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Introduction
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01.Testing / Performance
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02.Physical Tour
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Specs / Ratings
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12.Comments
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30
Previous: Page 3
ComponentsNext: Page 5
Modes
Camera Auto, Program, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Hi-Speed Shutter, Beach, Snow, Fireworks
Model Design / Appearance (8.5)
The Sony T30 is meant to be slim and sleek so as to appeal to a stylish and moderately sophisticated audience. The digital camera comes in black and silver housings; both have chrome accents and matte textures that look and feel good. The metal surfaces make the camera feel sturdy, but the large glass screen on the back is vulnerable to scratches and cracks. There is a sliding lens door that not only protects the lens when closed, but provides a finger grip when opened. This functional and stylish design is found throughout the T30, emphasizing its slim components and a strong image stabilization system.
Size / Portability (8.0)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 isn’t as slim as some of the Casio cameras, but still measures up at 3.75 x 2.25 x 0.9 inches. The thickness of the T30 varies too; its front panel curves outward just slightly. The curve allows the slim camera to slide easily into just about any pocket – even those tight leather pants. It weighs 6 oz fully loaded, so users would definitely be able to feel it if it slipped out of a pocket. This Cyber-shot has an eyelet on the front of the camera that also doubles as a finger grip. The eyelet and the included wrist strap, along with its slim size, make the Sony T30 very portable.
Handling Ability (6.75)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 handles better than most ultra-compact digital cameras. It is rectangular, but includes more features to enhance handling. The curvaceous front panel makes a nice cradle for fingers to wrap around it. The eyelet near the bottom protrudes just enough for the right ring finger to firmly grip the camera. Near the top, there is an indent where the sliding door retracts; that indent is perfect for the other right fingers. The texture of the metal feels good to the touch and is neither too slick nor too rough to touch. The only handling problem with the Sony T30 is the lens placement: the left fingers easily wander in the view of the lens.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (6.0)
The T30 has fairly traditional controls. There are no rotary dials or joysticks or anything abnormal. Everything is very straightforward, organized, and well-labeled. There is a round multi-selector on the back, along with four small buttons that surround it on the top and bottom. The buttons are under-sized, but they are spaced far enough apart that pushing one won’t accidentally push another at the same time. The zoom toggle is located in the top right corner of the back; it is sensitive enough to frame subjects exactly as they should be. Overall, the controls aren’t anything out of the ordinary, but their simplicity is refreshing.
Menu (6.5)
The Cyber-shot T30 has menus traditional to other Sony digital cameras. The recording menu appears at the bottom of the LCD screen over the live preview. There is a gray bar along the bottom with all the icons of the choices. Just above the gray horizontal bar is a smaller black bar above it with the text of the highlighted icon. Below is the camera’s main recording menu, as it appears in the Program mode.
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Folder
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OK, Cancel
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Protect
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Protect, Exit
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DPOF
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DPOF, Exit
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Print
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All in this Folder, DPOF Image, Select, This Image, Cancel
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Slide
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Interval (Auto), Repeat (On, Off), Image (Folder, All), Music (Off, 1-4), Effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Stylish, Active, Normal), Cancel, Start
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Resize
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7M, 5M, 3M, 2M, VGA, Cancel
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Rotate
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Clockwise, Counterclockwise, OK, Cancel
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Divide
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OK, Cancel
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Setup
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(portal to setup menu)
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AF Mode
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Single, Monitor
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Digital Zoom
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Smart, Precision, Off
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Function Guide
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On, Off
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Red Eye Reduction
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On, Off
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AF Illuminator
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Auto, Off
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Auto Review
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On, Off
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Steady Shot
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Shooting, Continuous
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Format
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OK, Cancel
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Create Recording Folder
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OK, Cancel
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Change Recording Folder
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OK, Cancel
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Copy
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OK, Cancel
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Download Music
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OK, Cancel
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Format Music
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OK, Cancel
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LCD Backlight
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Bright, Normal
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Beep
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Shutter, On, Off
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Language
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Italian, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English
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Initialize
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OK, Cancel
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File Number
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Series, Reset
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USB Connect
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Auto, Mass Storage, PTP, PictBridge
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Video Out
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NTSC, PAL
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Clock Set
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OK, Cancel
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The setup menu is extremely long, but looks much more manageable when grouped with four or five options per section. The playback menu is nice because it always allows users to cancel a function and go back to the menu rather than canceling and having to reopen the menu for something else. The recording menu does nicely with its large live previews and text/icon combos. Overall, the T30’s menus are easy to understand and navigate.
Ease of Use (7.5)
The aforementioned menu system is quite easy, but some point-and-shooters get nervous about menus. Those consumers may not like the idea of entering the menu to switch the mode. There aren’t a vast number of modes on the Sony T30, and the ones that are there are mainly automatic. This Cyber-shot is very easy to use with its straightforward controls, simple menus, and even a function guide. The function guide isn’t extensive, but it does tell users how many prints can be made and how many pictures remain on the card for each image size.
Shop for the Sony DSC-T30
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