Cyber-shotSony Cyber-shot DSC-H9

Cyber-shot is a line of digital cameras made by Sony. The Cyber-shot range is well known for its proprietary InfoLithium battery pack, the trademark Carl Zeiss lenses and overall design. Also, all Cyber-shot cameras accept Sony's proprietary Memory stick or Memory Stick PRO Duo flash memory. Some high-end models have also supported Compact Flash. All Cyber-shot models have a DSC prefix in their names, which is an acronym for "Digital Still Camera".Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 and the top-of-the-range model reviewed here; the DSC-H9. That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include Sony's unique 'NightShot' infra-red mode (seen on many camcorders as well as a few Cyber-shots over the years), a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an articulated (tilt-up) screen, improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control.