Picture Quality / Size Options (7.0)
The T30 saves photographs as JPEG files in Fine and Standard compressions. There are 7M, 5M, 3M, 2M, and VGA image sizes, along with 3:2 and 16:9 image sizes available too. There is a function guide within the camera that can be turned on or off in the setup menu. When on, the screen displays how many large pictures can be printed and how many shots are left on the card with each image size. For example, the top resolution’s function guide reads: “7M: Up to A3/11x17” print Appx. Image Capacity 2 pics.” In the playback mode, images can be resized to any of the above 4:3-formatted sizes; the 16:9 and 3:2 options are not available.
Picture Effects Mode (6.5)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 has plenty of picture effects in the recording menu, especially in the program mode when the most options are available. There are several color modes: Standard, Monochrome, Sepia, Natural, and Vivid. The first is the default, the monochrome is Sony’s title for “black & white” and the sepia is a rustic brown. The Natural mode is unnaturally under-saturated and the Vivid exaggerates colors. In the movie mode, only the monochrome and sepia options are available. In the program mode, there are contrast and sharpness options in the recording menu. Each picture effect has +, Normal, and – choices. Overall, the T30 has a decent amount of in-camera effects so pictures can be tweaked before they’re ever taken.
