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A complex, well-made camera with tons of controls, the A700 takes exceptionally sharp, well-exposed shots.
First impressions of the Alpha DSLR-A700, Sony's $1900 (as of 12/14/2007), 12-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, brings to mind terms like "massive," "brick-like," and "complex." With its deep right-hand grip and 2.75-pound weight (which includes the zoom lens in the kit we tested), it feels big and heavy.
That impression is, however, a bit deceiving. The A700's body is comparable in size to the Canon EOS 30D I use, and most of the Sony's weight is in the lens--the body, without a battery, is 24 ounces, less than the 30D or the Samsung Digimax GX-10 I reviewed at the same time as the Sony. Some of that savings in weight comes from the Sony's magnesium body, which should also add to its overall durability.
Unlike some other digital SLR brands, Sony did not go cheap on the kit lens bundled with its camera: The $1900 price includes a zoom lens with an appealing 24mm to 158mm (35mm equivalent) focal length. Purchasing the body alone reduces the price by $500. Apart from this lens, however, the number of other lenses and accessories available for this model is limited.
Complex the A700 certainly is--it probably has more exposure controls than any other DSLR I've seen to date. That said, the camera's ease of use is still exceptionally good: Like most current DSLRs, it has fore and aft selector dials for quickly changing shutter speeds, aperture values, and exposure compensation. But it also has a healthy number of nicely placed, well-labeled, dedicated buttons for key controls such as white balance, drive mode, ISO setting, and metering modes.
My favorite feature, however, is the Function button on the back of the camera. In shooting mode, the A700 displays a comprehensive summary of your exposure settings on its 3-inch LCD. By pressing the Function button, then working the mini-joystick and the selector dials, you can directly select and change any of the displayed settings right on the screen. It's extremely quick and intuitive.
Other high points for the A700 include slots for both Memory Stick Pro Duo and Compact Flash media; built-in optical image stabilization that works with all of Sony's Alpha lenses; five-frames-per-second burst shooting; three memory registers for custom user settings; plus a wireless remote and an HDMI port for viewing your images on a high-definition display.
Image bracketing options in the A700 are extensive: In addition to the usual automatic exposure bracketing, it has white balance, flash bracketing with one shot, and two levels of dynamic-range bracketing. This latter feature is useful in scenes with extremely high contrast. In a test shot that included the interior of a room and a window with a bright outdoor scene, turning up the dynamic range greatly improved shadow detail, though with a slight overexposure of the highlights.
My informal test shots with the A700 were mostly up to expectations. I was impressed with their overall sharpness, especially in macro (close-up) images. In photos with deep shadow and bright highlights, the A700 delivered significantly more shadow detail than did the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K, the Samsung GX-10, or my Canon 30D reference camera. Color balance seemed a bit erratic, though: A scene taken in late afternoon sun with automatic white balance had a distinct blue/magenta cast. However, switching to daylight white balance produced accurate colors. In other shots, auto white balance produced perfectly acceptable colors. In our lab tests, the A700 earned high marks for exposure accuracy and for image sharpness, but it scored a bit below average for color accuracy.
Disappointingly, the image editing and image management software package Sony has bundled does a disservice to its camera. The three apps are poorly integrated, and are a mishmash of the overly simple and overly complex. The Image Data Converter SR application, for example, has a plethora of tools for editing and processing RAW format images--but almost nothing for editing JPEG-based shots. For that, you have to go to the relatively low-end Sony Picture Motion Browser app, which is obviously more suitable for the company's point-and-shoot models. And while the RAW application comes in both Mac and Windows versions, Picture Motion Browser is Windows only. (That's not a big concern, though, because Apple's free iPhoto is a far better application.) The third application is the Image Data Lightbox SR, another simple app for viewing and organizing your photos.
With its sharp, 12-megapixel imaging and with more exposure controls than most photographers--amateur or professional--will likely use, the beefy and finely designed A700 rises to nearly pro-level photography, making it well worth its $1900 price tag. It is limited mostly by its relatively narrow range of available lenses and accessories.
