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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 Anonymous
discuss
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakePhase OneCamera ModelH 25Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 WindowsImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:12:19 15:39:22ISO Speed Rating50Color Space InformationsRGBImage Width200Image Height133
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
No. Discussing gear is fucking boring. Take some damn pictures and we'll discuss those.
>> Anonymous
>>172369
ohhhhhkay, prob is that im probably gonna buy this cam and i wanted to have some opinions on this

ill post some special pics later (of course taken with another cam...)
>> Anonymous
>>172372
What do you want to use it for?

See, I have two hammers and a nail I need to drive. The nail's a little bitty nail, say about one and a fourth inches long and not very thick.

I also need to be able to carry this hammer in my pocket, or at least easily. See, I'm walking to where I need to hammer this nail.

One of the hammers I have a sledgehammer. The other is a general, run-of-the-mill small ball-peen hammer. Which hammer am I going to use to drive the nail?

So, what type of hammer are you looking for?
>> Anonymous
>>172392
I'm looking for a cam
- that takes (relatively) high quality pictures
- that I can take out of my bag and shoot without having to wait long
- which has a basic manual mode (the h3 has that)
- which doesnt cost much (~200-250euro like the h3 is ok)
- that is not too big


so i want a cam that I can carry along for snap-shots but it should also make good pics (like i dont want a crappy cam for 50bucks)
i hope that answers your question, if there's any questions left, just ask :)
by the way: Does someone know if this cam comes with a bag? I mean I dont want to have to buy an extra bag that takes up more space than the cam (or a special bag) would itself.
>> Anonymous
btw i forgot to ask if theres an option to change the jpg-compression or if there's a lossless alternative compression-type on the h3
>> Anonymous
If you're going to be shooting raw, as>>172396suggets, I'd advise a Panasonic model. If you're not concerned about zoom range and don't mind losing a grip, the LX2 is pretty good and unique, and you won't even need a bag.

If you do need a grip (chances are 9/10 you don't need the zoom range) the FZ series is your thing.

If you aren't going to be shooting raw, don't get a Panasonic. The JPEGs come out badly on them. Get a Canon Powershot A-series. I don't know all the different models there, but this guy

>>172369

has a copypasta worked up explaining it. Should be somwhere in another thread at the moment.

>>172396
dpreview.com
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>172398
<copypasta>
The standard /p/ advice for which Point & Shoot camera to get is a PowerShot A-Series. My recommendation would be the PowerShot A630 ($170, last I checked), which has a relatively large (1/1.8") sensor, more resolution than you'll actually need, a nice flip-out screen, and a decent (35-140mm equiv) zoom. There's also the A650 IS, which gives you a longer telephoto (35-210mm equiv) and image stabilization, but costs $300 (i.e., not much less than a used SLR).

There's also the A570 IS for around $140 (which gives you image stabilization, but smaller sensor, which means likely a bit more noise in low light, and doesn't have the nice swivel screen of the A630). I wouldn't really recommend it, though. You lose a lot for that extra thirty bucks.

If you don't need manual controls, the rest of the PowerShot line opens up to you. But I don't care about digital cameras without manual controls, so I haven't bothered to research 'em.

Yes, I know this post sounds like absurdly high levels of canonfaggotry, but it gets asked a lot so I decided to do the research.
</copypasta>
>> Anonymous
>>172398
It doesn't have to be RAW (although its cool), but I don't want to have a cam which normally taked good pics but where the jpg-compression is too high and where I cannot change it.
>>172399
The A630 seems to be a good cam, but I can't find anywhere to buy it in europe oO? I'm gonna search a bit more..
Right now I only saw some prices around 270euro.
What do you think about the DSC-H3? I think it is good enough for my needs, the only question is whether there is a cheaper cam that does the same or at least is ok for my level.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>172405
The A630's at the tail end of its lifecycle, so it's possible it's still available in the US but less so elsewhere. Check online vendors.

I don't know anything about Sony cams, though I have a mild-to-moderate distaste for their users. Just glancing at the thumbnail, though, it would appear that they have discarded low light ability in the quest for a larger number on their zoom lens. I.e.,:
1. f/3.5 maximum aperture, even at the wide end. Canon's offerings tend to give you an f/2.8 max (which gives you more light and therefore lets you use a slower shutter speed in dark conditions, if you're unfamiliar with that)
2. Tiny sensor size. 1/2.5", which is pretty much as small as they come in cameras that any serious manufacturer would release. This lets them give you a 10x zoom range but at the expense of sensor noise.

