Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 (Silver) Digital Camera

"w100 is an overall WINNER!!!"

By Miggy  Jun 20, 2006 | 19 out of 19 found this Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 (Silver) review helpful

Pros: Carl Zeiss Lesns, Has a viewfinder, Manages to have a Image Stabilizer when the flash is on, Large internal memory (64mb), 8.1 Megapixel, High ISO Sensitivity(1250), F-stop at 2.8, Has some nice manual features, Nice Flash power, Good Battery life, Size is not the smallest, but is still compact and portable, nice picture quality even at 800 ISO.

Cons: doesn't have a lot of auto setting features compared to the N1 like fireworks, etc., is a little bulky compared to the T-series cybershot models, lacks accesories for the lens compared to the other W series cams, cheap flimsy cover for the batt and card, Lack of manual Auto white balance when the flash is on. AWB only works when the flash is off, Red Eye problem

Overall the w100 is a winner!!! I'm a Canon 350D user and have tried the Sony N1 since my parents have it, and I must say that I would choose the W100 over it in a heartbeat. Before purchasing this cam, I tried out all the cybershot cameras, and ...a few canons. It took me a few hours to finally decide that the w100 is the ONE for me. These were the reasons why I chose the w100...First I needed a camera that still has a viewfinder, since I am so used to taking shots with my Digital SLR, I am already quite used to it. Also, when under bright sunlight, it is quite difficult to rely on the 2.5 inch screen when taking photos. I like the manual options that are available compared to the other Sony Cybershot point and shoot digicams that I tried. Canon might have an edge here. I rarely use the AUTO features of the W100, and sofar I am impressed with the results I've gotten with the manual features. The Macro Mode is cool, but I think the T9 and T30 has better magnifying capabilities. Battery life is pretty good. Flash power is better than the rest, although red eye is still a problem even when the red eye reduction mode is turned on. Lens is great at F2.8 Aperture, not to mention its a Carl Zeiss make. ISO at 1250 but I must say picture quality deteriorates at this range, noise is too visible here. Realistically it is only at ISO 800 wherein the noise is not too noticeable. Pound for pound it's a good Low light Camera. This is where the w100 shines, it is priced lower compared to the T30 (7.1 megapixel) and the N1 (8.1 megapixel) cybershot counterparts. This is why I say the w100 is an overall winner... Try one and I guarantee you won't be disappointed with this pocket rocket camera. Read more Less