Great pictures, easy to use

I looked for a few weeks for a camera that was in the price range I could afford (sub $500) that would provide good picture quality and a nice zoom while being easy to use. After reading several reviews on the Panasonic and Canon 12x optical zoom offerings, Sony came out with the DSC-H1. I was able to play with all three products at a local electronics store and the feel and intuitive controls on the Sony sold me. It was extremely easy to use and the screen was a big plus (especially when compared with the Panasonic). While I didn't take pictures in the store, I trusted that the Sony would take good pictures based on my experiences with other Sony products. It did and does. I'm extremely pleased with the results. Being a novice, I haven't experimented with many of the program settings, but in daylight settings the pictures are clear, crisp, and wonderfully detailed. The 12X optical zoom works great. I'd estimate about 1/2 the pictures I take at full 12X zoom I consider clear enough for 8x10 printing (and I've got a pretty discerning eye for clarity). I do wish that the action setting pictures weren't so noisy. The reviews on the DSC-H1 are accurate regarding ISO400 noise. I don't even use that setting any longer. But, all in all, I've gotten more incredible shots with this product than any other camera I've ever owned. I've taken about 1800 pictures in the past two months since purchasing the product and plan to keep clicking away... nice job Sony.