we saw with the previous generation the DSC-H9 has a 'little brother', the DSC-H7. Basically a slightly cut down, cheaper version of the H9, the differences are actually fairly minimal - for most users the screen will be the key.
H9 has a larger (3.0 inch), higher-resolution tilting screen (H7: 2.5-inch non-articulated)
H9 has external buttons for metering and continuous shooting modes, H7 doesn't
H9 is around 32g (1.1 oz) heavier
H9 has NightShot function, H7 doesn't.