Value
The S600 offers users a basic set of features with a few highlights. It has 6 megapixels, which is quite a lot for the $199 price. The camera also features a 2-inch LCD screen (though the resolution is not very good), 32 MB of internal memory, and a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens. It has an ISO 1000 setting and a flash that can reach to 35 feet. The Sony S600 offers beginners a lot for their money.
Still, Sony finds ways to suck more cash from your wallet. Its movie mode doesn’t function without the Sony MemoryStick Pro cards, which are generally a little more expensive than other forms of memory. The camera uses AA batteries, which only get 160 shots – unless you purchase the Sony batteries that get 440 shots per charge. The battery charger only comes in a package that includes their batteries and a carrying case. By the time users purchase a decent memory card, the batteries, and the charger package, the $199 camera costs at least $279. For that price, consumers may be able to find a better camera that includes a battery and charger and uses a cheaper form of memory.
Comparison to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90
All of the Sony Stamina series models up to this point have 4 megapixels. The line was started in February 2005 for point-and-shooters who wanted lots of battery power from conveniently found 
AA batteries. The previous flagship model, the Sony S60, has 4 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD. It has a 3x optical zoom lens and similarly chunky 4.8 x 1.6 x 2.5-inch measurements. Like the S600, the S90 has an optical viewfinder, but the S90 also has a larger LCD screen. The screen has 115,000 pixels. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 has similar shooting modes except for its omission of the S600’s High Sensitivity mode. The S90’s flash ranges from 1.6-12.5 ft. and its ISO ranges from a more typical 80-400. The S90 runs on AA batteries and can take 580 shots per charge with the Sony rechargeable batteries. The 4 megapixel Sony S90 sells for about $229.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The entire S-series of Sony digital cameras is made for point-and-shooters. These digital cameras are easy to use and have basic features for a reasonable price.
Budget Consumers – If money is an issue, buying a Sony S600 shouldn’t be. This digital camera retails for under $200 and comes stocked with pricier features like 6 megapixels, a Carl Zeiss lens, and a 2-inch LCD screen.
Gadget Freaks – This budget-minded digital camera doesn’t come with any frills, so gadget freaks will be completely bored by its look and specs.
Manual Control Freaks – These consumers will be disappointed by the lack of control; the S600 isn’t designed for these users at all. It is made for those who want good pictures without having to turn eight dials and push six buttons to get them.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This segment of the market won’t even look at a Sony S-series digital camera. They don’t have the manual control or the high-quality image sensors to please these consumers.
