The H3 is small and light for an ultra-zoom camera, so it's good for times when a bulkier camera would be impractical. Unlike most compact big-zoom cameras, it has manual exposure controls. However, unlike the others on test, it lacks aperture- and shutter-priority modes, manual focus and manual white balance. Most features are accessed via the menu, which could have been better
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laid out and can be unresponsive. This basic level of control is disappointing, but it merely directs the camera to a different sort of user. The low-resolution screen and unreliable image stabilisation will disappoint all users, though.
On the plus side, its price is low, its performance is up to scratch with a 2fps continuous mode, and battery life is excellent. Detail was a bit vague in dense textures but colours were excellent and the dynamic range was above average. The flash produced excellent skin tones and was effective at illuminating large subjects, and noise levels at high ISO speeds were the lowest from the non-SLR cameras. ISO 800 gave excellent results, and ISO 1600 was useful for emergencies.
The limited manual options and menu-based controls mean it's no good for creative photographers, but the 10x zoom lens, low noise, fast performance and competitive price make it one of the best casual-use ultra-zoom cameras we have seen.
By Ben Pitt
SPECIFICATIONS:
8.0 megapixels (3,264x2,448 pixels), 10.0x optical zoom, 31MB internal memory, Memory Stick Pro Duo slot, 3.6V, 944mAh Li-ion battery
