Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 digital camera

[F1RE]

The Sony Cybershot DSC-W1 has a 3x Optical zoom, 5 megapixel sensor and large 2.5inch LCD. It will be offered in both silver and black and is a 'rangefinder' style camera.

Among the appealing features are:

• Five-area Multi-Point Auto Focus: The camera evaluates five separate areas of the frame and intelligently focuses on the subject, displaying the selected focus point.
  
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently meters the light in 49 points of the frame to establish the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow arent centered in the frame.
  
• Manual Exposure Controls: Flexible exposure control in which shutter speeds from 30-1 1/1000 seconds and apertures of f2.8 5.2 can be selected.
  
• Live Histogram: The live histogram displays number of pixels at each luminosity, making it easy to evaluate correct exposure for each shot.
  
• Auto Fill Flash: When the subject is backlit or in shadow, the fill flash automatically fires to provide optimum exposure.
  
• Preset Scene Modes: With 6 scene modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions, including: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach and Candle.
  
• Conversion Lens Adapter: The outer ring of the cameras lens can be removed so that the camera can accommodate various conversion lenses.

[Regina]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 digital camera specification

• Max resolution 2592 x 1944
• Low resolution 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
• Image ratio w:h 4:3, 3:2
• Effective pixels 5.0 million
• Sensor photo detectors 5.2 million
• Sensor size 1/1.8 " (7.18 x 5.32 mm, 0.38 cm²)
• Pixel density 13 MP/cm²
• Sensor type CCD
• Sensor manufacturer Sony
• ISO rating Auto, 100, 200, 400
• Zoom wide (W) 38 mm
• Zoom tele (T) 114 mm (3 x)
• Digital zoom Yes, 4 x (VGA)
• Image stabilization No
• Auto Focus Multi-point 5 area (selectable)
• Manual Focus Yes, 6 presets
• Normal focus range 50 cm
• Macro focus range 6 cm
• White balance override 5 positions
• Aperture range F2.8 - F5.2
• Min shutter 30 sec
• Max shutter 1/1000 sec
• Built-in Flash Yes
• Flash range 3.8 m
• External flash No
• Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
• Click for help Exposure compensation -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV Steps
• Click for help Metering Multi-Segment, Spot
• Click for help Aperture priority No
• Click for help Shutter priority No
• Click for help Focal length multiplier
• Lens thread Yes
• Continuous Drive Yes, 1.7 fps, 4/7 images
• Movie Clips Yes, MPEG VX (640 x 480, 8/16/30 fps, unlimited) with audio
• Remote control No
• Self-timer Yes, 10 sec
• Timelapse recording No
• Orientation sensor No
• Storage types Memory Stick / Pro
• Storage included 32 MB Memory Stick
• Uncompressed format No
• Quality Levels Fine, Standard
• Viewfinder Optical (Tunnel)
• LCD 2.5 "
• LCD Dots 123,000
• Live View No
• USB USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec)
• HDMI No
• Wireless No
• Environmentally sealed No
• Battery AA (2) batteries (NiMH rechargables included)
• Weight (inc. batteries) 250 g (8.8 oz)
• Dimensions 91 x 60 x 36 mm (3.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)

[N I C K]

Its the best camera for Beginners or for those who want to capture a picture quickly using the Auto or Program AE exposure modes. The Sony Cybershot DSC-W1 is an impressive offering for under $400. It is handsomely constructed, with a feel of quality. It also has reasonable heft for better handholding of shots.

[Gonzo]

For those wanting complete control over the photographic process.the Manual exposure mode has shutter speeds from 30 to 1/1,000 seconds. in short The Cyber-shot W1 is the perfect camera for photographers desiring to step-up to a higher resolution and faster performing camera or for those who are just beginning to explore the wonders of imaging in the 21st century.