Value (6.75)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30, priced at the bottom of the entry-level W-series of digital cameras, has basic compact features: 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2-inch LCD screen. While these specs can be found in many budget-priced models, the W30 also includes ISO 1000 illumination in low light, which can’t be found in any other model at this low price. Also, the Sony W30’s movie mode beats that of cheaper models, which often have poor resolution and slow frame rates. Even without a Memory Stick Pro Duo card, the W30’s 16.6 fps rate is faster than some other entry-level models. At $229, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30 is a good value.

Comparisons
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 – If you love the W30’s features, but can’t stand its relatively small LCD screen, the Sony W50 has a more competitively sized view, with a 2.5-inch LCD screen and 115,000 pixels of resolution.. This does significantly enhance the view, and only costs twenty dollars more. Otherwise, the cameras are almost exactly the same - 3x optical zoom lens, small optical viewfinders, and the same automatic modes, including High Sensitivity - though the W50 gets 390 shots per charge instead of the W30’s 400. The W50 retails for $249.




Canon PowerShot A530 – The 5-megapixel A530 is part of the incredibly popular A-series of Canon digital cameras and, at $229, is quite affordable. While the PowerShot has one less megapixel on its 1/2.5-inch CCD, its 4x Canon lens gives it more optical zoom. Like the Sony W-series cameras, the Canon A530 has an optical viewfinder that is a throwback to the glory days of film. With 12 scene modes and a simple interface, this model is also easy to use, and an interesting My Colors mode allows users to add color filters and effects within the camera. The A530 runs on 2 AA batteries and is compatible with optional conversion lenses. It has a 1.8-inch LCD screen, with a measly 77,000 pixels, on a chunky 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.7 inch body. However, a slight hand grip makes the A530 more comfortable to handle.


Fujifilm FinePix A600 – Fuji’s version of the entry-level model, the 6-megapixel A600 comes with Fujifilm’s Super CCD technology, which has produced impressive results in previous FinePix digital cameras. It has a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.4-inch LCD screen. The two camera bodies are similar in size; the A600 measures 3.7 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches and weighs 5.1 oz.. The FinePix digital camera is simple to use and runs on convenient AA batteries. Its movie mode is a bit disappointing, however, as its finest recording still only collects 320 x 240 pixels at 10 fps. No optical viewfinder exists on the A600 either, and only four scene modes are available. At $249, it costs $20 more than the Sony W30, but doesn’t offer much more functionality. The A600 will debut on store shelves in June.


HP Photosmart M527 – At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, HP unveiled a slew of digital cameras, including the 6-megapixel M527. This model looks similar to its other Photosmart siblings: its metal body is silver, rectangular, and, at 1.4 inches thick, slightly chunky. It has a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2-inch LCD screen, and a help guide, complete with text and illustrations, to rescue the technologically disadvantaged. In-camera editing features let users add borders and effects within the camera body as well as fixing red-eye. The HP M527 has six scene modes and a movie mode that records 320 x 240-pixel video at 30 fps. It runs on AA batteries and has 16 MB of internal memory. The HP Photosmart retails for $199.


Kodak EasyShare C643 – This EasyShare isn’t especially attractive, but its components are similar to those of the W30. The Kodak C643 has a chunky 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.3-inch silver body with a 2.4-inch LCD screen and tiny optical viewfinder, a 3x optical zoom lens, and 6.1 megapixels. None of its 12 screen modes have anything comparable to the W30’s High Sensitivity mode; instead, Kodak has an automatic ISO setting that only covers 80-160 and manual adjustments that extend the range to 400. The movie mode on this EasyShare records a full 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps, using only a regular SD card, instead of the Memory Stick Pro card that the Sony W30 requires, or 32 MB of internal memory. A ruby-colored Share button on theC643 has a ruby-colored Share button transfers files to computers or directly to printers with one touch. The Kodak EasyShare C643 retails for $229.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – With automatic modes and a compact body, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30 is built for the point-and-shoot market. Consumers who don’t want to select a metering mode or manually focus the lens will be satisfied with the W30.

Budget Consumers – At $229, the 6-megapixel Sony W30 is priced to lure in consumers who want to buy their first digital camera but don’t want to spend $349 or more for it. Even when an extra Memory Stick is included in the price, the Sony W30 is quite competitive in the entry-level compact market.

Gadget Freaks – These consumers will be totally bored by the prospect of spending an afternoon with the W30. After all, it doesn’t have a folding LCD monitor or wireless connectivity or anything. Its most interesting gadget is probably the optical viewfinder – and that is only of interest because of its miniscule size, not its technical prowess.

Manual Control Freaks – Manual control is not important to the W30, which was built for pointing, shooting, and making simple selections like image size. If photographers want to change the shutter speed and aperture, they’ll have to find another digital camera.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This category of users won’t even glance at the Sony W30 once. Not even for vacation. The images from a 6-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor combined with the lack of manual control just won’t suit this audience.

Connectivity / Extras	Page 10 of 12		Conclusion
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30 Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance	Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes	Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions	Conclusion	Specs / Ratings