Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1

Model Design / Appearance (8.0)
Available in either silver or black, the DSC-W1 can claim to be fashionable with its compact, proficient look, though not as sleek as the DSC-T1 or as bold as the P100. The W1 packs 8.8 ounces into its shell, taking on a portable shape similar to that of a pack of cigarettes. It’s functional and effective, with a practical layout that leaves plenty of space on the back of the camera for the 2.5" LCD, as well as providing a comfortable spread for the necessary controls.

There is a sculpted protrusion on the front left side of the camera, just to the left of the lens. This crescent-shaped segment provides additional support for the right hand grip. Because of the weight of the W1, Sony crafted this rounded lip to complement the curve of the lens. This is essential to supporting the W1, as it mirrors the natural curl of the right hand’s middle finger when grasping around the camera, making it feasible to hold the camera stable and steady the shot with just a single hand. With the added grip and increased stability the lip provides, the W1 is one of the more friendly single-handed cameras available, and will help shooting in low light situations when a tripod is not available. It also helps to reduce blur as well as increase control over the camera. This is a particular advantage over the similarly shaped Canon S500; acknowledged by both manufacturers as competitive models, the W1 sets itself apart form Canon’s S500 with subtle design elements like these.

Size / Portability (8.0)
The DSC-W1 is a compact point-and-shoot camera built for portability. The substance and weight of the W1 has been condensed into a small package roughly the size of a cigarette pack. The DSC-W1 measures 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches, and weighs 8.8 ounces with two AA batteries inside, giving some heft to it. Perhaps a bit too bulky to store comfortably in your pocket, the W1 is more a tribute to compact 35mm design rather than other Cyber-shot cameras, which disappear within a larger pocket.

While this DSC-W1 is not the smallest camera on the market, it more than compensates with its density. Perhaps I am in the minority, but I prefer a camera that feels substantial in your hand; there is something to be said for a camera that feels like a machine and not a plastic toy, as it certainly does not shoot like one. Having said this, I do not feel that creating a camera that feels solid jeopardizes portability. It helps to steady a shot and provides enough surface area to grasp the body with both hands.

Handling Ability (8.0)
For a compact point-and-shoot camera, the DSC-W1 feels a bit heavier than most. Weighing 8.8 oz. with batteries, the DSC-W1 feels dense and substantial in your hands. There is a grooved segment next to the lens to rest the curled right middle finger on and increase stabilization. The simplistic rectangular box design of the W1 is crafted with reason as the crucial controls on the top and back of the camera fall comfortably below the index finger and thumb’s natural placement. Enough space has also been provided to the left of the lens for the user’s second hand to reach around for a two-handed grip. This is necessary when added stabilization is desired thought it is often overlooked on compact point-and-shoot cameras. The Cyber-shot DSC-W1 remains small enough to stow away in a large pocket or hold in the palm when on the move and is perhaps the best blend of transport and functionality available in a compact camera.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
With its 2.5" LCD monitor consuming much of the back of the camera, there is only a small section designated for controls and buttons. Given this limited area, the vertical layout works pretty well on the DSC-W1. The zoom toggle buttons are a bit small, but are angled in towards each other, creating enough distinction that control is not an issue. The shutter release button is elevated off the mode dial significantly, granting easy access to the camera’s most essential control. I felt the navigation control buttons are a bit too small and somewhat tough to maneuver; however, again they are angled to slant towards the center. This does help to compensate for the small buttons and it aids in control. Overall, the buttons are not as accessible as on larger, SLR frames; however, for a small camera, the necessary controls are practically placed and positioned comfortably for the user.

Menu (8.0)
The DSC-W1 contains an expansive menu that is reached by depressing the "menu" button midway down the right side of the back of the camera. Like many point-and-shoot cameras, the main "menu" contains many of the camera’s shooting controls and functions. The shooting control headings run across the bottom of the frame, with the options appearing in a window frame across the image. This is a nice feature offered by Sony, in that most of their menus appears across the actual image frame, showing the setting changes as they register. The settings as well as the options available within the menu are:

Focus options (3.0m, 1.0m, 0.5m, center AF, multi AF), Metering Mode (spot, multi), WB (auto), ISO (400, 200, 100, Auto), Picture Quality (fine, standard), REC mode (multi burst, burst, normal), Flash level (+, normal, -), Picture Effects (B&W, Sepia, Off), Saturation (+, normal, -), Contrast (+, normal, -), Sharpness (+, normal, -).

Ease of Use (7.5)
Although the Cyber-shot DSC-W1 extends beyond straight point-and-shoot limitations, the general layout and functionality remains basic. This is essential as many of the DSC-W1 users will have no use for the added functions and accessory features available and therefore will rely on automatic precision and general ease. Rest assured, even the most remedial photographer or general camera user will feel at home with the DSC-W1’s simplistic design and basic controls. The advantage to the DSC-W1 is that it provides some head room for the curious beginner to expand their knowledge and grow into the more advanced components and features while not having to stumble with them before they are ready.