Connectivity
Software (4.0)
The Sony W7 comes with Picture Package version 1.6 for Windows and ImageMixer VCD2 for Macintosh. The software takes about ten minutes to install and once uploaded, it is not very intuitive to use. Once the program is open, users must load pictures from the camera or from the computer. Pictures are not saved in the software once the application is closed, so don't close anything unless your work is saved and you don't plan on finding your previously loaded files there. Once pictures are loaded into the browser, users can doubleclick on a frame and it will enlarge in a separate window. Once there, users can choose to email or edit the picture. If the email option is chosen, the program will automatically open the default email program on the computer and let users select an image size. If the editing option is chosen, a separate window appears with the following options: red-eye fix, brightness/color, crop, resize, and save as (this latter option is of utmost importance in this program). The brightness/color option offers several image adjustments, such as hue, saturation, sharpness, brightness, and contrast. Ironically, the W7 has half of these editing options in the camera's picture effects menu; namely the hue, saturation, and sharpness. Because of this and the lack of real color balancing options (whatever happened to adjusting individual red, green, and blue frequencies?), as well as the inability to save loaded pictures in the software, the Sony Picture Package software was thoroughly unimpressive.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
Like most other compact digital cameras, the Sony W7 includes a single port that covers two separate connections: Mini-USB and A/V out.
Direct Print Options (6.5)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 is PictBridge compatible and will print within the playback menu via the DPOF and Print options. The camera also has a resizing option, so if users want to print 4 x 6-inch snapshots, they can resize pictures to the 3:2 format size for accurately framed pictures.
Battery (6.5)
The W7 comes with two Cyber-shot AA nickel-metal hydride batteries and a battery charger for them. When these batteries are unavailable, the camera also accepts R6 AA alkaline batteries.
Memory (8.0)
In case you haven’t figured this out by now, Sony wants its customers to stay customers forever. If you get the camera and want to use the movie mode, you have to buy the MemoryStick Pro card. If you want to use accessory lenses, you must buy the lens adaptor too. So it only makes sense that the W7 does not accept the traditional SD, MMC, or CompactFlash cards. Rather, it uses the Sony-brand MemoryStick and MemoryStick Pro media. This Cyber-shot also includes 32 MB of internal memory, which is admittedly more than most digital cameras will offer. This is a nice feature to have when you’re in a bind and can’t find a Sony-branded memory card anywhere.
Other Features (0.0)
Self-Timer- The camera has a self-timer, which activates and takes a picture 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed.
