Value (7.5)
With a retail price online of US $179.95, this camera is immediately placed in the “budget” end of the digital camera market. That said, this small, compact, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera is capable of both still and video images, audio, flash control, and several preset options, and packs a 4.0 MP CCD. The lack of real manual control can be irksome, and the lack of optical zoom is confusing in a price bracket where most other models offered today have optical zoom available to their users as a standard feature.
Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix 2200 - This camera put out by Nikon has a 3x optical/4x digital zoom and retails online for less than the Sony Cyber-shot at only US $149.95. It, too, is a point-and-shoot model, and the low price is perhaps reflective of the fact that this camera comes equipped only with a 1/3.2-inch, 2.0 effective MP CCD. It comes with a variety of Picture Effects, although its video speed is also slower than that of the Cyber-shot at 15 fps in all three settings. It has a built-in memory of 14.5MB and is capable of accepting SD compatible memory cards. Finally, this camera has a 1.6-inch LCD with a real image optical zoom viewfinder, which is slightly better than the optical viewfinder available with the Sony.
Pentax Optio30 - On the Pentax, the user will also find (like the Nikon, and unlike the Sony) an optical zoom capability. This camera comes with a 3x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom. It’s classified as a point-and-shoot model, and retails for US $179.95, a price comparable to that of the Sony. It too, like the Nikon, has a small CCD, measuring only 1/2.7 inches and offering 3.34 MP, although it does have a number of Picture Effects. Four still image modes and two video modes allow the user to shoot video at a frame rate of 15 fps, with no ability to record audio. This camera has a built-in memory of 16MB, an optional slot for SD/MMC memory cards, and shoots in a four-in-one burst mode. This camera is not webcam ready and has no video out, although it is PictBridge ready. The LCD screen is 1.6 inches and is complemented by an actual image zoom viewfinder.
Canon PowerShot A400 - This sleek portable camera has a similarly sized body to that of the Sony, though with a more horizontal frame and a shorter height. The camera also retails for US $179.99. The 1/3.2-inch, 3.3 MP CCD is still slightly smaller than that of the Sony, with slower fps speeds than that of the Sony, at 15 and 10 fps. 1.3 shots per second make up the burst mode speed with manual control settings. The camera accepts a SD memory card and comes with a 16MB memory card with four still image sizes and three image quality settings. Three video settings are also available, with a top speed of 15 fps. It has video output, and is PictBridge compatible. This camera weights 5.8 oz, with a 1.5-inch LCD with a real image zoom viewfinder.
Fujifilm FinePix A340 - For slightly more than the Sony Cyber-shot, this model by Fujifilm retails for around US $199.95. The optical zoom is at 3x, the digital zoom at 1.7x, and it has a 1/2.7-inch 4.23 (4.0 effective) MP CCD. This point-and-shoot camera has manual control settings available in white balance. This camera shoots at 1.5 fps in burst mode, comes with three image sizes for still images, and two image sizes with video footage. This camera also has video out capability, and is capable of Direct Print PictBridge options. Several different scene modes and Picture Effects settings are available. It should be noted that there is no audio recording available on this camera model.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
This camera is definitely meant for the point-and-shoot user. Easy menu settings and presets abound. This camera is set up for users looking to avoid hassles when shooting pictures.
Budget Consumers
For the budget consumer, the low price of US $179.95 is an attractive start, and the fact that this camera does have a 4.0 MP CCD is admirable. It serves the purpose, and comes with flexibility that, paired with price, makes this camera a feasible option.
Gadget Freaks
If you’re a gadget freak, this camera is not meant for you. It isn't set up for a user seeking an excessive number of neat features. The presets are standard, and the picture effects are scarce. As a straightforward low-priced model, your best bet is to search elsewhere.
Manual Control Freaks
This camera does not have the manual controls that the manual control freak will desire or want when picking up a camera. It is a point-and-shoot model, and unabashed in its role.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
There would be no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to pick up this camera. The lack of optical zoom, the limited presets, the lack of picture effects, the point-and-shoot format… none of these are compelling attributes sought by this market.
