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SONY Cameras

Sony Cybershot DSC-V1 - Quick Preview

As you can see the V1 is small and quite well designed, although there are a lot of buttons around the back of the camera. A body design but functional looking with a cool-to-the-touch metal case.

Major manual control features

• Manual Exposure Controls: Flexible exposure control is provided with aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure modes for better command over motion and depth of field.
• Program-Shift Dial: Situated next to the LCD for easy access, this dial allows the user to select from a range of available combinations of aperture and shutter settings for control over motion and depth of field while remaining in an automatic exposure mode.
• Five-area Multi-Point Auto Focus: The camera evaluates five separate areas of the frame and intelligently focuses on the subject, displaying the selected focus point, or the user can choose any of the five points for manual control.
• Hologram AF™ Illuminator: Projects a laser pattern on the subject to create contrast for precise focus, even in low or no light.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently meters the light in 49 points of the frame to establish the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow aren't centered in the frame.
• Auto Fill Flash: When the subject is backlit or in shadow, the fill flash automatically fires to provide optimum exposure.
• NightShot Infrared System: Captures infrared images in total darkness at a distance of up to 15 feet.
• NightFraming System: To capture crisp images in low or no light, this feature illuminates the subject with the NightShot system for proper framing, focuses with Hologram AF illuminator and lights the scene with the appropriate amount of flash.
  

Side by side

Below you can see the Sony DSC-V1 between Canon's PowerShot S330 (left) and PowerShot G3 (right). As noted in our original assessment of the V1 it's only slightly larger than the S330 from the front but is quite a bit thicker. The DSC-V1 really does make the G3 look big.

In your hand

It's reduced size doesn't cause any problems with grip, the camera is thick enough with a subtle front moulded finger grip to ensure a steady and firm fit. Weight balance is good and the camera feels robust thanks to its all metal case.

Camera elements

The DSC-V1's flash unit pops up from the right side of the body.	Additional flash support is available thanks to a new 'intelligent' hot-shoe, although I suspect it will be a bit of a balancing act to put a flash on such a small camera.
The DSC-V1 has a 'Carl Zeiss' lens with a fairly unremarkable F2.8 - F4.0 maximum aperture, this is limited by the size of the lens elements.	In the base of the camera is the single combined battery and Memory Stick Pro compartment. The DSC-V1 is supplied with a Lithium-Ion battery.
All of the cameras connectors are found on the left side behind a corner hatch, top to bottom: USB 2.0, A/V out, DC-IN (battery charges in camera).

Camera displays

Record: The V1 provides an optional live histogram which can be useful for obtaining the correct exposure. Here we have half-pressed and have a good focus lock (green circle).	Record: Hold the shutter release after the shot is taken to see the review image (same as F717). Note that the histogram is still displayed along with exposure information.
Review: Press the quick review button to display the last image taken. As with play mode the camera initially displays a rough image and then just under 2 seconds later replaces it with the loaded higher resolution image. Note histogram again.	Play: Switching to play mode displays the last image taken or the last image on the Memory Stick, again display is first a rough thumbnail (not shown above).
Play: Press delete to delete an individual image, use the left and right arrows to browse between images while remaining in delete mode.	Play: Press the thumbnail index button to switch to a 3x3 (9 image) index display.
Play: Press the thumbnail index button once more to switch to a three image exposure information mode. Cursor up and down to browse the two pages of info.	Play: Press zoom controller towards telephoto to magnify the image, from 1.1x to 5.0x in 17 steps. Once magnified you can use the cursor pad to pan around the image.

Camera menus

All of the DSC-V1's menus use a new more rounded font and mixed case text which does come across as being more user friendly.

