Kelley (Texas)
New member
Before anyone decides to burn me at the stake if you do not agree with my test comparison between these two digital cameras, please make note of the fact that I am not a profession picture taker like RM, nor do I have the vast knowledge of John in Florida, I am just an amateur that is enjoying learning about digital cameras.
Six or seven months ago, I purchased a Nikon Coolpix 5700 digital camera. For me, the learning curve was extremely difficult because I really had no experience with digital cameras. Well, I finally learned to use the camera as per se using the self taught method...very frustrating with the manual provided with the camera.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. I must admit that I was impressed with how much easier it was to use in comparison to the Nikon 5700 digital camera when I first purchased it. In fairness, I have a little limited knowledge at this time that I did not have when I purchased the Nikon 5700 digital camera, thus that is part of the reason that I found the Sony DSC-H1 easier to use.
I used the AUTO MODE in both cameras while conducting this comparison.
First thing that I noticed was the size of the LCD monitor on the Sony DSC-H1...2.5" compared to 1.5" on the Nikon 5700. The Sony DSC-H1 has a fixed LCD monitor where as the Nikon 5700 has a monitor that will rotate.
The Sony DSC-H1 has a stronger zoom, 12X optical zoom plus 2X digital zoom for a 35mm equal of 36mm - 432mm. The Nikon 5700 has a 8X optical zoom plus 4X digital zoom for a 35mm equal of 35mm - 280mm. You can purchase a Nikon lens (part #TC-E15ED) that will extend the zoom to a 35mm equal of 420mm. I did like the longer zoom of the Sony DSC-H1.
I was surprised at the comparison of the battery life. I had heard that the Sony DSC-H1 had poor battery life, but it was better than the Nikon 5700.
In comparing identical photos for color and sharpness, I feel that the Nikon 5700 had a slight edge in providing natural, true colors. In regards to sharpness, it was almost too close for me to call, both produced sharp detailed photos.
I did a few macro photos, and the Nikon 5700 was the better camera in this mode.
Something that is very important was the fact that the Sony DSC-H1 has an optical image stabilization option that the Nikon 5700 does not have. I had several blurred photos with the Nikon 5700 and none with the Sony DSC-H1. The advantage of the optical image stabilization option was most evident when at maximum zoom.
There is not an flash hot shoe on the Sony DSC-H1, and no provision for a remote shutter release. If you desire to use external flash on the Sony DSC-H1, you will have to use a slave type flash unit.
In summary, both cameras are fun to use, but I feel that the Sony DSC-H1 is just a tab more user friendly to someone new to digital photography. While the Nikon 5700 is older technology, I feel that it has the edge in regards to the capability of doing more. I feel that for the average photographer, the Sony DSC-H1 might be a better choice because of the optical image stabilization. Again, I am only an amateur, and these observations are my opinions only. What is important to me may not be important to you. Please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)
Six or seven months ago, I purchased a Nikon Coolpix 5700 digital camera. For me, the learning curve was extremely difficult because I really had no experience with digital cameras. Well, I finally learned to use the camera as per se using the self taught method...very frustrating with the manual provided with the camera.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. I must admit that I was impressed with how much easier it was to use in comparison to the Nikon 5700 digital camera when I first purchased it. In fairness, I have a little limited knowledge at this time that I did not have when I purchased the Nikon 5700 digital camera, thus that is part of the reason that I found the Sony DSC-H1 easier to use.
I used the AUTO MODE in both cameras while conducting this comparison.
First thing that I noticed was the size of the LCD monitor on the Sony DSC-H1...2.5" compared to 1.5" on the Nikon 5700. The Sony DSC-H1 has a fixed LCD monitor where as the Nikon 5700 has a monitor that will rotate.
The Sony DSC-H1 has a stronger zoom, 12X optical zoom plus 2X digital zoom for a 35mm equal of 36mm - 432mm. The Nikon 5700 has a 8X optical zoom plus 4X digital zoom for a 35mm equal of 35mm - 280mm. You can purchase a Nikon lens (part #TC-E15ED) that will extend the zoom to a 35mm equal of 420mm. I did like the longer zoom of the Sony DSC-H1.
I was surprised at the comparison of the battery life. I had heard that the Sony DSC-H1 had poor battery life, but it was better than the Nikon 5700.
In comparing identical photos for color and sharpness, I feel that the Nikon 5700 had a slight edge in providing natural, true colors. In regards to sharpness, it was almost too close for me to call, both produced sharp detailed photos.
I did a few macro photos, and the Nikon 5700 was the better camera in this mode.
Something that is very important was the fact that the Sony DSC-H1 has an optical image stabilization option that the Nikon 5700 does not have. I had several blurred photos with the Nikon 5700 and none with the Sony DSC-H1. The advantage of the optical image stabilization option was most evident when at maximum zoom.
There is not an flash hot shoe on the Sony DSC-H1, and no provision for a remote shutter release. If you desire to use external flash on the Sony DSC-H1, you will have to use a slave type flash unit.
In summary, both cameras are fun to use, but I feel that the Sony DSC-H1 is just a tab more user friendly to someone new to digital photography. While the Nikon 5700 is older technology, I feel that it has the edge in regards to the capability of doing more. I feel that for the average photographer, the Sony DSC-H1 might be a better choice because of the optical image stabilization. Again, I am only an amateur, and these observations are my opinions only. What is important to me may not be important to you. Please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)
