Expert Camera Reviews

The Sony Cyber Shot DSC – W80 priced at around $250 is a midrange model in Sony’s W-series line of compact cameras. It has a number of step up features from other lower end models including image stabilization, a faster image processor, face detection, and component video output. The Sony Cyber-shot W80 incorporates a 7.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.5 inch wide LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35 - 105mm

The Cyber-shot W80 includes Sony’s new face detection technology, capable of detecting up to eight faces simultaneously. The Sony Cybershot W80 supports PictBridge for direct printing without the need of having a computer. Another good feature which has been included on the DSC W80 is you can view a high definition slide shows with MP3 music support.

Strengths:
• In-camera red eye reduction
• High ISO 3200 settings that give faster shutter speeds
• Performs well in low light conditions
• Face detection
• Good continuous shooting mode features

Weaknesses:
• Noisy at ISO settings of 800 and higher
• Small buttons which are awkward to use

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 5.4
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, PictBridge Support, Memory Stick Duo flash memory support, VGA movie mode, Slide show with MP3 music support

Summary:
The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W80 is currently the king of the Cyber-shot W-series. Although its the most expensive camera in the series but this factor is overlooked by the impressive features that have been packed into the camera. Its solid picture quality, fast speed and good features like face detection and red eye reduction make it a great choice for a small and reliable snapshot camera.

The Sony DSLR-A100K is one of the most commanding consumer-level digital cameras available, offering more than 10.2 megapixels of resolution and extremely quick response times. However at $1000 minus the add-ons which one would need to purchase, it is a bit expensive. The DSLR comes with a 18 – 70 mm lens and the DSLR-A100K can create professional-quality prints at sizes of 20×25 inches and larger. Image quality with this digital camera is outstanding under all conditions. This camera uses anti-dust coating on the image sensor, which prevents statically charged dust from clinging to the sensor while charging the lenses. The DSLR-A100K accepts Maxxum AF lenses, so for anyone with an existing collection of these lenses should be happy to use this camera

Features that work for the camera are:

• Offers very high image resolution
• In-camera image stabilization
• Easy to use although being a high-end camera
• Good add-on lens selection
• Very good response time

Features that work against the camera are:

• Large camera body
• Costly add-ons units such as lens and focus units
• Sensor based image stabilization

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.2
Weight (oz.) – 16
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – Red-eye reduction technology, Compact flash I/II card slot, microdrive and FAT32 compatible, PictBridge compatible, Pentaprism viewfinder

Summary:
There are only two major factors, the high price and the body weight and size that work against this camera, else it is a very good high end DSLR camera for any photographer to have in his arsenal.

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T50 is an update to the existing DSC-T30 model. The ultra-slim and stylish Cyber-shot DSC-T50 is equipped with a 7-megapixel Sony CCD image sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, a large 3.0 inch Touch panel LCD display, VX Fine movie mode, and 56MB of internal memory. This camera is available in three different colors, red, black and silver. The camera is provided with elective options of either a 4 GB Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards which allows play back of not less than 1100 high-resolution images in slide show mode.

Strengths of the camera:
A large LCD monitor usable in full sun and in surprisingly dim lighting too
A very good flash range for a compact camera
Excellent lens which provides sharp images
Excellent image stabilization for photos even in dim lighting
Excellent photo quality for 13×19 inch prints

Weaknesses:
Strong blues in images are oversaturated
Shots at High-ISO are very noisy
White balance performance under household incandescent lighting not good enough
Continuous shooting mode is slow
Touch screen interface requires more touches for many settings

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight (oz.) – 5.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 4 ft to 11.2 ft
Image stabilizer –Yes, optical
Battery type –lithium ion
Special features –Touch Screen User Interface, In-Camera slide show, white balance adjustments with six modes, Movie mode with MPEG VX option, DPOF and PictBridge compatible

Summary:
The Sony T50 looks like another winner. Apart from the touch screen awkwardness, the T50 looks like a great small digital camera, with a huge, beautiful LCD screen and great anti-shake technology built in. The slightly larger body also gives it better battery life and a very better flash range than other cameras in this category. The camera is great for indoor photography.

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