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The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W50 is 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD Display (the main differentiation from it's little brother, the DSC-W30 which only has a 2.0 inch LCD).
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W50 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.
Expect to find the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W50 in stores in March with a recommended retail price of $250.
Get the latest price on the Sony Cybershot DSCW50
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 DSCW50
CNET has posted a review on the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W50 and writes - 'Your budget would have to be really tight to pass over the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W50 in favor of the Sony DSC-W30. The two cameras are identical with a single exception: The DSC-W50's 2.5-inch LCD is a full half inch larger then the DSC-W30's. Otherwise, the W50 sports the same stats as its little brother. Both are 6-megapixel ultracompact cameras with 3X optical zoom lenses. They share the same body design, control layout, and feature set. At less than 4 inches long and not quite an inch thick, the 6.8-ounce DSC-W50 is a compact, easily pocketable point-and-shoot camera.'
Steves Digicams has posted a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W50 where they write - 'The Sony Cyber-shot W50 is a good all-around performer. Weighing-in at just under 6 ounces (including battery and Memory Stick Duo), the W50 is both pocketable and stylish while still providing the optical viewfinder that its competitors frequently omit. With very good image quality, 6-megapixels of resolution, versatile sensitivity range, high-quality movies and an MSRP of under $250, the Sony DSC-W50 is a very good value. If you like the W50's features and image quality but prefer to spend a bit less, consider the W30; it sports a smaller 2-inch LCD without brightness adjustment for about $20 less.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 Digital Camera and writes - 'Featuring a 6.0-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, and well-designed user interface, the Cyber-shot DSC-W50 updates the popular Cyber-shot line with a thin, compact body style perfectly suited for travel. Exposure remains under automatic control, something novices will appreciate, and its seven preprogrammed scene modes help with more tricky subjects. It's a very responsive camera, with low shutter lag in daylight conditions, and excellent shot to shot speeds. It also sports very good battery life, a very capable movie mode, and excellent download speed. Finally, Sony makes a line of accessory lenses, filters, a slave flash, and even an underwater case for it as well, greatly expanding your options beyond what you'd normal expect from a compact digicam model. '
Posted by Darren in our Sony category on February 13, 2006
does zoom work when shooting video mode?