Product ReviewsSony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 8.1MP Digital Camera - Black

Sony H9B 8.1 MP Ideal for All-around digital camera

Although not a camera to put in a shirt or jacket pocket, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9B is small enough to easily carry to any location, or just to have ready for the unplanned photo shoot. Since I use mine mostly at home to take photos of eBay items to sell, that's not an issue for me one way or the other.

The reason I bought the H9B is its ability to get close to the object, as close as 5mm. This is not very common among other cameras in the same category. It produces close-up shots crystal clear to rival anything you can get from much pricier cameras.

I also like the ergonomics of this camera. It fits comfortably in one hand, if needed, and is light in weight to prevent stress during long photo shoots. The large format viewing LCD makes it easy to frame the shot before taking the photo, a big plus.

The menu provides the usual selections for digital photography, but I find getting around in it a bit more intuitive than other camera menus I've used. Same for operator controls, i.e., they are easy to use and thoughtfully designed for convenient application. The learning curve for a typical digital SLR such as a Nikon D60, for example, is relatively steep and long, whereas getting the most out of the H9B Cyber-shot doesn't take rocket science, or a long time flipping through user manual pages.

Overall, this is a great camera for multi-purpose digital photography and, at 8.1 megapixels it leaves little to be desired in resolution for most needs. I know, the new standard is about 12 MP, but 8.0 MP cameras remain very useful and practical. You can't beat the Sony Cyber-shot H9B 8.1 Megapixel camera for the price.Read full review...

Worth getting for IR photography or as a learning tool prior to DSLR

I have bought this camera solely for purpose of going to infrared (IR) photography on budget. Now the question is whether 200$ for the camera and accessories needed for IR (72mm IR filter, 74-72mm step down ring, memory card, AC connector adapter) is the budget solution but that one is something you have to answer yourself. Anyway just the conversion of regular SLR would be that much without the shipping cost and then there is no way back. For the purpose, the camera is more than adequate, now I can not only take IR photos, but I can still use it for ordinary photography, as well as hybrid photos (with both IR and visible light coming through).

What I had to do was to disconnect (remove) the micro-switch telling the camera to switch to night mode when night mode is engaged. In that case I effectively can remove IR blocking filter from the sensor and still have all the settings still available.

Apart from IR the responsiveness, resolution, colour, brightness and sharpness are more than satisfactory. This is still a potent camera fully capable of taking nice photos with decent resolution (8 MP). It took me about an hour to get used to the commands and even thou I did not exploit all the options fully I can already tailor the settings to my photos as I whish. I would like to have easier access to manual focus, but as this feature is not something that is not often used I can live with it.

The only thing actually missing is hot shoe for external flash, but apart from that it is a good camera still 4 years after the introduction. Two obvious use-cases are: IR budget camera or a budget step between the point-and-shot cameras and DSLR. In both cases it is possible to use manual settings and learn what they do without investing too much in the gear.Read full review...

Excellent Mid-range Digital Camera

Excellent product, another sony WOW product, its infra-red sesors add a great deal to night shooting in color (you have to read how to defeat the defeater chip).

The camera Replaced my Ebay camera and I used it for all professional shots and people think I am making them on $1000 photo set.

I got the macro lens and filters but the camera really does not make life easy for the extra periferals, Macro lens really works only at an effective 1.6x zoom, the oddball screw on diamter makes off the shelf lenses hard to find.

However the bang for the buck was excellent, NEVER had to call Sony for ANY issues, this is reflective of the SONY I grew up to love and admire, I hope my NEXT SONY digital hxxx version can live up to the H9.Read full review...

Great automatic camera!

I bought this used on Ebay because my friend has one that I really liked. I generally use a Sony DSC-100 pocket camera, but I wanted to have something with a wider angle lens for group shots, but didn't really need a big digital SLR. This Sony DSC-H9B uses the same memory chip and battery as my pocket Sony so I only have to carry one charger when we travel. The DSC-H9B is very easy to use and is intuitive if you have used any other Sony camera. The lens is very good so my photos are sharp and clear. I bought an 8 GB duo memory card to use with it and it works fine even if it isn't documented in the manual. It's also a very sturdy camera and survived several drops already. As a $150 used camera -- it is a GREAT deal!Read full review...