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is an instant classic: the top-quality 10 mexapixel DSLR system camera that builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepts 20 years of A-mount lenses sold worldwide—and introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new anti-dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures and Eye-Start ® autofocus system for faster camera response.
Superior Electronics, Amazing Simplicity
In the revolutionary new Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, Sony digital technology takes you a giant step toward professional performance -- with advanced imaging, image stabilization and creative control functions, plus ease of operation that helps everyone take better digital pictures right from the start.
Advanced Lenses and Accessories
The Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is your gateway to an incredibly sophisticated array of lenses and accessories -- including precision Sony® standard and zoom lenses, Sony® "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss® T coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and compatibility with over 16 million Maxxum®, Dynax and A-mount lenses sold worldwide.
10 MP APS-size CCD Imager
A large APS-size CCD imager allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise -- and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject.
Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization
When you shoot with high sensitivity, the shutter remains open longer -- so to compensate for shaky hands or fast-moving subjects, the Sony® Super SteadyShot® system automatically reduces image blur. And because it works in-camera, you’ll get the benefit of Super SteadyShot® stabilization with every lens you use.
Sharp, Clear Photos that Preserve the Mood
With high-sensitivity (ISO 1600) shooting, the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera captures great photos without flash even in low light -- which makes it an ideal system camera for shooting without a tripod or in locations (like museums and churches) where flash is prohibited.
Anti-Dust Technology
Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areasof the picture, the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides two levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Normal DRO, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.
Bionz™ Image Processor
At the heart of the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is the advanced Bionz™ Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that responds ten times faster than software image processors -- improving camera response time, handling Dynamic Range Optimization processing and extending Stamina® battery life.
Eye-Start® Autofocus System
Some DSLR systems don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed -- but that can slow down camera response. The Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera begins its precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder, to capture fast-action subjects other cameras might blur.
2.5”1 Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Screen
The Clear Photo LCD Plus™ design of the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera’s built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight -- and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results.
Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second
To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card -- plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
Super-Accurate Exposure Control
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy.
Flexible Exposure Modes
For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority.
9-Point Auto Focus Selection
The Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera gives you all the focusing options you need for composing your shot with foreground, background or off-center subjects -- including manual focus point selection, Spot AF, Continuous AF and AF Lock.
Lithium Ion Battery with Stamina® Power
A supplied NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 750 shots4 on a full charge, recharges quickly with supplied battery charger.
Dual Media Options
The Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera accepts both CompactFlash™ Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo™ media (with supplied adaptor).
Product Specifications
Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : (WHD) 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 2 7/8" (133 x 95 x 71 mm)
Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb. 3 oz (545g) body, not including battery, lens and media
Convenience
Burst Mode : Up to 3FPS; Unlimited to capacity of media (JPEG L/M/S); Maximum 3 frames (RAW + JPEG); Maximum 6 frames (RAW)
Color Mode(s) : Black & White, Standard, Vivid, Adobe RGB (Except for Adobe RGB, all other color modes use the sRGB color space)
Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 16GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Red-Eye Reduction : On/Off (all modes)
Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off)
White Balance : Auto plus 6 Modes (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); +/-3 step adjustable Kelvin tempature control
Hardware
LCD : 2.5" TFT (230k pixels) LCD with Clear Photo™ design
Microphone : N/A
Viewfinder : Optical: TTL, 0.83x, 95% coverage
Power
Battery Capacity : 7.2V, 1600 mAh; CIPA standard: approx. 750 pictures4
Battery Type : NP-FM55 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
General
Imaging Device : 10.2 (effective) APS CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm; RGB primary color filter
Megapixel : 10.2MP
Convenience Features
AF Illuminator Light : Yes, On/Off Select
Clear RAW NR : N/A
Histogram Display : Yes, Playback only
Movie Mode(s) : N/A
Multi-Pattern Measuring : 40 Segment, Center Weighted, Spot
Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night View/Night Portrait
Processor
BIONZ™ Engine : Yes (LSI with Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO/DRO+))
Optics/Lens
EV Compensation : ±2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps
Exposure : Manual Exposure: Yes, w/EV indicator, Manual Exposure: Yes; Aperture/Shutter Priority, Manual, Program Shift: Yes, Command Dial
Focus : Auto Focus: TTL Phase Detection, Multi-point: 9 Area, 8 Line, 1 Cross Sensor, Auto Focus Mode: Yes, Adjustable Spot AF: Selectable Sensor, Visual Focus Confirm: Direct via VF Matte Screen, Manual Focus
ISO : Auto/160/200/400/800/1600/ Lo80/Hi200
Lens Type : Interchangeable A-mount
Shutter Speed : 30 <>
Given the budget Cyber-shot DSC-S700's position at the rock-bottom of Sony's 2007 camera line, all you should really expect from it is the ability to take usable photos with minimal fuss. And by those standards, it passes muster. Just.
