Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
August 2008
July 2008
April 2008
March 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
Canon | Casio | Fuji | HP | Kodak | Minolta | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony | Misc. | Accessories | Lenses
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W30 is 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD Display (the main
differentiation from it's big brother, the DSC-W50 which features a larger 2.5 inch LCD).
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W30 is just 23 inches thick and has a 1/2.5inch CCD sensor. It's 3x Optical Zoom is a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar. It features a new easy to read menu system with explanations of what icons mean on the LCD as well as Sony's Clear RAW with up to 1000 ISO.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W30 will be in stores in March with a recommended retail price of $230.
Get the latest price on the Sony Cybershot DSCW30
Sony has re-engineered its W-series of top-performing Cyber-shot digital still cameras to embody the virtues of a traditional camera style and satisfy modern tastes for sleek, compact design.
In addition to sporting eye-level viewfinders in the fashion of traditional cameras, the new DSC-W50 and DSC-W30 models have large LCD screens and are significantly more compact than previous W-series models.
Both new cameras offer six-megapixel image resolution for high-quality prints, high-light sensitivity for fast-action shooting and more natural-looking pictures in low-light conditions, precision Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses, and MPEG1 movie recording.
Available in silver, the DSC-W50 model features a 2.5-inch, easy-to-view LCD screen wrapped in a metal-alloy body with sophisticated etching and details. The DSC-W30 model also comes in silver with a two-inch LCD.
“These new models will be attractive to people who prefer the look and feel of a traditional camera, but without the bulk,” said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “We’ve also increased the light sensitivity, which minimizes the need for flash photography, and improved the cameras’ user interface for better photography results and overall camera experience.”
No More Guessing What those Icons Mean
Anyone who has ever found menu icons on a digital still camera mysterious will appreciate the new function guide on the latest W-series models. When menu icons are selected, such as a specific shooting function or scene mode, a text explanation is displayed on the LCD making it easier to take a great shot. This function guide can be turned off once the user becomes more familiar with the camera.
Built for Better Performance
Both new models include high light-sensitivity settings up to ISO 1000, which allow for shooting at higher shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects with less blur. With higher light sensitivity at your fingertips, you can shoot in available light without a flash for more naturally-exposed, “true-to-life” pictures. With Sony’s Clear RAW imaging technology, you can up the camera’s sensitivity without dramatically increasing picture noise, which makes pictures look blurry and grainy.
Sony’s ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor circuit delivers quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life -- up to 400 shots on a single charge for the DSC-W30 model. It also speeds up the cameras’ sophisticated auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus features so that users get the picture right the first time.
Both cameras have 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded further with an optional Memory Stick Duo media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo card, now offered in capacities up to two gigabytes.
Make the Most of High-Resolution Images through Prints
You can make high-quality prints by simply connecting these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer’s supplied software.
With Sony’s ImageStation online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars.
The Cyber-shot DSC-W50 will be available in early March for about $250, and the DSC-W30 is available this month for about $230. Bundled accessories include rechargeable Lithium ion batteries (NP-BG1), charger (BC-CSG), USB and AV output cables, and Cyber-shot viewer software. Options include a lithium ion battery (NP-BG1) for about $50, a travel charger (BC-TRG) for about $60, a sports pack (SPK-WA) for about $100, and a 30mm lens/filter adapter (VAD-WB) for about $30.
Get the latest price on the Sony Cybershot DSCW30
Digital Camera Info reviews the Sony Cyber-shot W30 and W50 digital camera and writes - 'There�s no two ways around it � these cameras were made to look like higher-priced models, but once you pick them up and play with them, you�ll definitely notice that they�re on the lower end. But that could be fine. If you�re looking for a classy, upscale slim camera that�s made entirely of metal, you�ll want to look elsewhere. However, if you want something that is small, light and has a pretty decent sensor and some good features for an affordable price, the new W30 and W50 might be right for you. They�re definitely not going to bowl anyone over with their looks (which are pretty conventional) or the construction (which feels like it�s made mostly of plastic), but they will give you adequate functionality and take decent snapshots without giving your bank account too much of a hit in the process. Wait for our full testing, however, to see if this value equation is accurate.'
Digital Photography Interface has a worthwhile review of the Sony Cyber-shot W30 where they write - 'There are some things that can be improved. The zoom lever could be made stiffer so the zoom can't be operated by accident (I understand this is Sony's first attempt at a zoom lever after years of using buttons). Buffer could be increased as continuous shooting is rather slow and I think the overall performance of the W30 is lacking. The excellent movie mode from other Sony cameras is here too - Also recorded in MPEG format, the main reason file sizes are small and easy to buffer for movies. I think that the Sony Cyber-shot W30 is a great overall camera - featuring great image quality, excellent battery life, good macro mode and can record VGA movies at 30 FPS. However, I'd rather upgrade to the W50 (which has a larger LCD) for just a mere $20.'
CNET writes a review on the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W30 and gives it a rating of 6.8 out of 10 writing - 'Sony's pocket-size shooter, the Cyber Shot DSC-W30, provides impressive photos and fast, easy operation in a simple package. Digital neophytes may question its modest allotment of seven scene modes, but the available exposure modes do a good job of handling most situations. In fact, snapshooters will likely be pleased with the results they get from this camera. However, a limited 3X zoom lens and a paucity of manual controls limit the DSC-W30's enthusiast appeal to those looking for a small second camera.'
Steves Digicams has posted a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W30 where they write - 'I was pleased with the image quality of the W30's 6M Fine mode. Outdoor images were well-exposed and sharp with true to life colors. Indoor shots are limited to small rooms and small group portraits because of the W30's limited flash range (13 feet at wide angle) and the lens limited field of view at its full 38mm wide angle. Portraits had realistic skin tones, but the red eye reduction flash mode proved only marginally effective because of its relatively weak power. Autofocus worked quite well in dim lighting, helped by the focus assist lamp. Flash power was well controlled at close range, making the W30 a good candidate for capturing images of small objects for online auction listings.'
Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix P4 where they write - 'In the Coolpix P4 Nikon has produced an excellent all-rounder, a pocket compact camera with a wider than average zoom range, a useful selection of features and options, and superb image quality. It is rather expensive compared to its immediate competition, but the extra money buys the quality and reliability that go with the Nikon brand. If you are looking for something a little more than the average snapshot camera it is well worth a look.'
Cameras.co.uk has reviews the Sony DSC W30 where they recommend - 'The Sony DSC W30 is certainly one of the cheapest six megapixel, pocket sized cameras you are likely to find. The camera takes good photos rather than great ones. It has very little shutter lag and works well in lowlight. All in all I would say it offers very good value for money.'
Posted by Darren in our Sony category on February 13, 2006