BEST ALL IN ONE package (POUND for POUND)
By Jake Mar 6, 2005 | 18 out of 18 found this Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 review helpful
Pros: 5.1 Megapixels, Carl Zeiss Lens, Real Imaging Processor, Big LCD, Direct A/V(TV) out, User Friendly, Great Software included, accepts disposable batteries, MPEGMovie, upgradable, value for money
Cons: Memory Stick
The Sony DSC-W1 is the BEST "pound for pound" digital still camera! PROS- It is user friendly, it has all the features an amateur photographer wants and needs, and I dare say even a professional would not be found wanting with this camera. ...I didn't know much about the the "Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens" when I bought this camera, but I'm glad I trusted Sony, when they advertised that this lens gives really clear and crisp pictures, WOW... they weren't kidding, combined with a 5.1 megapixel setting, you can get pictures that will literally leave you in awe. I'm glad I got a camera that has 5.1 Mega Pixels, it really does make a difference, it gives you versatility and sharper pictures at larger sizes. I don't think you need anything higher though unless youre a professional. There are various pre-settings available at a turn of a dial that will cover practically any type of shot so it's really an easy camera to use. There's a pre-set mode where you can literally just click away without worrying about anything. If you want to be a little more creative you can customize each shot to produce even greater pics, create effects like black and white and sepia. You can use the "burst" and "multi-burst" functions to get multiple shots per second, great for sports aficionados-good for studying your form frame by frame while taking that swing with a golf club or tennis racket or whatever you want it for! Picture quality settings can be at "ordinary" which is really good, or the higher setting - "fine" which is, well,...WOW! It has 3X optical zoom and Smart zoom which if activated can use 6X digital zoom after you've reached the limit of the optical zoom. And its digital zoom is clearer and sharper than ordinary digital zooms. The LCD is big for a still cam, 2.5", believe me this really makes a difference, you don't have to squint or stick your head so near the camera just to take pics or review shots or your camera settings. You can directly view your pictures or videos on your TV cause of the A/V out and cable of the camera. It's really more convenient to watch on your TV than on your Personal Computer (PC), and that's important, why? Two things, 1. Your TV is bigger than your PC monitor and reproduces better pictures, 2. Your TV is probably in a place you can watch in comfort and with a bigger audience as opposed to where your PC is located. However, you will still need your PC, and that's not a problem 'cause the DSCW1 like most digicams can be connected to your PC via a highspeed USB cable.You'll love that 'cause of the software that comes with this camera-Picture Package is really awesome, its like Powerpoint but much much easier and better. You can EASILY (and I do mean easily) make great slide shows of your pictures, with pre-set music or music the software allows you to get from your CDs. There are around 5 preset effects from where you can choose for your slide show and more you can buy I think. Me and my wife really enjoyed the "mini-movies" we made from our kids' pictures and videos. You can also "burn" your videos and slideshows to a CD after you've added the effects and music, this you can do either in MPEG or VCD format. This camera also has Sony's "Real Imaging Processor" which Sony claims makes the digital images clearer and sharper. By the results, I believe them :) The included batteries are 2 size "AA" nickel metal Hydride (NMH) batteries which are rechargeable but you have to discharge them completely before you recharge them which is a hassle since the included charger takes 6 hours to fully charge them. There are quick chargers for sale though which allow you to recharge the batteries as quickly as an hour and a half. Bottomline, you need to buy spare batteries. You don't necessarily have to buy the quick charger or NMH batteries since this camera accepts disposable size "AA" ALKALINE batteries, but they are just for emergencies though or home use since they'll last only 30 min. to an hour depending on use and the brand of battery, but over all it's really cool since in emergencies, you can just buy a couple at your local 7/11 or supermarket, so if you keep more than a pair in stock you'll never worry 'bout running out of battery. All in all I prefer its batteries to the lithium ones 'cause even though the latter are rechargeable at anytime, theyre more expensive and are NOT available at any 7/11 or supermarket. The size is just right too. Small and lightweight but not too small that you'll have a hard time taking pics or videos...and it looks good too. This camera is Pictbridge compatible, meaning you can directly connect it via the USB cable to a Pictbridge compatible printer and print the pictures directly from your camera. Its optional accessories are really nice, you can upgrade the lens to get a higher zoom capacity or a wider angle shot (specially good for serious photographers). CONS- So the only real downside is the kind of memory this camera uses, not because its not good function wise ('cause it is), but 'cause it's expensive. And you will want a higher capacity memory stick (especially if you like using the video camera function). Otherwise, you'll have to frequently upload your pics and videos to your PC. Canon uses Flash memory which is cheaper. There are cheaper alternatives to Sony memory stick, you can get cheaper memory sticks though (non-Sony brands) which are around half the price. So this is really not so bad given the rest of the package. OVERALL- It has many other features and combined with the price, I think this is the best over-all digital still camera out there right now. A lot of people told me that Canon is the best in cameras, that Sony is new in the camera market, but I think Canons reputation was earned before the digital camera age. Im not saying Canon isnt good, but rather, in Digital Cameras, I dont think theyre necessarily the best. In electronics, I believe Sony, is the best, and digital cameras are essentially electronic gadgets, so I thought with the DSC-W1 with "Carl Zeiss lens", they had the best package. I made the right decision; the Sony DSC-W1 is one of the best buys I've made in my life. And my wife thinks so too :) I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of buying a digital camera. -Jason Read more Less
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