Compact and weighing 6.8 ounces, the S700 fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. It uses a typical control layout: the mode dial and power switch sit on top, while on the back you'll find a zoom rocker; four-way-plus-enter switch for exposure compensation, flash, macro and self-timer; and image quality/delete, review, display, and menu buttons. All these controls are large enough--the 2.4-inch LCD leaves plenty of space for them along with a small thumb grip--and it's pretty comfortable to shoot one-handed. However, the buttons all feel a bit flat and hard to push, while the navigation switch doesn't always seem to register presses. Like many of its classmates, the S700 lacks an optical viewfinder, and there are times in bright sunlight that the LCD becomes unreadable.
Feature wise, there's not a lot to the 7-megapixel S700. As with many budget options, it sports a relatively slow, narrow-angle lens, in this case an f2.8-4.8 35-105mm 3x zoom. From within the menus you can choose from some color effects, spot or evaluative metering, several white-balance presets, sensitivity up to ISO 1000, Fine or Standard compression quality, sharpness, flash compensation, and single or burst shooting.
Compared with many low-budget models, the S700 performs pretty well. It powers on and shoots in just under 2 seconds. In good light when there are no contrast problems to challenge the autofocus, it focuses and shoots in 0.8 second--tolerable, but not great. But when the lights dim and contrast decreases, shutter lag increases just a bit to 1.1 seconds, which is very good for its class. It typically takes about 1.8 seconds to shoot two consecutive frames, which jumps to a reasonable 2.5 seconds when flash comes into play. The S700 provides a limited three-shot burst mode that shoots at around 1.4-1.6fps, depending upon file size and quality settings.
The results look a bit more middling when it comes to photo quality. Though it certainly fares no worse than many competing cameras, its pictures don't match up to those of models such as the Canon PowerShot A550 or Fujifilm FinePix A900. You can get some decent snapshots in good light, as long as you stick to the lowest ISO sensitivity setting, though they might not stand up to printing larger than 8x10. There's surprisingly little fringing. Beyond that, however, problems arise. The default evaluative metering mode tends to underexpose shots and photos lack sharpness. There's visible vignetting at the widest angle of the zoom range. Depending upon the subject matter, photos shot at ISO 200 can be OK, but above that there's simply too much noise and detail smearing from aggressive noise suppression. The automatic white balance remains within acceptable limits, but occasionally gets confused. (Some photo samples are available here.)
In the highly competitive low-end camera market, it takes a bit more work to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, the frill-free Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 can't quite keep up with better same-priced models like the Canon PowerShot A550 or Sony's own, slightly more expensive DSC-W55.
The good: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 has respectable performance for its class.
The bad: Unfortunately, it has some issues with photo quality.
The bottom line: Other models do budget better than the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700.
Shoot dramatic close-ups and sharp fast-action shots with the 8.1 megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-H7 digital camera. The Carl Zeiss® 15X optical zoom and Advanced Sports Mode with high shutter speed are perfect for crisp long shots and excellent detail when shooting at sporting events.
Super SteadyShot® image stabilization and high-sensitivity (ISO 3200) mode reduce blur when shooting without a flash and Face Detection technology brings out the best in faces. You can also manually control the exposure and focus of the DSC-H7, making it ideal for more artistic shots. And with HD (high definition) output, photos can look even more spectacular when you share them with friends and family on HDTV screens.
