Front (9.0)
The front of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 features a sleek silver surface, with a raised bar that spans the top of the camera body running horizontally across the surface. Upon first examination,, I presumed the scalloped line on the right side would somehow allow for the bar to be moved, exposing the lens and allowing for images to be captured. However, the bar doesn’t move horizontally across the camera body; instead, it moves downward. The camera can be turned on via the power button located on the top of the camera, or by sliding the bar downwards.

Once open, the user will find the small lens located in the upper left corner of the front side. The 3x optical zoom lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 0-4x Smart Zoom feature and 12x total zoom. Both features are based upon selected resolution rating. To the right side of the recessed lens is the built-in flash. Underneath the flash, the user will find the Self-Timer lamp and the AF Illuminator, both housed in a circular dot which is flush with the camera body.

Back (9.0)
The back of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 is dominated by its 2.5-inch, 211,000 pixel hybrid LCD Screen. In the upper right-hand corner of the camera body are the Wide Angle/Telephoto zoom tabs, denoted by an embossed W/T. If Wide Angle is engaged when in Playback mode, it will switch the view from single-image to nine-image, then to sixteen-image layout before returning to normal. The Telephoto tab can zoom in on previously captured images in Playback. (It is possible to view pictures in the following zoom ratings: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 4.3, 4.7, and 5.0.) To move within an image while in zoom mode, the user can navigate by using the four-way controller located underneath these controls, towards the bottom of the camera body.

Beneath the zoom rocker, alongside the LCD screen on the right side, is the flash/charge light. A series of textured bumps create a pattern to the right of this light that allows for a more comfortable grip during image capture or during inclement weather conditions. Nestled among these bumps are the in-camera speakers, represented by four small open dots. Next, on the right side of the camera under the grip, the user will find the Image Size settings, allowing the user to choose among 640 x 480 (Fine), 640 x 480 (Standard), and 160 x 120. While in Playback mode, this button functions as a delete button, canceling unwanted images and movies to free up space on the memory stick. The four-way keypad controller is used to navigate the in-menu options and maneuver the playback zoom, allowing for transitions throughout the image being reviewed.

When in regular camera mode, the Up arrow doubles as the flash controller, allowing the user to select among various flash settings. The Right arrow button controls whether or not the camera is in macro mode, a feature denoted by a tulip icon. (Doesn’t everyone photograph tulips in close-up? I know I do.) The Down arrow also controls the Self-Timer feature of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1. The Left arrow engages the LCD in displaying the photograph/video just captured to the memory stick. To the lower left of the four-way keypad, the user will finally find the display button, which controls the amount of information being shown upon the LCD screen. When showing the greatest possible number of features and settings, the entire screen is overwhelmed. Even with a screen this large, there is just too much information being featured. Luckily, there are settings that display less.

Left Side (8.0)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 has no features, controls, ports or other options available on its left side. There is only a caution sticker, and a plea to recycle.

Right Side (8.0)
The right side of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 has an eyelet located halfway down the camera body for the optional wrist strap. Above this eyelet, the user will find the switch to change between Movie, Digital Still, and Playback Modes. The symbols for each setting are located on the back of the camera body, in corresponding placement.

Top (8.5)
The top of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 has, to the far right side, the shutter button. This engages digital still image capture, and marks the In/Out points for video and audio capture. To the left of this button are the Power button and light. Finally, furthest left, the user will find the microphone for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1.