Sony Dsc H300 20.1 Megapixel Digital Camera Review
Sony DSC-H300 is a feature-packed digital camera that offers stunning images and videos, thanks to the 20.1 Megapixel CCD sensor and powerful lens. It is an excellent choice for beginners as well as seasoned photographers who want to capture high-quality images on the go. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, design, performance, and overall value of the Sony DSC-H300.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony DSC-H300 has a classic DSLR-style design, with a textured black finish that provides a secure grip. The camera measures 5.12 x 3.74 x 4.21 inches and weighs 1.31 pounds, making it a bit bulky compared to other point-and-shoot cameras. However, the camera's size allows for better handling and stabilization, especially when shooting with the zoom lens extended.
The camera features a large 3.0-inch clear photo LCD display that provides a clear and bright view of your images and videos. The display also features an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and makes it easier to use in bright sunlight.
Features and Performance
The Sony DSC-H300 comes with a 35x optical zoom lens that provides a focal range of 25-875mm. This allows you to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits, making it a versatile camera for all types of photography. The lens also features optical image stabilization that compensates for camera shake, resulting in sharper images and videos.
The camera features a 20.1 Megapixel CCD sensor that captures high-quality images with vivid colors and excellent details. The sensor also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to the ISO range of 80-3200. However, at higher ISO values, the image quality tends to degrade due to noise and graininess.
The Sony DSC-H300 is capable of shooting 720p HD videos at 30 frames per second. The video quality is good, but not the best in the market. The camera also features a built-in microphone that captures clear audio, but it tends to pick up wind noise and other ambient sounds.
User Interface and Controls
The Sony DSC-H300 features a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners. The camera comes with several shooting modes, including Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, and Scene Selection, that allow you to customize your settings according to your needs.
The camera also features a dedicated zoom lever that allows you to zoom in and out smoothly, without having to use the zoom ring around the lens. The camera also features a built-in flash that provides decent coverage, but it tends to produce harsh shadows and highlights in certain lighting conditions.
Battery Life and Storage
The Sony DSC-H300 is powered by four AA batteries, which provide a decent battery life of up to 350 shots, depending on your usage. However, using rechargeable batteries may result in a shorter battery life due to their lower voltage.
The camera comes with 55 MB of internal memory, which is not enough to store more than a few images and videos. However, the camera features a memory card slot that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, allowing you to expand your storage up to 64 GB.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 35x optical zoom lens
- 20.1 Megapixel CCD sensor
- Excellent image quality
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Good battery life
- Memory card slot for expandable storage
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy design
- Video quality could be better
- Built-in microphone picks up wind noise and ambient sounds
- Flash produces harsh shadows and highlights in certain lighting conditions
Conclusion
The Sony DSC-H300 is a versatile and feature-packed digital camera that offers excellent image quality, thanks to the 20.1 Megapixel CCD sensor and powerful zoom lens. The camera is easy to use and customize, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned photographers alike. However, the camera's bulky and heavy design may not be suitable for those looking for a more compact and portable camera. Overall, the Sony DSC-H300 is a great camera for anyone looking to capture high-quality images and videos on the go.