High-Power Carl Zeiss® 15X Optical Zoom
A superb lens for bringing long-distance subjects up close, the pro-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens design of the DSC-H7 provides 15X Optical zoom design -- with 25X HD Digital zoom to enlarge the center portion of the picture so you see even more detail.
8.1 MP Super HAD™ CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition for editing, cropping, and making large digital prints. Sony’s advanced Super HAD™ (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.
HD Output1
Thanks to Sony, your photo album can go high-def -- with direct HD output1 to compatible HDTV screens, so you can view DSC-H7 still photos in spectacular high definition clarity and detail. Your life never looked so exciting!
HD Slide Show with Music
It’s the high-definition viewing experience that makes photos come alive on compatible HDTV screens, accompanied by your choice of visual effects and any of four preset musical selections stored in memory or your favorite MP3 tunes downloaded from PC to your camera for use as background music.
Face Detection
By automatically controlling focus, exposure, color and flash, this new Sony feature reveals faces in shadow, makes skin tones look more natural and eliminates harsh facial glare -- to help bring out every expression on every face in every shot, so you’ll capture the personalities and emotions that make memories come alive.
High Sensitivity Mode
With Super SteadyShot® image stabilization to minimize blur, High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) lets the DSC-H7 shoot effectively in low light without flash to preserve the mood -- and Sony’s original Clear RAW™ NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress the color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.
Advanced Sports Mode
To capture fast-moving subjects in split-second detail, the DSC-H7 provides a Sports shooting mode that combines high shutter speed (up to 1/4000 sec.) that responds more quickly to rapid motion -- a great way to catch the perfect moment in sports, children’s games, pet tricks and more.
Long-Distance Flash
A powerful flash provides extra illumination to light up subjects farther from your camera, with precise light control and the ability to adjust flash for both front and rear sync when shooting at low-speed sync setting.
Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization
Other image stabilization systems crop in to compensate for “camera shake” -- but with the Super SteadyShot® system, optical sensors detect camera movement and send correcting signals to a stabilization lens that allows even ultra-long-distance digital photos to capture more detail with less camera shake distortion.
9-Point Auto Focus
Because an off-center subject can make your shot more interesting, the DSC-H7 can measure auto-focus precision at 9 points on your screen -- giving you greater creative freedom to compose your image.
D-Range Optimization
Powered by the exclusive Sony Bionz™ high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights and reveals more detail in shadows or backlit areas -- for great results even in difficult lighting conditions.
In-Camera Retouching
The DSC-H7 lets you add creative effects to photos after you shoot -- including soft edge filter to soften backgrounds, cross filter to place starry “dazzles” at highlight points, partial color filter to mute surrounding colors, even fish-eye filter to create interesting fish-eye lens effects.
In-Camera Red-Eye Reduction.
Irritating “glowing eyes” can ruin even the most creative photos -- so the DSC-H7 gives you in-camera correction at the touch of a button to reduce lingering red-eye effect that other systems might miss.
2.5”2 LCD Screen, Simple Controls
The DSC-H7 provides a large, bright LCD screen that makes it easy to compose shots, check results and read menus even in bright sunlight -- plus simple camera menus, a new GUI Home button, and Function Guide display that makes it easier to learn camera setup operations.
Electronic Color Viewfinder
In addition to its 2.5”2 LCD screen, the DSC-H7 has a built-in electronic color viewfinder that lets you shoot in traditional camera style and save battery power by turning your LCD screen off.
Remote Control Function
In both shooting and play mode, you can use a supplied remote control unit to control basic camera functions – including zoom, menu settings, etc. – so you can put yourself in the picture when shooting with a tripod or sit back andenjoy the show when you share images on your home TV screen.
Wheel Dial for Manual Exposure Modes
For more creative freedom, a simple wheel-dial control lets you quickly change camera settings in manual modes (shutter speed priority, aperture priority, manual exposure) and also control ISO sensitivity, focus area, and exposure value. In play mode, the wheel dial provides a quick way to view your next or previous shot.
31 MB Internal Memory
The DSC-H7 allows you to capture shots in-camera for later transfer to PC or Memory Stick Duo™ media -- so even if you forget your flash memory card, you can always get the shot.
