Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Jan 11, 2006 - By Emily Raymond
The Cyber-shot DSC-S600 is Sony’s new entry level addition to its Stamina line of digital cameras. Announced at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in January, this point-and-shoot model offers 6 megapixels and basic features at a low retail price of $199.95. The Sony S600 has a 1/2.5-inch Super HAD CCD with a Real Imaging Processor. It has a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory, high ISO sensitivities of ISO 800 and 1000 for low light, and a strong flash that reaches to 36 ft. As part of the Stamina series, the S600 uses AA batteries. With standard AAs, it can take 160 shots. With the Sony NiMH batteries, the S600 can shoot 440 shots before needing a recharge. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 will be available January 20.
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Picture Quality / Size Options
The image size can be changed with the button in the bottom right corner of the camera. The image size button doubles as the delete button, so both icons are next to it. Users can select from the following image sizes: 6M, 3:2, 3M, 2M, VGA, and 16:9. The maximum image size is 2816 x 2112 pixels. Each of the sizes can be saved in Fine or Standard quality, although these options must be found in the menu.

The S600 offers lots of image size options uncharacteristic of a cheap camera. The 3:2 mode makes accurately framed 4 x 6-inch prints and the 16:9 mode can be used for wide screens. Ironically, there is no A/V cable to connect the camera to a widescreen television, so this size is completely useless.

Picture Effects Mode
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 has several picture effects, but they can only be used in the recording mode – users cannot add them later in playback mode. Basic Black & White and Sepia modes are offered. Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness all have High (+), Normal and Low (-) options. There are live views in the color mode menu, but not in the contrast, saturation and sharpness menus.

Control Options Page 7 of 10 Connectivity / Extras
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