Color (7.51)
We test the proficiency of each camera’s color reproduction using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software. We shoot the chart at each ISO rating offered at the camera’s optimal settings. The software reads the colors produced by the camera and contrasts the results with each hue's ideal tone. The chart below displays these results. Within each color tile, the external square is the actual color produced by the camera while the inner square is the camera’s produced color corrected by the software. The small, inverted rectangle in the inner segment of the tile is the tonal ideal.

The graph below is an elaboration of the camera’s color production, contrasting each tone with its ideal hue. The circles represent the tones produced by the camera while the squares are the ideal. The line linking the two is the margin of error for that tone; the greater the distance of the line, the less accurate the camera’s reproduction of that tone is. When the square is farther towards the edge of the frame than its joint circle, the tone is over-saturated. When the square is closer to the center of the chart then the circle, the color is duller than its ideal.

The 7.99 mean color error rendered by the DSC-W1 is decent. While much of this error seems to stem from over-saturated red and pink values, as is often the case with digital cameras attempting to enrich skin tones, there seems to be some inconsistency in the blue tones as well. Some of this may be attributed to the camera’s compensation for the blue fluorescent lamps with which we conducted our tests; however, this became a problem as there was no manual white balance setting on the camera. When set to the fluorescent white balance setting, the camera produced images with extreme blue overtones, filled with exaggerated green and blues. The automatic white balance setting rendered the most accurate colors on the DSC-W1, though it seems that it could have been far more accurate with the addition of a custom white balance setting.

Still Life Scene
Here is an image of our deeply symbolic still life scene captured with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1.

Click on the image above to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked file is very large!)

Resolution / Sharpness (4.23)
To test the resolution of each camera, we use an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. We expose the chart using the camera's optimal settings and import the best results into Imatest, to gauge the camera’s capabilities. Unfortunately, there is often a variance between the billed resolution marketed by the manufacturer and the “real resolution” within the image. Therefore, it is important to understand these numbers in another manor. Any camera that produces 80-89% of its suggested resolution is considered a “good” score while anything that exceeds 90% is excellent.

The DSC-W1 repeatedly produced 4.23 megapixels of resolution within its images, roughly 84% of its intended resolution. This is a good score and sets this compact camera apart with superior point-and-shoot imagery. By comparison, the Canon S500 recorded images at 66% of its marketed capacity, roughly 3.0 megapixels of actual resolution. The entire Cyber-shot series seems to excel in terms of resolution and the DSC-W1 holds true to form.

Noise – Auto ISO (5.13)
For a point-and-shoot camera, the DSC-W1 is not proficient in auto mode. While the camera will read extreme lighting to produce a proper exposure, many of the images recorded in automatic ISO mode are fraught with noise and distortion. As the available light is diminished, the camera struggle to compensate and it results in increased noise levels. Fortunately, the DSC-W1 does contain manual ISO control, providing the user the opportunity to control the image clarity.

Noise – Manual ISO (8.28)

The DSC-W1 is a point-and-shoot camera, but it has some advanced shooting options to provide the user increased lighting flexibility and shooting control. One of these is the luxury of manual ISO settings. While there are limited ratings available (ISO 100, 200, 400), the W1 user can tweak exposure settings and noise levels though the alteration of ISO speed. Functioning in much the same manor as grain when shooting film, digital noise appears when there is limited light and the camera is fighting to boost visibility. The increased illumination will help gain more information in the image but will result in a degradation of quality as the images will become noisy and distorted. Relying solely on automatic ISO control, the user is forced to accept the camera's internalization of available light and shoot in the settings that they are given. With manual ISO control, the user can determine the desired balance between clarity and visibility and create an image they are content with. The different noise scores garnered by the DSC-W1 in manual and automatic ISO modes illustrates the degree of impact ISO settings will have on an exposure and ultimately determine how legible the image will be.

Speed / Timing
Startup to First Shot (6.99)
Speed is not a particular strength for the DSC-W1. Its startup is fairly slow and the lag between the shutter and exposure is also quite drawn out. Needing 3.01 seconds from the time the power button is pressed to the time an image is recorded, the W1 is probably not going to capture a quick shot in a passing moment.

Shot to Shot Time (7.13)
From shot to shot, the DSC-W1 is a bit quicker than it is off the start; however, it still requires 2.87 seconds to record successive images. It is fortunate that the W1 has burst capabilities, because quick captures are not feasible in normal mode.

Shutter to Shot Time (7.08)
From the time the shutter is depressed, the DSC-W1 takes 0.96 seconds to record an image. While this may not seem like a long time, this brief lag can account for unwanted blur and motion in many images.