Optical Zoom
A superb lens for bringing long-distance subjects up close, the pro-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens design of the DSC-H3 provides 10x optical zoom design--with 20x digital zoom to enlarge the center portion of the picture so you see even more detail.

8.1-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition for editing, cropping, and making large digital prints. Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

Advanced Sports Mode
To capture fast-moving subjects in split-second detail, the DSC-H3 combines high shutter speed (up to 1/2000 second) with Continuous AF and predictive focus control that tracks moving subjects and forecasts their position during the interval between shutter release and image capture--a great way to catch the perfect moment in sports, children's games, pet tricks, and more.

Face Detection
Because the face makes the photo, Sony has created Face Detection technology that recognizes up to eight faces in a photo and automatically controls focus, exposure, color, and flash to bring out the best in everyone. Unlike some competitive systems, Sony Face Detection makes skin tones look more natural and reduces red-eye with pre-strobe flash.

HD Output
With direct HD output to spectacular Sony Bravia and other compatible HDTV screens, you can view DSC-H3 still photos in high definition clarity and detail. Optional HD solutions include a Cyber-shot cradle/charger with component cable output and high-speed Photo Printers that make 4-by-6-inch prints in about 45 seconds. (Cradle/charger and printer sold separately)

Powerful, Versatile Flash
With a flash powerful enough to illuminate subjects up to 23 feet away, the DSC-H3 opens up new opportunities for flash photography--including dimly lit interiors and outdoor shots at twilight. Auto Daylight Synchro provides effective fill-in flash illumination for backlit subjects--and Macro Flash lets you take ultra-close-up shots with optimal exposure and minimal "whiteout" effect.

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization
Other image stabilization systems crop in to compensate for "camera shake"--but with the Super SteadyShot system, optical sensors detect camera movement and send correcting signals to a stabilization lens that allows even ultra-long-distance digital photos to capture more detail with less camera-shake distortion.

High Sensitivity Mode
With Super SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur, High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) lets the DSC-H3 shoot effectively in low light without flash to preserve the mood--and Sony's original Clear RAW NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress the color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.

HD Slide Show with Music
It's the high-definition viewing experience that makes photos come alive on compatible HDTV screens, accompanied by your choice of visual effects and any of four preset musical selections stored in memory or your favorite MP3 tunes downloaded from PC to your camera for use as background music.

9-Point Autofocus
Because an off-center subject can make your shot more interesting, the DSC-H3 can measure autofocus precision at 9 points on your screen--giving you greater creative freedom to compose your image.

D-Range Optimization
Powered by the exclusive Sony Bionz high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights and reveals more detail in shadows or backlit areas--for great results even in difficult lighting conditions.

In-Camera Retouching
The DSC-H3 lets you add creative effects to photos after you shoot--including soft edge filter to soften backgrounds, cross filter to place starry "dazzles" at highlight points, partial color filter to mute surrounding colors, even fish-eye filter to create interesting fish-eye lens effects.

In-Camera Red-Eye Reduction
Irritating "glowing eyes" can ruin even the most creative photos--so the DSC-H3 gives you in-camera correction at the touch of a button to reduce lingering red-eye effect that other systems might miss.

2.5-Inch LCD Screen, Simple Controls
The DSC-H3 provides a large, bright LCD screen--plus simple camera menus, a Home button for quick access to necessary functions, and a simple Function Guide that displays menu information to make it easier for beginners to learn camera features.

Wheel Dial for Manual Exposure Modes
For more creative freedom, a simple wheel-dial control lets you quickly change camera settings in manual modes (shutter speed priority, aperture priority, manual exposure) and also control ISO sensitivity, focus area, and exposure value. In play mode, the wheel dial provides a quick way to view your next or previous shot.

31 MB Internal Memory
The DSC-H3 allows you to capture a limited number of shots in-camera for later transfer to PC or Memory Stick Duo media--so even if you forget your flash memory card, you can always get the shot.

Up to 51x Smart Zoom Feature
Sony's Smart Zoom feature lets you crop in close on the central portion of interest in your photo while avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms--with 17x HD Smart Zoom function at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution for 16:9 widescreen display, 51x Smart Zoom function at VGA resolution.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-H3 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second).

Stamina Battery Power
The DSC-H3 provides up to 330 shots with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery--enough shooting capacity to cover a long weekend or a whole vacation.

What's in the Box:
Sony DSC-H3 digital camera, NP-BG1 rechargeable battery, BC-CSG battery charger, USB and AV multi-connector cable, power cord, shoulder strap, lens cap, lens cap, strap, lens hood, lens adaptor ring, CD-ROM software. Note: No Memory Stick DUO media or adaptors are included.

---

Customer Reviews

Among the best
I bought this little gem off ebay about a month ago, and it came with nothing but the camera (and fortunately the battery). So I had to get the funky memory stick or whatever they call it, but it does go directly into the computer slot, so no problem there, that's how I always do it. (Does anyone fool around with USB cords?-what a nuisance)
Great pictures in a small size, to me this is a camera that will fit in a jacket pocket.
I've no problem with indoor shots-normally turn the flash off anyway because the first few I took it popped up on me unexpectedly. But it is a little bright, since I don't have the manual I didn't know til I read some other reviews that it can be adjusted. And I could always go to the website to look for it (right-like I'd do that)
As the last paragraph alludes to, I'm a point & shoot guy, DSLRs kind of scare me so I'll use auto 95% of the time. That little mtn switch works well though for fall colors scenery.
Guess I'll just fool around with it some more and enjoy the results!
P.S. Get over that lens cap thing- the automatic ones do just jam after a while. Wish I had a cap for mine-have to put it back in the case all the time (of course, had to get that ala carte too) BTW a canon IS 2S case is perfect for this, and the canon is too big for it. Wrist straps are a dime a dozen-just use one off an old radio or something

I love it!
I got this camera for Christmas 2007. Since, I've taken tons of awesome pictures.. for some examples, visit http://luminousechoes.deviantart.com . My photography has all been done with this camera.

Big Dissapointment
I had the same problem as Madison's Mommy, I was so excited to try this camera out for my nephews birthday. Now I am left with a bunch of blurry pictures from his birthday party. If the kids made the slightest move, images came out very blurry. If not the subjects just look discolored, lots of yellow tint in their skin and around them. Also, I noticed that my daughters blonde hair looks very orange. People have even commented that she looks like a redhead in the pictures. I spoke to sony support and all they did was have me initialize the camera which did nothing. Very upsetting, this camera "sounds" so much better than it is. I also thought it must be a defect but apparently not. I did get a few nice outdoor shots, as long as people weren't in them.