Memory Stick Duo™ Media
The DSC-H7 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo™ media or higher-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media -- the ultra-compact media for shooting, storing and sharing your photo images.
76X Smart Zoom® Feature4
Sony’s Smart Zoom® feature gives you an amazing ultra-close crop on the central portion of interest in your photo while avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms.
MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-H7 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio/video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second5) -- with Optical Zoom in movie mode to let you zoom in or pull back while taking action shots.
Stamina® Battery Power
The DSC-H7 provides up to 250 shots3 with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery -- enough shooting capacity to cover a long weekend or a whole vacation.
Weights and Measurements
Weight (Approx.) : Weight: 13.2 oz (375 g) Body; 1lb 2.1 oz. (514 g) including Battery and optional Memory Stick™ DUO Media
Dimensions (Approx.) : Dimensions: 4 5/16" x 3 5/16" x 3 3/8" (109.5 x 83.4 x 85.7 mm)
Convenience
White Balance : Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent, Flash, Manual
Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off)
Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 8GB Memory Stick DUO PROTM media capacity1; does not support Access Control security function.
Still Image Mode(s) : Burst, Normal JPEG, Bracket Exposure
Red-Eye Reduction : Yes (On/Off all modes)
Burst Mode : Up to 100 Shot at TBD fps (all resolutions)
Erase/Protect : Yes/Yes
Date/Time Stamp : No/ No
Media/Battery Indicator : Yes/Yes
Color Mode(s) : Black & White, Natural, Sepia, Vivid
Hardware
LCD : 2.5"2 (115K Pixels TFT LCD Screen)
Viewfinder : 0.2" 201k LCD, TTL EVF
Lens Construction : 13 Elements in 8 Groups, 4 Aspheric Elements/ 1 ED lens
Microphone/Speaker : Yes/ Yes
Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar®
Docking Station : N/A
Convenience Features
AF Illuminator Light : Yes
PictBridge Compatible : Yes
Multi-Pattern Measuring : Yes
SteadyShot® Image Stabilization : Yes
Scene Mode(s) : Advanced Sports Shooting, Beach, Fireworks, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Twilight, Twilight Portrait
Movie Mode(s) : MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640x480 at 30fps) (MPEG VX Fine requires Memory Stick DUO PRO™ media), MPEG VX Standard with Audio (640x480 at 16fps), Presentation Mode (320x240 at 8.3fps).
Power Save Mode : Yes (after approx. 3 min. of inactivity)
In-Camera Editing : Red-eye reduction, soft edge filter, cross filter partial color filter, fish-eye filter
Power
Battery Type : Lithium-Ion NP-BG1
Battery Capacity : 3.6V, 960 mAh
Optics/Lens
* Focal Length : 5.2 - 78 mm
* 35mm Equivalent : 31 - 465 mm
* Focus : 9 Area Multi-Point AF, Monitoring AF, Flexible Spot AF
* Aperture Range : Auto, (f2.7-5.6W)/(f4.5-8T)
* Shutter Speed : 1/4-1/4000 sec. (Auto), 1-1/4000 sec. (Program Auto), 8" - 1/2000 (Aperture Priority), 30" - 1/4000 (Manual/Shutter Priority)
* Exposure Compensation : 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Step Increments
* ISO : Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
* Smart Zoom® Technology : Up to 18X (5MP), 23X (3MP), 25X (16:9 2MP) 76X (VGA Resolution)4
* Digital Zoom : 0-2.0X (Precision)
* Optical Zoom : 15X
* Macro Mode : Yes
* Total Zoom : 30X
* Face Detection : Yes
For most of us, a massive D-SLR is way too much camera to carry around all the time. Trim and lightweight, Sony's $349.99 Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is small enough to keep in a pocket and at the ready, but just because it's tiny doesn't mean it isn't capable. The speedy, super-high-resolution 13.6-megapixel DSC-W300 snaps some sharp photos with rich, pleasing colors, especially when outside. On the other hand, the camera's flash is a bit heavy-handed, and its physical controls may prove difficult for large fingers to operate.
