Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20/B 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization: Customer Reviews & Product Details

I purchased this item after using a borrowed one. It's photo quality visibly exceeded that of a much more expensive Cannon model. The screen menu is also simpler than a Kodak model I currently owned. Having both auto and manual settings in addition to the 10X optical zoom were key considerations in choosing this camera. It is a nice item for the price, when compared to other makes.

I did my homework on the zoom point and shoot camera class after having to return a Nikon L-100. The Nikon took blurry dark pictures in almost every light condition except bright sun, and it used up AA batteries at an alarming rate. After checking all of the review sites I could find, I settled on the DSC-H20, had the best overall reviews for ease of use and picure quality combined. I like C-NET for electronic reviews and have found their reviews to be un-biased and accurate with knowledegeable experts giving te reviews.
They were right about the point and shoot picture quality of this camera. The first photos I took of some items to auction on ebay came out very good in inteligent auto mode in a brightly lit room, and I was very happy initally.
I had to use the 7 year old Dell photo software that was on my computer because I could not figure out the Sony PMB photo software that came with the camera. The PMB software CD that came with the DSC-H20 also installed four different programs on my computer. The PMB software is NOT user friendly and I have given up trying to use it. I read the camera owners manual and the sofware manual entirely, still confused on how to edit, process, and file photos. Now to the menus on the camera: you have to keep the owners manual nearby constantly to remember which mode you need to be in to find the right adjustment item. If you are the type that uses your camera every day, you can probably start to remember where everything is. If you are like me and use the camera maybe three times/month, good luck trying to adjust any settings.
Now to the two major flaws that feel C-Net and other reviewers are missing. The Cybershot DSC-H20 is not only lacking a wide angle lens like most of the competition, but this camera has an extremely NARROW ANGLE LENS. It is similar to my 20 year old 35mm. No group photos or lanscape shots with this camera.
The other major flaw is no viewfinder, which would be ok if you could actually see the screen in bright outdoor light. Most digital point and shoots have no viewfinder, but the glare off of the screen on the DSC-H20 makes any outdoor photo a challenge.

Just got my new Sony H20 and I love it. It's a just right size for carrying around easily and it has so many great features. I've only taken a few pics so far, but they are great. The extra zoom is perfect. I really like that the view screen is big and sharp. The easy mode really helps 'old' eyes like mine to know what the settings are. This camera lets you get fancy or do it simple. Two thumbs up, Sony!

I purchased this camera back in June of 2009, and after using my old Sony DSC-W70 point and shoot for 3 years, I was ready for an upgrade. I was looking for a camera that took great quality pictures, and from using my old Sony with the Carl Zeiss lens, I was looking for another camera with the same quality. I was torn between the Canon SX 120 IS and the Sony H20 when my search began, but the Sony's lithium ion battery was what swayed me to it (I don't like using AA batteries).

After using the camera for 6 months, I am more than happy with my decision. I have expanded on my photography in ways I couldn't have with a smaller point and shoot camera. I love having control of shutter speeds, focal ranges, and in learning how to use them properly have been able to take some fantastic pictures and really get into some of the more complex aspects of photography. Even with all of the customization settings within this camera, it still has the fail proof iSCN auto mode if I just want the camera to do all the work.

Some things I do wish this camera did have would be an automatic lens cover, and even though this camera is more of a superzoom point and shoot, a view finder would help in some of the picture compositions. It can also be a touch slow when the flash is engaged, but its not intolerable. These are minor issues that by no means make or break the capabilities of this camrea.

I have owned the camera for about 3 weeks now and find it pretty easy to use. The picture quality seems to be good. I haven't tried printing any pictures yet. I bought an 8 MB memory card since one does not come with the camera.
The only feature so far that I don't like is the lens cover, but I should have thought of that before I bought the camera.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase.