Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 First Impressions Review

Sony caused something of a stir at the PMA show in Vegas with the new 6-megapixel G1; it’s the first of their Cyber-shot models to include a wireless network adapter. Although cameras with wireless adapters are nothing new (Nikon has had several wireless models over the past couple of years), the $600 DSC-G1 is the first camera that we’ve seen that uses the new DLNA (Digital Living Networking Alliance) standard, which allows devices such as TVs and PCs to share content (among them, Phillips, Pioneer, Samsung, Toshiba, JVC and Intel). Although DLNA devices are few and far between at the moment, this standard would allow you to take pictures with a G1, then immediately view them on a DLNA TV or print them out from a DLNA printer, all over the wireless network  without a PC.

 

The G1 also has a different design approach than other Cyber-shot cameras. It’s bigger and thicker than most, with a curious wedge-shaped design that fits somewhat oddly into the hand. Along with the standard 3x optical zoom, there’s a sizable 2GB of built-in memory and a high resolution, 3.5-inch LCD screen. That’s an impressively large screen and a lot of memory but will this and the wireless features be enough to justify the cost of this expensive camera?

 

We looked at a preproduction unit at the PMA show in Las Vegas that had several important features missing (the camera to PC wireless link wasn’t fully working, for instance). Sony claims that the camera will be out in April and is already accepting preorders on its Web site.