The DSC-W300's attractively styled all-metal frame feels solidly built. About the size of a deck of playing cards, the camera measures 3.7 by 2.3 by 1.1 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.6 ounces. It features a relatively standard 3X optical zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16 and a focal length of 7.6mm to 22.8 mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm to 105mm). The 2.7-inch screen, which dominates the back of the camera, is bright and easy to read except when viewed in strong, direct sunlight. There's also an optical viewfinder for framing shots.
Button layout is typical for a slim point-and-shoot camera. Along the top left edge are the power and shutter release buttons—both within easy reach of your index finger. Since the big display takes up so much real estate on the back of the cam, the dedicated Menu, Home, Picture Playback, and Slideshow viewing keys are extremely tiny. The mode dial, which lies flat on the camera body (right next to the screen), is also a challenge for larger hands, like mine, to manipulate.
Located within the SCN function are eight handy scene modes to make shooting simpler. You'll find helpful modes like SoftSnap, which shoots subjects with soft backgrounds, as well as Twilight, Beach, and Snow. Turning the mode dial to the Smiley Face icon flips the device into Smile Shutter mode, a feature integrated across Sony's Cyber-shot camera line. With this mode enabled, the camera locks onto faces in the frame and automatically snaps shots as your subject smiles. Yes, it's a bit of a gimmick, but it worked well on my tests. Other handy features include a face-recognition engine that can track up to eight faces at a time and a nine-point autofocus system.
The camera's menu system, unlike those of competing models such as the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS, takes a little while to understand. The interface is similar to that of Sony's own Cyber-shot DSC-T2, but unlike the T2, the DSC-W300 doesn't have a touch screen to help you out. Hitting the Home button pulls up a list of global settings. You navigate by using the aforementioned flat, circular mode button. The experience is reminiscent of Sony's XrossMediaBar interface (found on its TVs and PlayStation 3 consoles). Think this may be what he's after: "Pressing the Menu key yields a list of options you can change—but, confusingly, there's a different list for each mode. On the plus side, descriptions of menu items appear as you select them.
During labs testing, the DSC-W300 displayed nimble performance. The camera's average boot-up time was a swift 2.1 seconds. Shutter lag was minimal at 0.2 seconds, and I measured recycle time as an acceptable 3.1 seconds between shots. The camera's optics weren't bad, either. Though I observed a touch of barrel distortion at the lens's widest angle setting, there was no trace of pincushion problems when I zoomed up close. As far as image quality goes, the DSC-W300 delivered pleasing daylight pictures, possessing rich colors and crisp detail. Flash shots, on the other hand, were inconsistently exposed, with bright, flaring hot spots in the foreground and murky darkness plaguing the background. The DSC-W300 averaged 2,100 lines on our resolution test, confirming that it is capable of delivering its advertised 13.6MP resolution.
Informal shots taken outside in bright daylight were lovely, with vivid color and proper exposure. Dark environments were another story. Despite the device's ISO range (which tops out at 6400), shots taken without the flash or inside dimly lit bars resulted in heavy blurring of moving objects. These pictures also exhibited a fair amount of noise. Under the same conditions with the flash enabled, inconsistency issues popped up again. Subjects in the foreground had a tendency to be blindingly bright while those in the background were correctly exposed. Still, this type of problem is common among point-and-shoot cameras. If you want to take natural-looking night photos, you'll need to spring for an expensive D-SLR model.
As for video, the DSC-W300 captures MPEG movies in 640-by-480-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second. My test videos looked smooth and sounded fine. The camera stores video and pictures to Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro Duo media.
With its stylish design, high resolution, and agile performance, Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is a compelling compact camera. If you plan to shoot most of your pictures outdoors or within well-lit environments, the W300 captures some great-looking images. And at $349, it's not outrageously priced when compared with other high-end models like the $399 Canon PowerShot SD950 IS. But there are better bargains out there—in particular, the $150 Casio Exilim EX-Z9, which also exhibited good daylight picture quality and excellent video capture. Of course, none of these cameras displaces our reigning Editors' Choice point-and-shoot camera, the top-notch Canon PowerShot SD790.Article Courtsey of pcmag.com
