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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700
Previous: Page 10
Connectivity / ExtrasNext: Page 12
ConclusionValue (3.00)
The Cyber-shot T700 scored relatively well in our testing section, particularly when it comes to color accuracy. It looks gorgeous and feels well crafted... but it still costs $400. For that very large amount of cash, you're paying for the looks and the touch screen, and it falls to you, the buyer, to decide if that's worth the premium. We won't quibble that this is a sexy piece of hardware, and the integrated 4GB of memory is indisputably valuable. But the touch screen is laggy and the interface problematic. You could easily buy a camera that shoots better for significantly less, and have an interface not plagued by slow response times and fingerprints.
Comparisons
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS – Available for about $160, the Powershot SD1100 is inexpensive and pocket-sized. It scored better that the T700 in color performance, white balance and low light tests. However, its poor noise score is a bit of a letdown, and the resolution is 8 megapixels versus 10 for the T700. You could also buy two SD1100s for the price of the T700, and have enough money left over to take your family out for dinner. Worth considering.
Nikon Coolpix S51c – Much like the Sony T700, the Nikon S51c debuted at a high price with a sexy design, a small lens tucked away in the upper left corner, and a new feature to crow about (in this case Wi-Fi). However, the Coolpix scored worse than the Sony in all of our performance tests, except low light. The S51c reinforces an interesting point about these high priced, stylish cameras. It debuted at $300 less than a year ago, and can now be found for about $180.
Samsung NV40 – Samsung's NV40 is an intermediary step between a standard compact point-and-shoot, and the ultra-slim, ultra-sexy and ultra-expensive cameras like the T700. It's a little bit bigger, it's from a company that's not quite as well known for digital cameras, and it's a damn sight less costly at $190. It also outperformed the T700 in every test we ran except color accuracy, and scored significantly better for resolution and white balance. The only substantial gotcha to be wary of with the NV40 is the unfortunately over-complex and difficult control system.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 – This predecessor to the T700 didn't have a high resolution touch screen, but it did have a significantly longer battery life, 5x optical zoom, and outperformed its successor on the low light, noise and dynamic range tests. Plus you don't have to deal with the laggy and imprecise touch screen.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The T700 has a lot to offer those who just want a camera they can pick up and shoot, without the need for any further instruction. It has an Easy mode, which removes all but the most minimal of controls and Auto, which is still pretty simple. There's a definite appeal here for point and shooters, albeit at a substantial price.
Budget Consumers – Definitely not. The Cyber-shot T700 retails for $400, mainly on the strength of its design and touch screen. For less than half the price, you can purchase our highest scoring compact camera, the Panasonic Lumix TZ3. This is not a camera for people on a budget.
Manual Control Freaks – Manual control freaks will balk at the limited options available to them. No shutter speed controls, no aperture control, and no manual white balance will probably mean no purchase.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Pros and serious hobbyists on the lookout for a supplemental point-and-shoot will probably have a number of issues with the T700. As with the control freaks, the lack of serious manual options will be problematic. The unresponsive controls will also doubtless garner much frustration. For a similar price, these users would probably be more attracted to the semi-pro high end cameras, like the Canon G line, or the Panasonic Lumix LX line.
Shop for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700
Latest News
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06-Feb-2012
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Features
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DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
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DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
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