Value (8.0)
For under $350, the 5.0 MP DSC-W1 is beyond a bargain. It provides necessary automatic controls while including a degree of manual control. The camera is a compact, portable package that includes enough weight to give substance and stability. This is an ideal camera for any point-and-shooter looking for quality over style. For those users who want a sleek package they can slip into their pocket, this may not be for you. For all those others looking for something small with advanced quality for the price, it can’t be beat.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot S500 – Quite similar in design to the Sony DSC-W1, the Canon PowerShot S500 is also driven by a 5 MP CCD sensor. For the most part, these two cameras run neck and neck as far as features go, with each containing a few advantages. The S500 is somewhat more flexible in general shooting control, carrying a low ISO rating of 50 where the DSC-W1 only drops to ISO 100. This provides the S500 user the luxury of shooting in less light than is necessary for the DSC-W1. Additionally, the S500 contains the crucial manual white balance option. This is necessary for any advanced shooter seeking increased color precision, and an opportunity that is lost with the DSC-W1. However, if its increased visibility the user desires, they may feel a bit more comfortable framing with the DSC-W1’s 2.5", 123K-pixel LCD monitor over the S500’s 1.5", 118K pixel screen. The DSC-W1 also has accessory capabilities for additional lenses as well as an external light supply, while the S500 restricts its user to the boxed contents. In terms of the image, I would have to give the advantage to the Sony DSC-W1, with superior resolution and color production; as a straight-up imager, the S500 takes a back seat.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1 – Sony’s DSC-V1 is similar to the DSC-W1 in terms of styling and, to some extent, the users it targets. While the DSC-W1 is intended as a point-and-shoot camera that moves a bit beyond, the DSC-V1 is the next step up. The DSC-V1 contains additional features to cater to the higher-end, compact prosumer class. There is a hot shoe on top of the DSC-V1, providing added flexibility with the opportunity for additional lighting. The DSC-V1 will also handle accessory lenses. When color precision is desired, the DSC-V1 contains the necessary manual preset white balance setting, as well as an 800 ISO speed for low light situations. While the DSC-W1 is competitive, for roughly US $40 more, the advanced user may want to look into the DSC-V1.

Nikon Coolpix 5200 – With 5.0 MP of resolution, the Nikon Coolpix 5200 lands itself in competition with the Sony DSC-W1 as a compact camera for the advanced point-and-shoot user. While the Coolpix 5200’s 1.5”, 110K-pixel LCD cannot rival the DSC-W1’s 2.5”, 118K pixel screen, the Coolpix 5200 does offer a few key settings not present on the DSC-W1. Chiefly, there is an ISO 64 setting on the 5200 that helps to decrease noise levels. While the DSC-W1 does have an NR (noise reduction) feature, image clarity could only be helped with lower ISO ratings available. Additionally, there is a preset white balance feature on the Coolpix 5200 that is not offered on the DSC-W1. However, if added lenses or flash capabilities are desired, the Coolpix 5200 user will be left in the dark. The Coolpix 5200 is currently listed online for US $359.00, just over US $30 more than the DSC-W1.

Fuji FinePix S5000 – Although the FinePix S5000 takes a different design slant on the traditional boxy compact point-and-shoot styling of the DSC-W1, both cameras attempt to appeal to the point-and-shooter, as well a bit beyond. The FinePix S5000 utilizes SLR styling to camouflage its simplicity, while the DSC-W1 seems to be the Cyber-shot camera to embrace it. The FinePix S5000 contains a 3.1 MP CCD, a 1.5”, 110K-pixel LCD, both somewhat inferior to the DSC-W1. The FinePix S5000 does have a more sculpted shape and is more comfortable to grasp. However, to enjoy this, the user must not care about carrying the larger, 11.6 oz frame, as the S5000 (unlike the DSC-W1) will not fit in your pocket. While the S5000 will not comply with external light sources, it does have an ISO 800 rating — however, it does come with a catch, as this rating is only usable at 1M quality. The fastest ISO rating at the S5000’s highest quality is ISO 400, which is the same as the DSC-W1.

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters – Point-and-shoot users will revel in the superior imagery the DSC-W1 provides. With room to grow into the camera, beginner users can expand without being overwhelmed. There are advanced options present on the DSC-W1; however, the basic camera functions are as simplistic as any for the true point-and-shooter.

Budget Consumers – Currently available for just under US $330, the DSC-W1 is a bargain for a 5 MP camera with added features. While those truly on a limited budget may be a bit overwhelmed when they see the price tag exceed the US $300 mark, the accessories available and the imaging capabilities of the W1 place this camera in limited company for the under US $350 price range.

Gadget Freaks ­– Gadget freaks will be entertained by the DSC-W1 for a brief period at least, which is more than can be said for most point-and-shoot imagers. There are accessory options available as well as some manual settings to play with in addition to the mesmerizing 2.5” LCD. This is not an SLR and will not contain the extensive menus and controls of an advanced imager, but for a point-and-shoot camera, this package should amuse the gadget freak for some time, at least until the boredom sets in.

Manual Control Freaks – Manual control freaks will not jump in jubilation for this camera, but as a compact point-and-shooter, they may be intrigued. For the point-and-shoot ranks, the DSC-W1 does stock its share of manual controls. With manual control of exposure, the user can manipulate the aperture size and shutter speed to get the exposure as desired. Additionally, the true manual control freak can indulge in bounced and refracted light when an accessory flash is used with the DSC-W1.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This will not be any professional or serious hobbyist's sole camera, though they may think highly enough of its control options and imaging capabilities to take it along on a trip or as a portable, pocketed companion.