Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 Review - PhotographyBLOG:

I can't see something like this replacing an SLR in the camera bags of anyone serious about their photography - but I can see this being a sufficiently reliable holiday/party camera - the camera you take those places where you don't want the hassle of a full bag of kit, where you don't care about having the full control, where you're not worried about getting RAW images.

The only downside is that it's a bit big for that sort of use - but a 12x optical zoom, 5.1 megapixels and a 2.5" LCD screen make up for a lot of that size.

At US$499 it's not going to break the bank either - perhaps it would also be a good starter camera for someone who wants a step up from a little point-and-shoot compact, but doesn't have the budget for a full DSLR?

The review doesn't say, but I'm guessing it takes Sony Memory Sticks - which I reckon's rather a negative - what is it Sony have about using closed format storage?