Generally focus and exposure are fast and spot on. Colour is excellent with none of the tendency for reds to bleed as with some earlier Sony cameras. The Sony competes with Panasonic and Canon superzooms and is the best of the three for aesthetics and construction quality.

Like this: The H5 is simply a lot of fun to use. There is no doubt that the extreme zoom range gives a buzz all of its own and the quality of the lens is outstanding. For a trip to the zoo this cameras is hard to beat because it is equivalent to carrying a bulky SLR and a couple of lenses. Images are pin sharp even at the 432mm extension, providing you have a steady hand. The LCD screen is large and brilliant.

Dislike that: There is a cluster of controls that fall under the right thumb when you have it on the zoom rocker. It is easy and annoying to inadvertently press the menu or macro selector.

Parting shot: The Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is a versatile camera providing all the controls found on a single lens reflex but without the benefit of a true optical viewfinder. It can be used as a point and shoot camera but it also has a full set of creative controls. It uses Sony’s unique Memory Stick and AA batteries. It comes with a pair of rechargeables and a charger.

The Canon S3IS is cheaper. It has 6mp but it has effective image stabilisation like the Sony. The Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 is similar to the H5 but has a 6mp sensor, a smaller LCD screen and costs $200 less.