Just ordered...

[nickphoto123]

For further details see the 'Just Received my H9's...' thread started 4/2/2007.

Nicholas

[asmfajf]

Hello everyone, I just registered this morning but have watched this board for quite some time. Judging by the comments of the H-5 I had been considering purchasing one but when I saw the introduction of the H-9 I took the plunge and ordered it. Comparing the specs and the money it looked like the H-9 was definately more bang for the buck and with the extended zoom as compared to the H-5 I couldn't resist. I ordered last Fri. 3/30 from Butterflyphoto and had a confirmation call from them yesterday that it was to ship in a couple days at the most. At $479 I had to jump all over it, my only concern is battery life at this point, AA batteries are always accessable if needed.

I'm glad to be here, and all your posts and opinions have been very helpful!

[1eyedeer]

I have the H5 with teleconverter and wouldn't change it for anything else - the H9 would give me a bit wider angle, etc., but the improvements aren't dramatic.

But my new D40 with the good kit lens at $600 (£320 at current conversion rates) knocks spots off my H5 for low light w/o flash or with flash. I just took three shots indoors with flash in less than 5 seconds - I prefer not to use flash, but when I have used it with the H5, many shots have been missed due to the recharge time. ISO 1600 images are par with the ISO 400 on the H5, focus is practically instant, and the camera is a delight to use.

If you already have an H series camera, the D40 is a much better additional purchase than another superzoom with a small sensor.

[nickphoto123]

Hello 1eyedeer and All,

Glad your camera works for you.

I had both the D30, and still own my D60, but would not think of using/carrying them, with all my lenses, etc.,since I got my R-1.

Your concerns about low light performance seem to be Sony's major sales pitch on the H7/H9 cameras.

The Zoom, Bionz processor, 3" LCD, etc. for my purposes just might offset any concerns about a small sensor.

Soon I will get my H9 and will try to perform low light tests with it. I don't know how it will turn out.

Keep visiting us here at Steves, you may find it interesting.

Nicholas

[1eyedeer]

Hello Nicholas - thank you for your welcome. I should have prefaced my response with a quote by Paniolo, since I was replying to his/her post about buying an H9 in addition to the H5, and not to your original post. The H5 is obviously not as good as your R1, but it does have a great zoom. Maybe the H9 will offer great ISO performance and an acceptable flash recharge time, but I am very happy with the H5 and D40 combo. I've also bought the Sigma 10-20 mm zoomso my comments about cost lacked some truth! The Sigma lens cost as much as the D40 and kit lens.

The H5 (or pocket Casio camera) will still be my "take-out" camera, but the D40 is better for indoor use. The Auto ISO/shutter speed limit is a particularly useful feature, but I did miss the H5 live view at first.

I have found this forum and the Dpreview forum very useful and interesting and contribute when my personal experience may help someone else.

Brian

[Cyberf828]

I sure hope you are going to post a review after you get the H9. After reading your posts I think we are all at the edge of our seats for test shots. :|