Auto Record: Basic options for the type of record mode. Press the image size button to display this pop-up.	P/A/S/M: Full control of camera settings, note the new options for saturation and tone control. I would still have liked to have seen more latitude of adjustment (maybe +/-3 or 5 levels). Press the image size button to display this pop-up.
Scene: You can select the scene mode (now an expanded range) as well as other settings. Press the image size button to display this pop-up.	Movie: Options for metering, white balance and picture effect. Press the image size button to display this pop-up.
Sony DSC-P8 and P10 ___________________________ Pre-PMA 2003, 15:00 GMT: Sony has today announced two new ultra-compact, pocketable 'P' series Cybershot digital cameras. The DSC-P8 has a three megapixel sensor and three times optical zoom lens, the DSC-P10 has a five megapixel sensor and three times optical zoom lens. Just like other cameras announced today both cameras benefit from some new features such as support for Memory Stick Pro, USB 2.0, MPEG VX (VGA, 16fps), color saturation / tone adjustment, Smart Zoom and more. Sony DSC-P10 and DSC-P8 Press Release: SONY'S 2003 CYBER-SHOT CAMERA LINE-UP SPOTLIGHTS VALUE, VARIETY AND PORTABILITY Six New Reasons to Consider Upgrading Your Digital Camera PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 24, 2003 - Sony's range of six new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras, announced here today, is a reflection of the consumer boom in digital photography. "While we're seeing incredible growth in the first-time buyer market, we know there are millions of consumers who are upgrading to get better picture resolution and more features," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony Electronic's Digital Imaging Products Division. "Our new 2003 P-series Cyber-shot camera line-up now starts at 3.2 megapixels, a resolution threshold that will provide even novices with confidence in their photography results." Cyber-shot P Series Three models in Sony's 2003 line of P-series point-and-shoot cameras (DSC-P32, DSC-P52 and DSC-P72) offer 3.2 megapixels of resolution. A fourth camera, the DSC-P92 model enhances the point-and-shoot family by offering 5.0 megapixels. While the DSC-P32 model comes with a fixed focal length lens and the DSC-P52 brings 2X optical zoom, both the DSC-P72 and DSC-P92 models offer 3X optical zoom capability. All four cameras come supplied with rechargeable NiMH AA batteries with enhanced charge capacity and a charger that generates a full charge in about half the time of previous models. These four cameras will be available in April. The DSC-P32 will sell for about $230, the DSC-P52 for about $280, the DSC-P72 for about $330, and the DSC-P92 for about $500. All four models feature Sony's optimized MPEG VX movie mode. It can capture VGA resolution video with audio at 16 frames per second up to the capacity of the Memory Stick® card that is used. A 16MB card is included. Cyber-shot Compact P Series For pocketable options, the ultra-compact Cyber-shot DSC-P8 and DSC-P10 cameras are smaller point-and-shoot models with metal construction and an InfoLithium® battery system. These two new models feature a Tracking Auto-Focus System to maintain continuous focus lock on moving subjects, a live histogram, and adjustable color saturation and contrast. Both models have 3X optical zoom and MPEG VX movie mode with audio recording. Both new compact P-series models will be available in April, with the DSC-P8 expected to sell for about $400, and the DSC-P10 expected to cost about $600. The DSC-P8 ships with a 16MB Memory Stick media card and the DSC-P10 ships with a 32MB card. Beyond Megapixels and Zoom: Camera Features Create Better Results All six new Cyber-shot point-and-shoot models come with a comprehensive feature set to give users flexibility, greater ease of use and quality results. "The power behind the feature set is that you get the photo right the first time by avoiding common problems, minimizing the need for fine-tuning later," Haber said. "For just one of a dozen examples, think about the old rule of making sure the light is behind you when you take a photo to avoid a dark subject. To address that, we're introducing Auto Fill Flash, which automatically fires the flash to optimize light on the subject and balance the exposure." Among the 2003 Cyber-shot camera features are multiple movie recording options and USB 2.0 connection. In addition, a new Smart Zoom option replaces digital zoom, and intelligently uses the full resolution of the camera's imager at lower resolution settings to zoom into the portion of interest by cropping the image size. Sony DSC-P8 and DSC-P10 specifications Sony DSC-P8 Sony DSC-P10 Street price US: $400 US: $600 Sensor • 1/2.7" CCD • RGB Color Filter Array • 3.34 million pixels total • 1/1.8" CCD • RGB Color Filter Array • 5.24 million pixels total Effective pixel count 3.2 million 5.0 million Image sizes • 2048 x 1536 • 2048 x 1360 (3:2) • 1632 x 1224 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 • 2592 x 1944 • 2592 x 1728 (3:2) • 2048 x 1536 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 Movie clips • 640 x 480, 16 fps, media limit only (21 mins on 512 MB Memory Stick Pro) • 160 x 112, 8 fps, media limit only * All with audio File formats • Still: JPEG (EXIF 2.2) Fine / Standard • Movie: MPEG 1 Lens • 3x optical zoom Sony lens • 39 - 117 mm equiv. • F2.8 - F5.6 • 3x optical zoom Sony lens • 38 - 114 mm equiv. • F2.8 - F5.6 Digital zoom * Up to 3.2x (VGA) Up to 4.0x (VGA) Focus • 3 area Multi-Point AF • Manual focus (5 positions) • AF assist beam • Continuous AF Focus range • Normal: 50 cm (1.6 ft) - Infinity • Macro: 10 - 50 cm (3.9 - 19.7 in) Metering • Multi-Pattern (49 segment) • Spot Exposure compen. +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps Sensitivity • Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 Shutter • Auto: 1/30 - 1/2000 sec • Twilight: 2 - 1/2000 sec White balance • Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent • Incandescent • Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent • Incandescent • Flash • Manual Picture effects • Black & White • Solarize • Sepia • Negative Art Noise reduction • Clear Color • Clear Luminance • Slow Shutter Image adjustments • Sharpness • Color saturation • Tone Viewfinder None LCD monitor • 1.5" TFT LCD • 123,000 pixels Live histogram Yes Flash • Built-In • Modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow • Red-Eye Reduction: On, Off • Range: 0.5 - 3.8 m (1.6 - 12.5 ft) Scene modes • Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • Fast Shutter Drive modes • Single • Burst (2 shot) • Multi-burst (16, 320x240 images) • Clip motion (GIF) • Self-timer 10 seconds • Single • Burst (3 shot) • Multi-burst (16, 320x240 images) • Clip motion (GIF) • Self-timer 10 seconds Connectivity • USB 2.0 (inc PTP) • A/V out Storage • Memory Stick / Select / Pro * • 16 MB Memory Stick supplied * No support for high speed transfer / access control function • Memory Stick / Select / Pro * • 32 MB Memory Stick supplied * No support for high speed transfer / access control function Power • Lithium-Ion InfoLithium NP-FC11 • Supplied AC adapter / charger Dimensions 105 x 52 x 36 mm (4.1 x 2.0 x 1.4 in) 105 x 52 x 36 mm (4.1 x 2.0 x 1.4 in) Weight (inc batt) 206 g (7.3 oz) 206 g (7.3 oz) * Sony's new "Smart Zoom" will only allow digital zoom at lower image sizes and only when zooming will not affect image quality ================================================================== ========================================= Canon Powershot SD1100 IS digital camera specifications Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Image Summary Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Replacement for the SD1000 (Ixus 70) offers solid, if slightly uninspiring feature set in a stylish and well made slimline casing. The SD1100IS is a 'typical' IXUS/SD in many respects. It is compact, well built and sports a reasonably attractive design. It offers good output quality in most situations - straight out of the box - only requiring minimal user intervention. It is also typical in so far as you won't find any groundbreaking innovations on the spec sheet. As usual Canon has chosen the safe route by sticking to what they know best. If it is the extraordinary you are after, go and look somewhere else. . (April 2009) Recommended Review by dpreview.com , February 2008 More information In-depth review Samples gallery Announced 24-Jan-08 All Canon products Canon website Discussion Canon Talk Forum Find related discussion Owners opinions Read owners opinions (16) Post / Edit your opinion Support this site by purchasing from our affiliate merchants No merchants currently list this product Format Compact, Ultra compact Price (street) Also known as Canon Digital IXUS 80 Release Status Max resolution 3264 x 2448 Low resolution 3264 x 1832, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 Image ratio w:h 4:3, 16:9 Effective pixels 8.0 million Sensor photo detectors 8.3 million Sensor size 1/2.5 " (5.75 x 4.31 mm, 0.24 cm²) Pixel density 32 MP/cm² Sensor type CCD Sensor manufacturer Unknown ISO rating Auto, High ISO Auto (incorporating Motion Detection Technology), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Zoom wide (W) 38 mm Zoom tele (T) 114 mm (3 x) Digital zoom Yes, 4x Image stabilization Yes, Lens Auto Focus TTL autofocus Manual Focus No Normal focus range 30 cm Macro focus range 3 cm White balance override Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom Aperture range F2.8 - F4.9 Min shutter 15 sec Max shutter 1/1500 sec Built-in Flash Yes Flash range 3.5 m External flash No Flash modes Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Face Detection flash exposure compensation, Flash exposure lock Exposure compensation -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps Metering Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), center-weighted average, Spot (center) Aperture priority No Shutter priority No Focal length multiplier Lens thread No Continuous Drive Yes, 1.3fps Movie Clips Yes, 640 x 480 30fps, 320 x 240, 30fps, 160 x 120 15fps Remote control No Self-timer Yes, 2 or 10 sec Timelapse recording No, (timelapse movie mode) Orientation sensor Yes Storage types SD/SDHC/MMC Card Storage included 32MB SD card supplied Uncompressed format No Quality Levels Super-Fine, Fine, Normal Viewfinder Optical (Tunnel) LCD 2.5 " LCD Dots 230,000 Live View No USB USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec) HDMI No Wireless No Environmentally sealed No Battery NB-4L Li-ion battery Weight (inc. batteries) 165 g (5.8 oz) Dimensions 86.8 x 54.8 x 22 mm (3.4 x 2.2 x 0.9 in) Notes Resolution Chart========= ============================================================= Sony A380 The Sony A380 is an entry level DSLR featuring a 14.2 megapixel sensor, auto focus in LiveView, and HDMI port. Source: CrunchGear