The A6x0 series has a larger (1/1.8" or 1/1.7") sensor and an f/2.8 zoom, and I prefer Canon's noise-reduction algorithms to the smeary shit that Sony uses.
>> Anonymous
>>172411
Thanks for the explanations, as I wouldn't understand your post otherwise. ^^
I read many reviews about the H3 and a few on the A630. On the whole you can say that people are satisfied with the image-quality of both cams.
Now here's the point:
chip.de (they review things like computers, cams etc) gave the A630 79/100 points (october 2006) for the image-quality, while the H3 got 98/100 points (december 2007). [I also gave the dates because their standards for testing raises every x months.]


That would mean that the H3 makes quite some good pics.
I'd only want to have some opinions here, too, to know even more about the cam. (Right now I'm a bit short n money so don't wanna waste my money on a cam which isn't good enough.)
>> Anonymous
>>172411

has it occured to you image processor and sensor technology has improved since 3 years so that a new camera with a smaller sensor is better than an old one with a larger one
>> rompom
This is a great camera for taking pictures of rabbits being raped.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>172428
It has. Like I mentioned in my post, though, I only gave it a very cursory once-over.
>> Anonymous
>>172429

How did you come to that conclusion?
>> Anonymous
just checked dpreview

the h3 has cleaner images than even the canon g9 so it should be better than the other canon models
>> Anonymous
>>172428
>>172432
Because image quality is everything in a camera, amirite?

The H3 and A-series are different types of cameras. One has a large zoom range and SLR-style ergonomics, and is operated with an EVF. The other has a back LCD and a shitty optical viewfinder and goes in your pocket.

Comparing them like this is silly. It's like "Oh, am I going to buy a Honda Civic or a Ford Expedition?"

Also, the larger sensor would give him less depth of field, all other things being equal, and the smaller one more. Which does he want?

Lastly, there's a newer version of the Powershot in question out.
>> Anonymous
>>172434Because image quality is everything in a camera, amirite?

it's a pretty big thing, yeah..

the g9 has arguably the best possible sensor and lens in the entire powershot line

if the h3 image quality is better than it, therefore, it's better than every other powershot

it's also half the price of a g9 and if OP posted the h3, maybe he wanted a superzoom and not a compact

dof, please, these things have nearly infinite dof

>> Lastly, there's a newer version of the Powershot in question out.

which, the g9 is the newest and greatest, followed by the 650 and 720
>> Anonymous
im rather searching a 'normal' (maybe compact) camera
as this cam costs ~200euro and offers great quality and speed, the fact that the h3 has 10x zoom is only a reason more for me to choose this, right?
i mean this cam is not as slim as the ones with a prisma (that do optical zoom without the lens coming sticking out) but it isnt as big as the pro-cams
>> Anonymous
I'm wondering if there is any camera with comparable image-quality but normal zoom (3x) and that costs less? I don't really need the 10x zoom so maybe there is any other cam that provides hq-pics but costs less.
>> Anonymous
>>172929
buy an old g series model?
>> Even_Steven !!rUmVORA7JiP
>>172392

Simple solution; Buy a Nikon. Those things can drive nails.

And I dont have anything to add except to say that EVFs blow. I'd take the craptastic G9 plastic viewfinder over that shit any day.
>> Anonymous
i have a h3 right here, if you have any questions or want to see a special picture (night, high iso, zoom) feel free to ask me

the biggest con is that it barely fits into a jeans pocket
and that you have to turn it off and on again when you forgot to remove the lens cap
>> Anonymous
>>172938
i cant find any good ones here and the newer ones are too expensive
>>172943
yay, finally someone who has the h3 =D

ok, here i go:

1) beside the cons you named, what else is annoying or bad on the cam? in the reviews they say that the cam itself looks like a plastic-toy-cam, do you also think that?

2) is there any option to change the jpg-compression? or are there any other file types? (beside mpeg for video of course)

3) can you recommend a bag for the cam? (as the cam itself doesnt come with any)


hmm i think thats it with the questions.
as you asked, i'd like to see a night-picture, maybe one pic taken in the normal mode and one in the night mode, to see the difference.
>> washer !kxrJVlZ8OE
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i would also suggest the dmc lx2, i have been shooting with it for about a year now and i am still figuring out new things to do with it [last night i found out it had a burst fire mode... who knew? not like i would use it very much...] it's sensor's native format is 16:9 ratio [think widescreen tv] so you have to grow and adapt with the camera. it gets pretty noisy at iso levels over 200, but like ac said it shoots raw. it has full manual controls and a manual focus. it has a kick ass leica lens. its small so i don't have to lug my canon 20d around with me everywhere i go. i just keep it in my coat pocket or my backpack and whip it out whenever i see fit. i love my camera because it fits my shooting style and i feel like i grow as a photographer as i learn to adapt to it's limitations.

