The Cyber-shot DSC-T100 is Sony's new top of the line, ultra compact point-n-shoot digital camera. It offers a wide variety of high end features such as an 8-megapixel imager, 5x Carl Zeiss "folded" internal optical zoom lens, 31MB of internal memory and multiple video modes. In program mode, the user is able to adjust settings like white balance, ISO sensitivity, Metering, focus, AF-assist lamp and more. Even with all of these optional features, this camera can be used to take excellent photographs by anyone in the family using the automatic settings with the assistance of red eye reduction, face recognition and several pre-programmed scene modes.

The T-100 was made to fit today's on the move lifestyle with a durable metal body and very compact size that makes it easy to carry anywhere. It fits comfortably in your hands using the "pinch" technique. The location of the lens in the top left corner of the camera, which means that you have to watch your left index finger so it does not block the lens while shooting. The cameras menus are very easy to follow on the large, 3.0-inch LCD screen. With one touch access to the flash, display, macro lens and timer, the camera is ready for any situation that happens to pop up. The options are also very easy to get to but they vary depending on shooting mode. The LCD screen is very impressive and works very well in all types of lighting conditions indoors and out. The screen is easy to see outdoors and it will " gain up" (brighten) in low light situations, making framing much easier.

The T100 performed very well for us in the timing tests. From sliding open the lens cover till the first shot was captured measured an impressive 1.7 seconds. Shutter lag, the time between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, measured less than 1/10 of a second when pre-focused, and only 2/10 of a second including auto focus. Shooting in single exposure mode, the shot to shot delay averaged 9/10 of a second between frames without flash, and 3.0 - 3.5 seconds with flash, depending on subject distance and battery strength.

This model offers a continuous or "burst" capture mode as well as an exposure bracketing mode. Using Burst mode, I was able to capture 15 images in 6.1 seconds, about 2.5fps. This surpasses Sony's claim of 2.1 fps. During the capture sequence the viewfinder briefly displays the last captured image, to help you to follow moving subjects. The above times were measured using a Sony 1 GB Memory Stick PRO Duo memory card, using program mode, size/quality set at 8M/Fine, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on camera settings, lighting conditions, media, etc.

The image quality of this cameras 8-megapixel images were very good, keeping with what we have seen in the past from other T-series cameras. Thanks to the updated 9 Area Multi-point AF system and new 5x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, the camera's exposures were very sharp and crisp, and the color saturation was very pleasing. While the 35mm wide angle end is typical, the 175mm end of the zoom range is an upgrade that increases the versatility of the camera. At 35mm the camera is great for taking landscape shots as well as group portraits, while the 175mm telephoto end will allow for individual close ups and singling out items at a distance. Image noise was very low in areas of contrast, when the ISO setting is 200 or below. ISO 400 wasn't too bad, but 800 up to 3200 are very noisy. With Sony's Steady shot technology, even in low light, you will not run into too many situations that the ISO will need to be over 400.

The T100 features a tiny flash unit with a range of about 4 inches to 12.1 feet at wide angle with the ISO set to Auto. This is a typical range for an ultra-compact consumer model, and is sufficient for most interior shooting. While it doesn't have the power to illuminate an open room, you should still be very pleased by your close-up portraits and small group shots. Redeye Reduction flash mode worked well, but we did have some instances in our people shots. The camera also has a Redeye Correction feature that we found works very well, and will save you time from post processing on a PC or MAC. Overall the T-100 produces beautiful portraits that show good flash exposure, sharp facial features and natural skin tones.

When using the "VX Fine" (640x480) setting in movie mode, the camera captures video at 30fps and consumes around 1.3-megabytes per second. Memory Stick Duo is required for this recording mode, and a large capacity card is recommended if you plan on recording video often. A feature found on the T-100 that is not common on most cameras is the use of the full 5x optical zoom during recording. However, there is no way to control the speed of the zoom and it is a little fast. Overall the quality of the video taken from this camera is excellent.

The T-100 is powered by a Sony NP-BG1 3.6v 960 mAh InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery pack. Sony quotes a battery life of approx. 340 images or 170 minutes. The battery is charged out of the camera with the included AC battery charger. This handy charger has fold-away prongs and no AC cord to for easy storage and transportation.

Bottom line - small, sleek, durable and full of features, makes the 8-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-T100 really stand out. This camera is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small, easy to use camera, that takes outstanding photographs in auto mode, but also includes a slew of manual settings. With a MSRP of US$399 or less, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality, easy to use ultra-compact camera with many extra features.