Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 16.1 MP Digital Still Camera with 10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom G Lens and 3.0-inch LCD (Blue)

Just like the title of my review says, this camera is just OK. If you are looking for an OK camera to give to your kid as a gift or this is going to be your first ever camera purchase and you want something simple and relatively inexpensive, then this one will do. Otherwise, look elsewhere. We were looking to upgrade from our 6 or 7-year old Sony and this camera turned out to be not an upgrade at all. Other than a bigger screen and a better zoom, this camera brings absolutely nothing else to the table. We weren't impressed with the colors, we weren't impressed with the quality of photos taken in the low light and we occasionally noticed that 'fish-eye' effect that other reviewers have mentioned. All in all, you get what you pay for. We are now considering going up a couple of steps on the price ladder to buy a camera that will finally be considerably better than our old Sony.

[[ASIN:B004H8FNF8 Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 16.1 MP Digital Still Camera with 10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom G Lens and 3.0-inch LCD (Blue)In the 1980's I enjoyed photography as a hobby. When my equipment wore out and my vision wasn't good any more I lost interest and gave it up. About 12 years ago I received a hand me down digital camera from a family member who always has to have to best and latest of everything. It was a nice little camera...simple to use; but with my poor vision it wasn't much fun; and I only used it on a rare occaision; but it wasn't for a hobby.Recently, I was looking for a new camera and, I compared several of the major brands that were priced under $200.00. They sure have come a long way in technology. I was able to narrow my search down to 3 camera's and spent much time weighing the pro's and con's of each. I carefully examined the cameras that were in the running for simplicity, quality, function, etc. It was the large 3-inch screen that finally sold me on the DSC-H70; as well as, the extra features that allow just the right amount of creativity for me at this stage in life.WOW what a difference! The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 is so easy to use. You can actually see what you're taking a picture of and; I have not had any problem with glare or being unable to see what's in the screen when using it out-doors. I'm still learning about all of the extra features; but it was so easy to set up, and I was able to try it out in no time. The instructions could be a bit more thorough and perhaps include a comprehensive index. But the on camera help is good for when you don't have your instruction booklet with you. It is a great camera for the price. Plus their shade of Blue is my favorite color.Hooray! I don't have to squint or point and guess what's in the photos now.I do wish the camera came in a box-set with all of the accessorries. If it does, I couldn't find it.The camera came with a corded strap, a transfer cable, a software disk, one battery and a battery charger.I was disapointed in the quality of the battery charger...flimsy plastic which looks and feels like it could easily break. I can actually slightly squeeze the sides of the charger...it is not made of solid hard plastic like the ones I had seen before; and it does not have an charging adapter for travel use. The charger did charge the battery without getting either hot. Take note that it does not come with a memory card. It does have enough internal memory for 3 photos.In conslusion, FOR THE PRICE IT'S A GREAT LITTLE CAMERA! It's not just a point and shoot...it has some extra features that allow you to be creative. ie. self-portrait timer, manual operation mode , automatic mode option, plus many that I haven't played with yet. The extended video option sounds like fun...I'm waiting for my memory card to arrive along with my hard shell camera case that has a memory foam lining so I can start enjoying my new Camera.

If you're looking for a compact, simple to use digital camera that takes good photos, look elsewhere. I'm pretty good with digital cameras and typically try most of the superfluous features on them - but this camera (Cyber-Shot DSC H70) just doesn't take good photos even with all of the fiddling with features.You will find this feedback point in other reviews, but whenever there is a white object in your photo - such as a white bowl in the center of the table or someone wearing a white shirt in a portrait photo - the white will be severely overexposed and will ruin the rest of the photo (even post-photo touching up doesn't work because the white-wash effect is so stark). This is a major, major negative. Honestly, indoors or outdoors, this effect occurs and it ruins pictures.Another aspect of this camera that ruins photos is that there are far too many options for simply taking a plain old portrait photo. I needed to take a photo for a professional purpose. I donned a suit and went to a building to have my photo taken with this camera (I'll admit upfront, I should have used something more professional). We took 20 photos and the background was either far too dark, too yellow / orange, or completely grainy. If a digital camera cannot take a straight-forward portrait of a person sitting down indoors (with or without flash), then it's worthless. We had to go outdoors to take the photo, and then the white shirt caused a massive white-wash to occur in the photo which almost ruined it (I cropped the photo to a head shot which was usable).If you plan to use this camera for outdoor photos of landscapes when there is nothing too bright in the field of the photo, then this camera takes good photos. The panorama function is good and works well. These 2 points keep me from giving this product a 1-star rating.The auto smile detection, auto skin adaptation, and other bells and whistles are useless. I want a camera that takes basic photos very well. This is NOT that camera.I paid $189 (vs. $169). It's not worth $169 either. The zoom and hi pixel rating are attractive features, but the photos are grainy and cropping to a small portion of a hi-res photo doesn't look good. I used to own Sony (T6) and had the memory card which I wanted to re-purpose. This camera was not worth it. I should have bucked up and gone with the T9 even though that camera has minimal zoom.

I'm strictly a point and shoot kind of person and this camera is all that I will ever need. Easy to use. Beautiful panoramic shots. Cons are few and easy to forgive. #1 is it ain't blue! It's purple. Initially the controls on top felt awkwardly placed but became comfortable after a few uses. I used it extensively one day at the Grand Canyon and the battery was dead by the end of the day. Overall I am very happy I choose this camera.