Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 First Impressions Review

by Emily Raymond
Published on April 20, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 comes with Picture Motion Browser Software version 2.0. This software helps users upload, organize, and search photos. If users purchase an optional GPS unit for their cameras, they can also plot the pictures on a world map.

 

The Sony T100 has only one port and it’s on the bottom of the camera. Users can purchase an optional CSS-HD1 cradle docking station so the T100 can sit upright. Otherwise, users will have to lay it on its side to attach the multi-connector cable. Laying the camera can result in the finish and LCD screen being scratched, so the setup isn’t ideal. From the multi-connector, users can access AV-out, DC-in, USB, and even HD functionality. The last function, high definition, can only be accessed when users purchase an optional component cable that Sony sells for $40.

 

The Sony T100 is PictBridge compatible and can create print orders from the Home or Playback menus. Pictures can be quickly added all at once or one at a time by scrolling and checking a box in the corner that selects it to the print order. Users can’t choose the quantity of prints or whether it should have borders or anything fancy, so it provides only the basics.

 

The NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery comes with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100. The 3.6V, 960 mAh battery is heavy for its small size. It earns its weight though since it can last 340 shots before needing a recharge. The battery fits into a compartment on the right side of the camera body. It recharges via a multi-connector that fits into the bottom of the camera. Unfortunately, this setup means users will have to lay the camera on its side to access the battery, which could scratch up the LCD screen or glittery finish.

 

This Cyber-shot has 31MB of internal memory, which isn’t much. Users will likely have to purchase extra memory. When they do, it should be Memory Stick Duo Pro because the standard Duo card can’t capture smooth 30 fps video. The internal memory and the Duo card only record 16.6 fps video. The Sony T100 can accept up to 8GB cards, which is very impressive since most cameras still max out at 4GB. However, it’s expected that there’ll be more cameras that accept higher capacity as more high-capacity cards are released. The T100 does not support the Access Control security feature that is on some Sony Memory Sticks though.

 

Dynamic Range Optimization – Maybe the T100 has it and maybe it doesn’t. The pre-production model did not have dynamic range optimization, which is included on the DSLR-A100 and the H9. This feature keeps details in the highlights and shadows, where they’re most likely to disappear. While this feature wasn’t on the pre-production model, Sony representatives said it’d be on the final product.

 

HD Output – Perhaps as yet another marketing maneuver by Sony to interlink all of its products, the Sony T100 has the ability to hook up to HDTVs. It can play slide shows complete with music from the Home or Playback menus.

 

Home Button – This is the nexus of the universe. Shooting, Playback, Print, Memory, and Settings tabs are in this menu, and lead to other menus. This does make it difficult to find features but makes it intuitive for computer-literate users because of its desktop-like layout.