Viewfinder
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300 has no optical viewfinder, which compact cameras and SLRs often possess. This is strictly an LCD-centered camera for point-and-shooters.
LCD
The LCD is one of the key selling points for the Sony T300. The monitor measures a generous 3.5 inches and has a screen resolution of 230,000 pixels. We loved the large size on first sight, but the industry-standard 230,000 pixels may not be quite enough for a screen this size. Pictures on the prototype’s display seem a little pixilated, which may have been due to either poor monitor resolution or image quality. The screen is part of Sony’s higher-end monitors, the Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with wide 16:9 viewing.
As the headliner for the Sony T-series, the Cyber-shot T300 uses LCD-sensitive technology much like the iPhone. The touch screen is extremely responsive and not too sensitive, which is sometimes a problem with touch screen devices. The internal digital buttons, however, are somewhat crowded and make the touch screen harder to use. The monitor also tends to pick up fingerprints, as the prototype model was man-handled by PMA attendees. In general, we're very impressed with the touch screen, although the monitor coating and internal navigation system could use some work. Of course, this model was a prototype, so Sony may do some tweaking on this before the camera is released in March.
The screen displays lots of information with the corner controls for home, menu, and display. In Normal Display layout, EXIF shooting information lines the borders of the LCD. The top shows battery indicator, stabilization, and face detection mode. The left includes shooting ratio, drive, and record settings, and the right has flash and focus functions. Users can adjust brightness in only two steps, Normal or Bright.
Flash
The Sony T300 has a tiny center flash that uses the assist lamp to fire a pre-flash before the actual flash. The flash is effective from 3.9 inches to 11.5 feet (0.1 to 3.5 meters) when zoomed out or 2.6 to 8.9 feet (0.8 to 2.7 meters) when zoomed in. Users can control with Slow Syncro, Flash Off, Red-Eye Reduction, or Auto to let the camera decide. In cases of blown-out faces often associated with flashes at close range, users can tone down the flash one step.
Zoom Lens
The Sony T300 is fitted with a 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens with an equivalent zoom range of 33-165mm in traditional 35mm film terms. That zoom range will allow for telephoto shooting and some wide shooting, more so than the standard 3x or 4x optical zooms on competing cameras of this size. The 5x zoom is appropriate for the near-$400 price point. Controlling zoom is problematic because of the tiny corner toggle that is ascribed to it. The zoom toggle is poorly located and terribly sized. Users will most likely leave the focal length as is just to avoid dealing with the button. The zoom lens also includes Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization system to reduce blur, which is expected at this price point.
The lens itself is pushed to the edge of the camera. This ill-conceived location often leads to lots of pictures of fingers. The shooter oftentimes blocks the lens with the left hand since there is little room. The lens is protected by a sliding door cover.
