I got my first camera. It is Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Black.
To name few key features – High power Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, 8.1 MP, 3.0 inch tilt-up screen, 9-point auto focus, NightShot infrared system, 76x smart zoom, Remote control functions, optical image stabilization and Advanced sports mode.
It isn’t DSLR but very close to the features of a DSLR and hence mistaken for. It is the top one in High Zoom cameras of Sony Cybershot series. After spending lot of time looking out for suitable camera, I would call it best purchase, a person like me can expect while going for a digital camera for first time. You can read its review over CNET explaining how it overpowers all other cameras lying in its group. At one point I was thinking of going for DSC-H7 but unique NightMode feature of H9 made it weigh more than any other in the range. Everything about it is just wonderful.
I am loving it. Also purchased Sony 4 GB Memory Stick DUO with adaptor as there is only 31MB internal memory.
PS: For now, going through few starting hiccups as Vista isn’t able to recognize the USB 2.0 interface of H9 and hence can’t transfer photos directly.
Sony does have good cameras, h9 being one of their top ones. I too always fall for the optical zoom (bought an Canon S1 with 10x sm 3 yrs ago, but now got a free S5 as replacement , long story;) ) but the other smart zooms or whatever shouldn’t be smthing to care for. My only grudge with sony btw is the lcd, why can’t they have a full flip out and twist LCD like the canon S series. It is so liberating in clicking around…
(BTW, you got a problem with the tabbing order in the comment form, it doesnt stop at the captcha)
and yeah, dont ever rely on what cnet says about anything..they’ve got the crappiest of reviewers 🙂