Connectivity
Software (4.5)
The Sony Cyber-shot W35 comes with the included Picture Motion Browser 2.0 CD-ROM. Like most free photo software, Picture Motion allows users to upload, sort, and organize their photos with picture-editing features. The Picture Motion Browser includes a Map View function. When used with the additional Sony GPS-SC1 accessory, priced at $149.99, users can sort their photos by geography on an Internet world map with the recorded position data attached to each photo. The Sony software is compatible with Microsoft 2000 Professional, Me, XP and Mac OS version 9.1, 9.2, and OS X 10.0 and 10.4 operating systems.
Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
There are three locations on the body of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 for jacks, ports and plugs. On the right side of the camera body, there is a small port cover near the top of the camera. Beneath the LCD screen, on the back of the DSC-W35, is a port cover that opens along its bottom edge. This cover connects to the camera body via a hinge located on the right edge. This hinge is thick and seems sturdy but got in the way when connecting cables to the camera. This port cover protects both the AV out and USB ports of the DSC-W35. The port cover design and construction made closing this feature difficult and a process that took a couple attempts. Once closed, the cover still was able to slide back and forth slightly. This could be a problem if the camera is exposed to dampness or other conditions that could allow liquids to seep into either the USB or AV out ports. On the right side of the camera body is another plastic port cover that is opened via the back edge and conceals the DC IN port. This cover lacks a sturdy connection to the camera body and seems ready to break at any point. The third and final location for ports is on the bottom of the camera body. A port cover on the right side of the camera body leads to the battery and the proprietary Memory Stick Duo Pro.
Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is PictBridge compliant and features a quite functional and user-friendly DPOF structure. Users can select images and order for printing in both the nine-up multi-image display and when scanning images individually in full screen. Unlike other manufacturers, such as Kodak, that expedite the printing process by including an external Share button for one-button printing, the user of the DSC-W35 will need to engage the in-camera playback menu system in order to print.
Battery (7.25)
The battery port for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is located on the bottom of the camera on the right side of the body. The battery slot’s cover is opened by pressing slightly while sliding the cover to the right. Once open the cover reveals a slot for the DSC-W35’s rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. This battery is lighter in weight when compared to four or even two AA batteries and will save consumers money through its ability to recharge. The only problem with the battery is the positioning of the battery slot on the bottom face of the camera. This will mean that whenever the camera is attached to a tripod or other stabilizing device both the battery and the memory card will be inaccessible.
Memory (4.25)
The Sony DSC-W35 has 56 MB of Flash memory, which is slightly ahead of the curve in the point-and-shoot digital camera market. In addition, the camera also comes with an optional Memory Stick Duo Pro memory card slot located beneath the same cover as the Lithium Ion battery on the bottom of the camera body.
Other Features (6.5)
Live Histogram – A live histogram will provide more advanced point-and-shoot photographers with information regarding their exposure levels prior to shooting. This is a very useful inclusion for both point-and-shooters and more advanced photographers, and a welcome surprise given the camera's $179.99 price tag.
Conversion Lens Compatibility – Although the conversion lens adapter and the conversion lenses themselves are not included in the purchase of the Cyber-shot DSC-W35, the compatibility is certainly worth noting. Consumers will find that Sony is currently offering three conversion lens options at this time for the DSC-W35 with a 2.6x Super Telephoto conversion lens, a 1.7 Telephoto conversion lens and a 0.7 wide conversion lens, all available at Sony online.
