Sony Cyber-shot N2 First Impressions Review

by Richard Baguley
Published on September 28, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion

Front
The front of the N2 is mainly taken up by the telescoping lens, which protrudes about an inch and a half from the front of the camera when it telescopes out. Above the lens is the small flash window and the IR active focus emitter. Sony uses the vacant space on the other side to remind you that it’s a Sony, and to proclaim loudly that it takes 10.1 megapixel images.

Back
By far the largest feature on the back of the N2 is the 3-inch touch screen. To the side of this are the small zoom control, the mode switch, the menu button (which accesses the on-screen menu) and the display button (which shows or hides the on-screen information such as shutter speed, aperture, etc). And that’s it: everything else is done through the on-screen menu.


Left Side
On the left side of the camera is the microphone and a label that reminds you that the N2 has a 3x optical zoom. Just in case you’d forgotten.


Right Side
On the right we have a lanyard loop and the cover for the battery and memory card compartment: push this in and press it down and it slides off, revealing the battery compartment and MemoryStick Pro slot. MemoryStick Duo and Duo Pro cards are supported, although the larger standard MemorySticks won’t fit. 256MB of internal memory is also included. You also see the mode switch.


Top
On the top is the speaker vent, the power switch and the shutter button, plus a label that reminds you of the model name.


Bottom
There are just two things on the bottom of the camera: a tripod bush and the socket where the combined USB and A/V cable connects. This socket also supports the $80 Sony Cyber-shot Station dock, which provides an easy way to connect the camera to a TV (it includes a remote control) and a PC without fiddling with cables.