Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90

Viewfinder
The S90 has a small optical viewfinder that is not very accurate. If users frame their subjects perfectly inside the window, they will end up with a lot more floor than they thought. Although this is unfortunate, the viewfinder is still helpful for those last few shots when the long-lasting batteries don't quite have enough juice to show the LCD view.

LCD Screen
The defining trait of Sony’s new S or Stamina series is the surprising hierarchical configuration based on LCD dimensions rather then megapixels. Traditionally, digital camera manufacturers categorize models based on resolution and offer price reductions for sacrifices in megapixels or sensor size. However, the Cyber-shot S-series interestingly strays from convention and opts for a more automobile-like type of value structure. On Stamina series cameras, the internal features are all the same, but it is the LCD and exterior elements that are augmented. So consumers pay for features rather then performance.

The top of the Stamina line, the S90 contains a large 2.5-inch LCD screen. With 115,000 pixels, there is enough resolution included to project a clear, visible image of the frame and prerecorded shot. The screen will also display live histograms, as well as the menu options and images. The screen can be turned on and off with the button near the top right corner of the screen.

Flash
The flash is assisted by the AF illuminator, which helps the camera to focus while preparing human eyes for the bright flash (and reducing red-eye). The flash reaches from 1.6-12.5 feet, which is about average for a compact point-and-shoot digital camera. The following flash modes are available: Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Synchro, and Red-eye Reduction.

Zoom Lens
Most point-and-shoots have a 3x optical zoom lens, so the telephoto capability here is typical. However, the Sony S90 does use a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, which is known for its clarity and high quality. The lens is constructed from 5 elements in 7 groups, with 2 aspheric elements to reduce barrel distortion and color aberration. Measuring from 6-18mm, the lens is equivalent to a 39-117mm lens in 35mm format. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 is compatible with several conversion lenses, including wide and telephoto, as well as protective and special effects filters. The lens can focus as close as 4 inches in its macro mode and 20 inches in all other shooting modes. While 4 inches used to be standard for a macro mode, most compact cameras can now focus within two inches of the lens. However, if consumers know they won’t utilize the macro mode to that extent, it should not sway their purchasing decision too significantly.