Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The Cyber-shot DSC-W1 is sculpted by Sony with less stylistic vigor than many other Cyber-shot models, as its boxy form and 35mm point and shoot design suggests a greater concern for pragmatic application and functionality. Offering a 1/1.8”, 5.1 megapixel CCD sensor with an RGB primary color filter applied to it, the DSC-W1 is built for performance. The W1 has several design subtleties aimed towards improved handling and ease of use. Intended as an advanced point-and-shoot camera with simplistic control and portability ease, the W1 will appeal to a broad audience including beginners, travelers and those looking to grow into manual control. Available online for as low as US $327, the DSC-W1 is priced almost $50 less than its chief competitor, the Canon PowerShot S500 and should appeal to the budget conscious as well.
Advertisement

 

Connectivity
Software (6.0)
The Sony DSC-W1 comes with Picture package version 1.0 for windows and ImageMixer VCD2 for Mac OS. This is a basic package with strong limitations. It will take care of necessary image transfers, but if heavy editing is desired, other options should be sought out.

Jacks, ports, plugs (5.0)
The DSC-W1 runs off 2 AA batteries and contains a DC in jack. There is also a USB 2.0 terminal to transfer images to a computer, as well as an A/V output. With the A/V output, the user has the option of exporting their images directly to a television monitor or VCR or plugging in a pair of headphones.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The DSC-W1 contains a DPOF marking feature that will allow the user to indicate the images they desire to be printed in the camera. Accessible through the playback menu, the user can select the images they later want printed. When connected to a PictBridge compliant printer, the DSC-W1 can print directly through the USB connection to the printer, without the assistance of a computer or middle source.

Memory (6.0)
A 32MB memory stick is included with the DSC-W1. Unfortunately, 32MB will not store too many images that are taken at full 5MB resolution. In Fine Quality, the 32MB memory stick will store 12 images at 5.0M (2592 x 1944) size. In Standard Quality at 5.0M, the 32MB card will hold 23 exposures. At the camera’s lowest quality, 196 images can be stored at Fine Quality in VGA (640 x 480) size and 491 images in Standard Quality.

Other Features
Additional lenses - The Cyber-shot DSC-W1 contains an abnormal amount of accessories and add-ons for a compact point-and-shoot camera. There are three additional lenses that can be purchased and attached to the VAD-WA conversion adaptor. For US $30, the lens adaptor can be purchased and attached directly to the ring around the DSC-W1’s stock, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. There is a 26.6mm VCL-DH0730 wide angle lens as well as a 193.8mm VCL-HD1730 telephoto lens, both which cost US $99. If a more intense zoom is desired, for a bit more money, roughly US $129, there is a 296.4mm VCL-DH2630 Super telephoto lens.

 

Additional Flash – Although the DSC-W1 does not have an accessory hot shoe, there is an external flash designed to attach to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera. For US $99, the HVL-FSL1B external slave flash will function off the W1’s main flash controls and provide far more illumination and flexibility with light direction and power.

 

Advertisement