Inexpensive point-and-shoot does surprisingly good work!

I've been shooting rock shows on this camera for a couple of years, so when I lost my original DSC-H9 (and my budget was too meager to clinch a fancier camera), I hit Ebay for another. The DSC-H9's a point-and-shoot, but I've gotten some great shots with it. The 15x zoom's surprisingly powerful, and overall the camera functions great in low light (great for shooting in dark clubs). My personal fave features: a really sharp Sports mode (also, again, great for shooting action in clubs/venues), and the NightShot mode. The latter's awesome when the light totally cries uncle: Sometimes the shots look like embarassing surveillance camera footage, but most of the time the NightShot photos possess a cool French New Wave/Hard Day's Night patina if you use it right. The Landscape mode's pretty nifty, too.

You do have some freedom with the manual settings to tweak colors, exposure, etc, too. The variations aren't limitless, but they open you up to a nice array of effects should you need them. It's likely remedial and minimalist settings for a pro, but for someone just getting started, it does the job.

The Macro's a bit of a crapshoot for me; sometimes sublime and sometimes not. And the Twilight portrait mode ain't perfect. But most of the time the DSC-H9 gets results far superior than most any point-and-shoot out there; especially at that low price.Read full review...

Very good buy!!

I had this camera issued to me at work and I loved it so much that I bought one for myself!! It's an excellent point-and-shoot camera for begginners with enough advanced features to please the intermediate and advanced photographers. It has a very nice 15X zoom, the tilt-up/down LCD screen is very convenient and it shoots great video. The multitude of settings can be easily accessed via the simple turn of a knob, this camera is VERY user friendly, no overwhelming buttons or knobs to fiddle with. In my opinion, the only bad thing about this camera is the lack of accessories, other than that, this camera is a winner in my book.Read full review...

Pricey camera but worth every penny

Size, weight, features on this camera make the novice (me) picture taker look like a professional. I typically am weary of Sony products due to proprietary cables, data cards, etc. I suggest having a couple extra batteries (yes get the Sony ones) in your bag. They are pretty cheap and you can't just drop AAs in it, when one dies. But Sony really got the technology right on this camera. If you don't want to deal with detachable lenses but have a great camera for the family, sporting or other events, buy this camera.Read full review...

A shot in the Dark!

The Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 is an awesome camera for the beginner to intermediate photographer. One of the features is this camera has is called 'Night-Shot'. It allows the user to photograph in total darkness. The DSC-H9 is also equipped with a built in light meter for auto ISO adjustment. But don't worry, it can be disabled for those special shots that require longer exposures. This camera is a step up from its H7 brother (No light meter or Night shot). But like its brother has ability to be used with 72 mm and 56mm add on lenses this camera is great for family outings, camping trips and other events where you want to have above average pictures. Add a tripod and the use of the included remote control the user is enabled to be in the photograph. Pictures are easily printed at camera shops and Wal-mart just by taking in the Duostick card and requesting prints. If you desire you can burn those imagesfrom the Duo stick to a CD or DVD and keep them forever.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: cagleycollectibles

So happy!

I always had a love for my old DSC-H9 as opposed to many more modern cameras and especially phone cameras, so when the focus sensor got out of whack and I found out the repair costs would be way more than the camera was worth, I was heartbroken.

That’s when I found this one! It arrived in amazing condition - barely looked used at all, works perfectly, came with a fully charged battery and wall charger.
It also came with a case I actually like and want to carry! :)Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: srednavp

Awesome Camera! High Quality! Excellent Value!

a great camera with a lot of features, but its easy to use and has exceptional quality. i bought this for caving, because its often impossible to get good shots in a dark enviorment with a normal camera. the night shot worked excellently and i got some really awesome shots! this camera is alot better then the HP and Kodaks i have had before, would definately reccommend this to anyone looking to up their photography ability, even if its just on vacations.Read full review...