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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
Canon | Casio | Fuji | HP | Kodak | Minolta | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony | Misc. | Accessories | Lenses
The Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 has a 7.2 CCD megapixel sensor, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 4x Optical Zoom, 2.5inch LCD, night shot infrared shooting as well as numerous other quality features. Steve's Digicams previews the DSC-V3 writing:
"The DSC-V3 provides a full range of exposure control that includes: Auto, Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Full Manual and 7 pre-programmed Scene modes. In addition it also offers the Sony exclusive Nightframing and NightShot modes which use its built-in infrared illuminators for image capture in total darkness up to 15 feet. To insure that the lens is always sharply focused, the DSC-V3 is equipped with Hologram AF illuminator that "paints" your subject with a safe laser pattern. Low-light shooting is further enhanced by slow-shutter noise reduction that produces the cleanest possible image."
Imaging Resource reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 and writes - 'With an improved build, greater speed, and a wonderfully large screen, the Sony DSC-V3 gives rangefinder lovers more of what they want a digital camera for, integrating some of the innovations we saw debut in the Sony F828. V1 fans will appreciate the new features, but some might not like the increased size. Since most of the increase is due to the addition of a handgrip, I don't mind so much.'
DC Resource reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 and writes - 'When used at the right settings, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 takes very good photos that compare nicely to my 7 Megapixel camera of choice, the Canon PowerShot G6. A few days, I wouldn't have been able to say that, but after someone very knowledgeable pointed out the aperture issue I discussed above, my opinion changed. For whatever reason, the V3 likes to use small apertures (high F-numbers) outdoors, which dramatically reduces image quality. By forcing the camera to use a larger aperture (F4 worked great for me), I got much sharper photos. Colors were saturated, noise levels were comparable to other 7MP cameras, and purple fringing levels were low. I did, however, notice some vignetting in several of my photos.'
Lets Go Digital reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 and writes - 'Not one digital camera is perfect, neither is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3. However, in our opinion, Sony had developed an outstanding camera with an excellent photo quality. The innovative technique on board of the DSC-V3 stands on a high level and is not found in competing models. All in all we may conclude that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 is truly recommendable to those who have high expectations concerning photo quality, colour rendition and the versatile applications.'
Steve's Digicams reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 and writes - 'With its 7-megapixel imager, responsive performance, and rich feature set, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 promises a lot, and if most of your shooting occurs indoors you'll be satisfied. But venture outdoors and you'll find soft images at F8, significant distortion at wide angle, and difficulty in achieving shutter speeds faster than 1/1000 second.'
CNET reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 Digital Camera and writes - 'Part of the first generation of 7-megapixel digital cameras, Sony's DSC-V3 boasts a 4X Carl Zeiss zoom lens, a big 2.5-inch LCD, plenty of advanced features, and fairly sprightly performance. Though its image quality isn't absolutely top tier, it's still a potentially appealing choice for enthusiast photographers looking for a compact package.' Rating: 7.9
DP Review reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 and writes - 'Good AF improves lots of things, most notably shot to shot time which for the DSC-V3 was very fast indeed, just over a second. This camera's slowest function is startup which is down to a rather sluggish lens extension mechanism (Olympus seem to have this nailed). Otherwise there's virtually in the everyday use of the camera which will leave you tapping your fingers against the body in anticipation, it will be ready.'
Camera town reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 digital camera and writes - 'The design of the DSC-V3 allows you to quickly capture a scene the way YOU want. Too many cameras hide important “overrides” deep within their on-screen menus, making it less likely that you'll bother using them, not so on the DSC-V3. Place the camera in “P” or “Green” mode and the camera becomes as simple to use as any point & shoot camera. otherwise switch to shutter-, aperture-priority, or manual mode when you want to capture a scene the way you desire. In Tv (Shutter-Priority) mode you can increase the shutter speed to capture faster action, allowing the camera to automatically adjust the aperture to maintain proper exposure. In Av (Aperture-Priority) mode you can change the aperture size (f-stop) and the camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed. Switch to M (Manual) mode and set both independently.'
DP Expert reviews the Sony DSC-V3 and writes - 'Like this: This is an excellent camera for the serious photographer. The build quality and lens are outstanding. There is a flash shoe, which might be needed because the on-board flash is not powerful. The V3 takes both Sony Memory Stick and the cheaper Compact Flash memory.
Dislike that: Images at ISO400 are noticeably noisy (grainy). This seems to be the price to be paid for having 7 million photo receptors on a small area. It means that the ISO setting should normally be kept at 100/200.'
Providing all the versatility of a much larger camera, the V3 is a compact, classic rangefinder-style camera featuring a large easy-to-handle grip. The new design incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, providing more room than ever before to see and share images the moment they are captured.
“The Cyber-shot DSC-V3 model is for a special class of photographer that wants creative control over the picture-taking process in an ultra-portable package,” said Greg Young, general manager for digital still camera marketing in Sony Electronics' Personal Mobile and Imaging Division
Fast and Responsive
The new camera is powered by Sony's recently introduced Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry that ensures fast start-up and shot-to-shot times of just over a second, providing increased speed and performance for automatic features like auto focus and auto exposure. Breathtaking still photographs are only part of the picture. When used with Memory Stick PRO Ô media, the V3 camera also captures and plays back high resolution moving images in MPEG-VX Fine mode, with 640x480 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second up to the capacity of the media card .
The V3 model employs a rechargeable InfoLithium® battery system for quick recharging time, which means that you will spend less time charging and more time taking pictures, up to 260 shots per charge.
More Features, More Images
Packed with versatility, the DSC-V3 camera can satisfy the needs of even the most discerning hobbyist. In addition to dual media slots that accept Memory Stick and Compact Flash I media formats for storing hundreds of photos, this new camera can record in the RAW format, which preserves the original data recorded to the CCD and provides extensive control over the image editing process.
Capturing action shots is made easier with high-speed burst (SDRAM) mode, which can capture up to eight full-resolution images at more than two frames per second. Additional features include:
Resolution: Sony's 7.2-megapixel CCD image sensor provides the Cyber-shot DSC-V3 camera with a maximum image size of 3072 x 2304, equating into 8.5 x 11-inch prints at 300 dpi.
Manual Exposure Controls: Flexible exposure control is provided with aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure modes for better command over motion and depth of field.
Hologram AF™ Illuminator: Projects a laser pattern on the subject to create contrast for precise focus, even in low or no light.
Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently meters the light in 49 points of the frame to establish the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow aren't centered in the frame.
Hot Shoe: Communicates mode and exposure information to the accessory flash components, including Sony's HVl-F32X external flash or other studio flash systems.
NightShot Infrared System: Captures infrared images in total darkness at a distance of up to 15 feet.
NightFraming System: To capture crisp images in low or no light, this feature illuminates the subject with the NightShot system for proper framing, focuses with Hologram AF illuminator and lights the scene with the appropriate amount of flash.
Printing one or many images is easy with the DSC-V3 camera, which is PictBridge ™ compatible. Connect the camera to a PictBridge enabled printer, such as Sony's new PictureStation Ô DPP-FP30, and printing is as simple as pressing the print button.
See a preview of the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 at DP Review
Posted by Darren in our Sony category on August 30, 2004