CyberShot DSC-U30

The Sony DSC-U30 is equipped with a 5.0mm (33mm in 35mm format) f/2.8 fixed focal length lens with no digital zoom. The slide-over lens covering is also an ON / OFF switch for the camera in Record mode.

The auto focus system works from 3.9 inches to infinity in normal mode and when in preset (manual) focus mode it is settable from 7.9"(0.2m) to infinity in four steps.

The built in flash has settings for Auto, Auto Red-eye reduction, Forced on and forced off. The effective range is 1.6 to 6.0 feet (0.5m to 1.8m).

When the user wants to be in the picture, the Cyber-shot U30 has a small circular mirror on the sliding lens cover to aid in proper framing.

The controls on the back: The MENU button calls up the onscreen menu in record or playback. You navigate menus with the CONTROL (up / down) button and EXECute your selections with the button on the right. When not in the MENU mode, the up position of the CONTROL button toggles through the Flash modes and the down arrow rotates through the three Scene modes; Soft Snap, Illumination Snap, Twilight, Active Outdoor and Vivid Nature Modes.

Soft Snap scene mode increases the warmer color range, increases brightness and softens focus for more esthetically pleasing portraits. Illumination Snap mode (Backlit/Night mode) fires the flash in red-eye reduction mode and leaves the shutter open long enough to capture background detail while the cross screen filter effect puts a "cross" on each pinpoint light source (tripod recommended.) Twilight is for night scenes. Active Outdoor is for sports photos. The Vivid Nature mode accentuates the blues and greens of the scenic landscape type photograph.

The yellow light above the MENU button indicates flash status.

Controls on the top of the camera include the Mode Dial lets you select Play, Still Record, or Movie. The chrome button is the shutter release and to the right is Power button which powers up the camera the same as opening the lens cover. The green light to the far right indicates power ON.

Located on the side along with the batteries is the Memory Stick card slot. The DSC-U30 comes with an 8MB Memory Stick and can use any capacity Memory Stick or the newer Memory Stick Pro cards. The Memory Stick is easily removed by pressing it inward which makes it "pop" out slightly.

The USB 1.1 port is for connection to the host computer for data download. There is no provision for Video Out or AC power adapter.

The DSC-U30 is powered by just two AAA type batteries. A set of NiMH triple-A batteries and charger are included and we suggest you carry at least one extra set of NiMH batteries to insure adequate power supply. Sony makes no claim as to battery life but we were very impressed with how long the included batteries lasted considering that the color LCD is always on.