p.s. best way to find out about a camera is to shoot with it before you buy it. don't rely on other people's advice to make the decision for you. also look on flickr's camera search to see the kinds of photos that people take with whatever camera you're looking at getting.

camera gear threads are boring
>> Anonymous
>>173043
the DMC LX2 costs around 350euro, unfortunately.
unfortunately, because it takes good pics, because i like 16:9 and because it looks compact and neat

too bad i dont have enough money <_<
thanks for the post though
>> Anonymous
>>173060
There's a DMC-LX1 you could buy used.
>> Anonymous
1.) No i think she's a real beauty especialy the lens.

More Details:
-) you can only choose between two fixed apertures (F8.0 and F3.5/F10.0 and F4.4 at 10x zoom).

-) Videos are limited to ten minutes but the quality of video and sound is awesome. (if you want to shoot them with 640x480 and 30fps you will have to use a memory stick pro duo)

-) The display should get a slightly higher resolution, but its sharp enough to check your pictures.

-) in manual mode you can choose lighting time from 30sec - 1/2000sec

-) not really important but the build in speakers sound pretty good.

2.) Thats probably the biggest problem, you can't change the compresion and at 8mp the pictures take about 2,3mb. It's not a big problem for me but when you want to take the maximum out of a cam... no other file types, no raw.

3.) I haven't found a bag yet, but i don't think there will be any problems to find one. You don't even have to use a bag it's not that easy to destroy the cam.

I'll try to post some pics but i don't have any in night mode because i usually shoot in manual or p.
>> Anonymous
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Warning: The picture is not compressed so you can check the quality.

Normal picture with high contrasts between the tree and the sky.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSC-H3Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:04:17 16:46:39RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalExposure Time1/160 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating125Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length6.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width2448Image Height3264
>> Anonymous
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Warning: The picture is not compressed so you can check the quality.

Long exposure night shot, the street light was orange so the colours are natural.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSC-H3Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:04:19 22:03:13Exposure Time10 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating100Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length6.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3264Image Height2448RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormal
>> Anonymous
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Warning: The picture is not compressed so you can check the quality.

night, 1 sec exposure

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSC-H3Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:04:19 21:07:37Exposure Time1 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length6.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3264Image Height2448RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormal
>> Anonymous
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Warning: The picture is not compressed so you can check the quality.

I took this free hands out of my rooms window (2nd floor) it's completely dark right now, the cam couldn't even focus. As you can see the build in flash (strobe?) is pretty strong but if you don't choose a low iso setting the camera will still go up to iso 1600 or higher. It's possible to shoot free hands without flash but the noise reduction will turn the picture into crap, it's still better than no picture though.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSC-H3Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:05:01 23:47:46Exposure Time1/40 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashFlash, Compulsory, Return Not DetectedFocal Length6.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3264Image Height2448RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormal
>> Anonymous
>>173139
>>173145
>>173146
>>173153
>>173167

Thanks for the infos and pics!


I only have a question on the pic of the tree>>173145:
When I watch that pic on 100% zoom, the pic is not that sharp. Is that kinda normal? (For 8MP)

I think I'm gonna get this cam, because its cheap and takes hq-pics.
>> Anonymous
Lol pocket cameras purple fringe so effing badly. I love my D300.
>> Anonymous
>>173533
is that a d300 and lenses in your pocket or are you just happy to see me. . . .
>> Anonymous
I'm going to take the shot again with a tripod in a couple of minutes, i'm not that good at holding a cam still in my hands. though the shake reduction does a pretty good job.

>>173533purple fringing is indeed a bit of a problem at high contrast scenes but if it's really an important picture you can easily fix that in photoshop

>>173534as i already stated it's quite unconfortable to keep it in your jeans pocket, but the size is ok for a jacket pocket
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
I tried it again with a tripod and then took a few pictures free hands but there is no real diference between the shots, this one is with a tripod.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSC-H3Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:05:02 13:24:27Exposure Time1/125 secF-Numberf/8.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating100Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length10.40 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3264Image Height2448RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormal
>> Anonymous
ty again :)

im gonna get this cam with a 2gb stick and i got 2 find a bag ;]
>> Anonymous
op here

I just found out, that the DSC-H10 is kinda the same cam as the DSC-H3, only with a 3" LCD with ~200k dots (instead of a 2.5" LCD on ~100k dots)

costs like 40euro more (H3:~190 - H10:~230)
i think the 40euro extra is ok, as the bigger and better lcd is quite important. what does /p/ think?