Manual Control Options
For a compact point-and-shoot camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-W1 does provide opportunity for manual control. While still somewhat limited, the W1 user can alter either the aperture or the shutter speed, as well as ISO and white balance settings. The problem is that each of the manual settings is restricted within a limited set of options. Nonetheless, there is still some control possible for the manual user that extends beyond the limits of most point-and-shoot cameras.

Focus
Manual (3.5)
Manual focus is not really an option on the DSC-W1. The user can select from three preset distance options (3.0m, 1.0m, 0.5m) to manually measure focus. While this may technically qualify as manual focus control, in reality it is just another preset option. The only instance where I could see these settings applying is a staged scene or portrait where the subjects are all placed in the same position from a spotted area, and neither this nor any other point-and-shoot camera would be used in such a circumstance. Therefore, while it is a nice gesture for Sony to include this in their menu, it is really counter-productive and only shows that they acknowledge the need for manual focus without providing something that could actually be used.

Metering (6.5)
There are two metering modes to select from on the Sony DSC-W1: a spot metering mode and a multi-pattern metering mode. Spot metering is designed to expose for a specific area or spot. For instance, if a person’s face is the subject of the image, and there is strong lighting from behind the subject, when the spot metering method is selected, the camera will set the exposure so the face will be properly exposed, even though the background may become “blown out.” However, if the user wants even exposure of the entire composition, he or she can select the multi-pattern metering mode, which will measure the entire frame and produce an even exposure for the full composition. This will maintain the contrast levels within the scene and adjust the settings to create an appropriate overall exposure.

Exposure (7.0)
Exposure controls are fairly straightforward, but only apply to some of the camera’s shooting modes. When in “P” priority mode, or any of the other preset shooting modes, the user can enter the menu and scroll over to the far left, where a black and white, yin-yang like “+/-“ icon is located. This is the exposure setting. When accessed, the user can adjust the exposure to +2.0 EV or –2.0 EV in 1/3 EV increments. This is a pretty standard range of exposure controls and functions similarly to most other point-and-shoot cameras on the market.

White Balance (6.0)
White balance control on the Cyber-shot DSC-W1 is a bit limited. Without any custom setting, the need for preset options is heightened. I’m generally disappointed with any camera geared towards upper level point-and-shoot users that does not offer a custom white balance setting, as color accuracy and precision is taken out of the user’s hands. The only compensation from these cameras is offering an abundance of possible scenarios to choose from, in the hope that one will apply. The W1 only contains five preset options: auto, sunlight, cloudy, fluorescent, and tungsten. While these cover the essentials, advanced color precision is often difficult to attain.

ISO (6.5)
The Sony DSC-W1 is stocked with the essential ISO settings for a point-and-shoot camera, offering automatic or manual control in the 100-400 ISO range. This will provide accurate coverage for use, at least until dusk, but will not grant much additional flexibility in terms of low light shooting. Additionally, the lowest ISO rating, 100, is an adequate speed to minimize noise levels, but it may have been helpful in terms of image clarity to include an ISO 50 or 80 rating.

Shutter Speed (7.0)
The shutter range on the DSC-W1 runs from 30 seconds to 1/1000 of a second. When speeds of 1/6 sec or lower are selected, “NR” will appear before the setting information at the bottom of the frame. This is a noise reduction system that is activated automatically when the speeds are slowed to this extent, helping to limit distortion and increase image clarity. The shutter range that is present on the DSC-W1 is impressive and provides a substantial amount of control over exposure for the manual user.

Aperture (6.5)
The DSC-W1 contains a variation of manual aperture control. While somewhat limited, the user can select between two manual aperture ratings when in manual mode. At full wide angle, the two aperture settings are f/2.8 and f/5.6. When zoomed in to telephoto mode, the aperture closes down to f/5.2 and f/10. There will always be two aperture settings to select from, though the size of the opening will vary depending on the focal length being used. Restricted to just two choices, the DSC-W1 manual user may feel somewhat contained; however, the opportunity for fine tuning is present, going beyond typical point-and-shoot limitations.

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