Color (9.76)
For each camera, we test color proficiency using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the colors produced by the camera and the extent of variance from the ideal tones of the chart. For each tile on the color chart, the exterior square is the actual color produced by the camera, the inner square is the color produced by the camera as corrected by the software, and the inverted rectangle in the right-center of the tile is the ideal tone.

The graph below represents the colors produced by the Sony DSC-T1 and the colors' ideal tones. The circles are the actual tones produced by the camera and the linked squares are the ideal hues. The length of the line connecting the two is the degree of error for that color.

The Sony DSC-T1 received a 9.76 overall color score. This is a particularly high score for any camera, let alone a credit-card sized imager that can get lost in your pocket. The 105.7% mean saturation score the Sony DSC-T1 received is admirable. This is a respectable score because it shows that there is some over-saturation in the T1’s colors; however, it is not over exaggerated. Saturation is important in adding vibrancy and life to the color tones and will create a more three-dimensional representation on the printed page, yet far too often it is overdone.

In terms of color accuracy, the 6.15 color error the Sony T1 received is remarkable. Looking at the graph above, all of the colors as the tone approaches white are all close to “spot on.” The “red”(#15), “moderate red”(#9), and “yellow” (#16) as well as the green (#11) are the only colors to stray from the ideal slightly. This is not an accidental error in the T1’s representation as often cameras are made to over-saturate red, yellow, and orange to accentuate skin tone and create a more lively look when exposing human subjects. Otherwise, color replication is ideal and performs as well as can be expected from a point-and-shoot camera.

Still Life Scene
This is a shot of our still life setup that we photograph with each camera.

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The images is very large)

Resolution/Sharpness (4.32)
The Sony DSC-T1 produces precise, crisp imagery that surpasses all expectations for a pocket-sized camera. As a point-and-shoot imager, the T1 seems to defy convention. With physical limitations on the sensor in a camera this small, it is a wonder that we recorded images with the Sony T1 at 4.32 megapixels of "real resolution." This is just over 86% of the manufacturer’s marketing claim. Unfortunately, all cameras contain some discrepancy in the suggested megapixel count and actual imaging ability. In general, any camera that produces images exceeding 80-89% of the camera’s stated resolution is considered a good performer, while anything above 90% is excellent. Therefore, the 86% real resolution score the Sony DSC-T1 received ranks the T1 amongst the top performers, and given its minuscule size and range of features, this makes this an ideal travel companion for anyone with serious photographic inclinations.

Noise — Auto ISO (5.09)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 offers both automatic and manual ISO settings. Auto ISO offers the same sensitivity range, but it is controlled automatically. Characteristic of most point-and-shoot digital cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1’s ISO range is concentrated at the lower end (100, 200, 400), which produces the least noise. These settings are ideal for outside and well lit shooting situations, but aren’t usable when light is scarce. When light is decreased the automatic ISO will increase the sensitivity, but this results in noise. Comparatively the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 performed well, even next to another Sony 5 MP, camera the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P100 (which got a score of 6.71). This is a great advantage in image quality.

Noise - Manual ISO (7.21)
For our manual noise test we use each offered ISO setting and analyze them all using Imatest Imaging Software. The following graph displays our results for each ISO setting on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1. The ISO ratings are on the horizontal X-axis while the resulted noise reading is on the vertical Y-axis.

The graph above displays the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1’s fine performance at lower sensitivity settings, but also displays its decline as the ISO rises to 400. This decline in image quality results in evenly spaced monochromatic dots appearing on top of the image, similar to the effect of grain on film images. This is not a huge surprise, in fact, it is expected, but some cameras produce more noise than others and therefore less suitable for lower light conditions.

Speed Timing
Startup/First shot (8.57)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 takes 1.43 seconds between being turned on snapping the first shot. With this fairly fast speed, the user will be able to see possible subject matter and successfully capture the image without the shot being lost.

Shot to shot (2.66)
At this price, 3.17 seconds between shots is atrocious. This huge delay makes it so that you’ll constantly have to use the Burst Mode settings on the camera, an aggravation if the user is worried about missing that special moment.

Shutter to shot (8.82)
There is often a noticeable delay in digital cameras between the time when the shutter is depressed and when the actual image is taken. However, with a shutter to shot speed of just 0.09 seconds, the time lapse on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 is barely noticeable.