The Sony DSC-W220 is a $190 camera that inherits several features from its higher-cost cousins in the Cyber-Shot line, including a relatively high 12.1-megapixel resolution, a 4x zoom, Intelligent Scene Recognition and Dynamic Range Optimization. Our First Impressions review, based on hands-on experience with a pre-production model at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, follows.
Model Design / Appearance
We like the look and feel of the DSC-W220. All too often in a sub-$200 camera there's a certain Fisher-Price toy feel to the build and design, but this Sony comes across as a sophisticated piece of gear meant for demanding users.
Size and Handling The DSC-W220 is small but not wafer-thin, at 3 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 7/8 inches (95.2mm x 56.5mm x 21.8mm), weighing in at approximately 5.2 oz. (147g) with battery and memory stick.
The top-and-bottom pinch is the most appropriate
camera holding strategy here..
Menu The menu system works in vertical columns: categories are stacked along the left edge and, as you cursor down, a fly-out strip provides choices which can then be selected by moving the cursor horizontally with the four-way controller. Since the number of options in this highly automated camera is fairly limited, this strategy works well: you never have to toggle down more than three screens to reach the choice you require. As for the presentation, it's crisp and clearly legible.
Ease of Use
Sony designers were smart about providing training wheels to help users master the features provided. We particularly like the use of text messages accompanying each menu selection to clarify your options. Another good choice involves the mode dial, which is relatively small and festooned with icons without captions. When the user begins turning this wheel, an on-screen animated version appears at the right side of the LCD, providing a larger display and explanations of the options you're scrolling through.
