Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 First Impressions Review

by Richard Baguley
Published on March 10, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design/Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Specs

At a wallet-busting $599, the G1 is far from cheap. In fact, it's the same list price as Nikon's D40 DSLR with a kit lens. But the G1 does have that incredible screen and the wireless features. Whether those features are worth the sacrifice in resolution and zoom length depends upon what kind of user you are.

 

Point-and-Shooters – Those who like to shoot then show off their images will love the G1; the big, bright screen will have your audience oohing and ahhing over your snaps.

Budget Consumers – Unless we’re talking about big budget consumers, no.

Gadget Freaks – Those who want the biggest and the brightest will dig the screen. But those who want the longest, highest resolution should look elsewhere.

Manual Control Freaks – There are no manual controls, so those who insist in tweaking their shutter speed and aperture for motion effects and depth-of-field will quickly get frustrated with the G1.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – If you get paid to shoot, the G1 isn’t the sort of camera that you’d want to whip out on a supermodel shoot. It’s not sophisticated enough and compared to the emaciated waifs that pass for supermodels these days, it’s a bit on the chunky side. Oh, it also lacks manual control.