Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1

Model Design / Appearance (9.0)
The design of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 is sleek, small, and slender, with silver detailing and a nicely sized LCD screen that allows for easy viewing of images and reading of onscreen text. It’s an aesthetically attractive model, a camera certain to impress family members at any gathering.

Size / Portability (9.0)
The distinct portability was the first thing considered when viewing this camera. Its slender build and reasonable size immediately emphasized its ability to be transported and slid into a pocket without extra baggage, accessories, or protection. It’s a perfect size for those late nights and day trips. The bar on the front side hides the lens with enough resistance to keep the user from worrying that it might accidentally slide open and expose the lens to scratches.

Handling Ability (7.5)
Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-T1 allows for easy changes between settings. The menu controllers are laid out fairly well, with basic symbols and instructions allowing for quick comprehension of controls and their settings parameters. I appreciated the small body size, for the most part. The only major worry concerned the placement of the lens. It’s close to the left side, often forcing my fingers into the image being captured.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
With a camera as small as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1, there was a concern that the buttons would be too closely formatted, or that my hands would overwhelm the camera body. However, pleasantly enough, my hands found the buttons without strain, and with no concerns about incorrectly engaged controls and features. My only worry arose with the microphone located on the top of the camera body. However, accidental brushing or covering of this section would most likely only happen during very long recording sessions, which are relatively unlikely.

Menu (8.5)
The menu is accessed by pressing the Menu button located to the left and up from the four-way keypad. It can be perused using the four-way controller, and is for the most part comprised by symbols, which at times can be arcane and slightly unintuitive. It would be a wise choice for the first-time user to refer to the handbook when beginning to use the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1. Otherwise, the menu allows for rapid and efficient setting changes, and permits manual control when in both digital still and video modes, along with Automatic and Program Preset settings.

Ease of Use (7.5)
Even though the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 has a slender and compact body, I found that its generous layout and clearly labeled buttons made this a simple and straightforward camera, perfect for those get-togethers when you aren’t sure who will take the photos of you and your drunk friends, but you do know that you need the camera to work the first time, not the eightieth. Its large LCD ensures that you will be able to view your image, and its lack of a viewfinder is, oddly enough, a plus – with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1, there is the design realization that undersized and badly placed viewfinders on digital cameras are irritating and often moot.