Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1

Viewfinder (4.5)
As with many point-and-shoot cameras, the viewfinder on the Cyber-shot DSC-W1 is more a novelty than a necessity. While viewfinder use is essential to some shooters, the miniature window on the DSC-W1 probably will not be used too frequently over the large 2.5" LCD screen.

LCD Screen (8.0)
Like many other Cyber-shot cameras, the DSC-W1 employs a massive 2.5" LCD screen that encompasses most of the back of the camera. With 123,000 pixels, the image will be adequate but not spectacular. For comparison, the new Cyber-shot DSC-T3 contains the same-sized LCD monitor at 2.5", but stocks the screen with 230,000 pixels. Therefore, while many feel the Cyber-shot series contains superior LCD viewing capabilities, there is quite a large variance among them. While the DSC-W1 will not produce the cleanest LCD image available, its size alone makes for ideal framing assistance and playback opportunity away from an external monitor. At extreme angles, the W1’s LCD screen will experience a good amount of solarization; however, when viewed from straight on it will provide a large, visible image for even the farsighted user.

Flash (7.0)
The flash on the DSC-W1 is of moderate power, containing a range of 7.9 inches to 11.5 feet in full wide angle and 11.8 inches to 8.2 feet in telephoto. The DSC-W1 does support an accessory flash, allowing for added flexibility and illumination when needed.

Zoom lens (7.0)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 is equipped with an f/2.8-f/5.2 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom. The focal range of the lens is 38-114mm (35mm equivalency). When desired, the W1 will support additional accessory lenses, attached with the assistance of a VAD-WA conversion adaptor that is screwed directly into the ring surrounding the lens. Once the conversion adaptor has been attached, additional lenses can be directly applied. There are wide angle, telephoto, and super telephoto lenses that can be attached to the DSC-W1 as well as added filters.