Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T300 First Impressions Review

Value
At the same original retail price as the T200, the Cyber-shot DSC T300 retails for $399. That’s not inexpensive for a digital camera, since budget point-and-shooters retail for as low as $150 new. But gadget lovers will shell out the big bucks for its thin body, touch screen abilities, HD output, face detection system that actually works, and built-in editing tools. It certainly is one of more feature-rich point-and-shoots we’ve seen, but it comes at a price.

Who’s this Camera For?
Point and Shooters – The T300 is geared toward advanced point-and-shooters who are likely upgrading from an existing digital camera. New beginners can use the camera too, but might be overwhelmed by the number of menu items.

Budget Consumers – Not so much. At nearly $400, the camera is on the higher scale of point-and-shoot cameras.

Gadget Freaks – The camera is absolutely geared for techno socialites - think the same demographic as iPhone users.

Manual Control Freaks – The Cyber-shot T300 doesn’t have enough manual control that this segment craves.

Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professionals tend to go for SLRs with PASM modes. The T300 may be considered by a serious shooter as a backup fun camera or gift, but there is no way it's going to replace an SLR.

Comparisons
As the successor to the T200, the Cyber-shot T300 adds higher resolution, improved face detection (Child and Adult Priority, Smile Shutter, Face Search), and upgraded post-capture tools (Slide Show, Unsharp Mask).