Sony's Cyber-Shot DSC-W200 takes over the "highest resolution "W" series model" spot from its predecessor, the W100 from 2006. The W200 includes many of the features found on past models, like the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens, Steady Shot image stabilization, Face Detection system, 2.5-inch LCD, 640x480 "VX" Fine movie mode as well as a durable all metal body. However, resolution is increased to 12-megapixels, the ISO range has been broadened up to ISO 3200 (or 6400 in 3M mode), and it features a 9 area AF system (over the W100's 5 area.) This is a typical point-n-shoot model that offers fully automatic operation with its Auto and pre-programmed scene modes, while still allowing a slight degree of manual control with the Program AE mode, and even more control with its full Manual mode.

As with past models, I was pleased with the W200's ergonomics. The body is not only stylish, but durable too thanks to its all-metal construction. While very compact, I found it fits well in your hands, with the controls falling just within reach of my finger tips. However, I do miss the zoom controls being mounted around the shutter release like we saw on the W100. The tripod mount is metallic and provides a secure mount, and we were glad to see the multi-connector I/O port was moved to the side of the camera is relocated. (On past models it was too close, preventing the camera from being mounted to a tripod while connected to either a computer or video device.) The W200 features a slightly different menu setup, but I found changing settings was still easy, thanks to it being logically organized.

We were glad to see that Sony still continues to include the optical viewfinder on these "W" models. Many manufacturers are sparing this useful tool to accommodate these large LCDs. The 2.5-inch LCD is a high-quality display that I found works well in various lighting conditions. When shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, there were only a few angles that reflected the sun. In lower lighting, like indoors, the display "gains up" nicely to help aid in framing your subject. Like we saw with the W100, this LCD is very prone to fingerprints - nothing a quick wipe with a cotton T-shirt can't remedy.

Shooting performance was robust. Power up to first image captured measured 2.2 seconds. Shutter lag, the time between depressing the shutter release and capturing an image, was less than 1/10 second when pre- focused and only 1 - 2/10 second including autofocus time. The shot to shot delay measured a fast 1.4 seconds without the flash and between 3.8 and 4 seconds using the flash, depending on subject distance and battery life. In Burst mode, I was able to capture nine 12M/Fine images in just 3.4 seconds, surpassing Sony's claim of 2.0fps. The LCD only briefly displays the last captured image between shots; this is when the optical viewfinder comes in handy. Our tests were done using a Sandisk Ultra II 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card, 12M quality, Program mode, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

Our 12M image quality results were very good for an ultra-compact consumer camera. When shooting outdoors in the bright sunlight, our samples looked great with accurate exposure and pleasing color saturation. Images are also sharp, with very little edge softness, thanks to the high-quality Carl Zeiss 3x zoom lens and fast 9 area AF system. The lens offers a typical zoom range for a consumer model of 35-105mm (in 35mm equivalence). At full wide angle (35mm) the field of view is sufficient for most of your interior and landscape shots, however, you'll find yourself zooming with your feet at times. While the telephoto capabilities will not bring your distant subjects up close, the moderate telephoto magnification is great for close-up portrait and macro shots.

I was also pleased with the W200's indoor flash images. As with most cameras in this class, the flash is tiny and has a short range at ISO Auto. Sony claims a range of up to 21.7ft (6.6m) at wide angle, however this is at ISO 3200. I found it worked great for close-up portraits from about 5 - 6 feet away using the mid telephoto end of the zoom range. Do not expect this tiny flash unit to illuminate large rooms, like chapels, gymnasiums, etc. Our indoor people shots showed good flash exposure, and saturated skin tones. While the W200 features Face Detection technology, I was disappointed that there's not a dedicated Portrait scene mode (only Soft Snap, and Twilight Portrait), and found that only these modes and Auto allowed me to enable the Face AF feature; it is not available in Program mode. Using Auto mode with Face AF On, I found that this feature worked very well, finding and locking on to the subjects face very quickly. Red eye wasn't much of an annoyance during our testing, but the camera does feature a handy in-camera Red Eye Correction feature.

The W200 is equipped with a versatile sensitivity range of ISO 100 - 3200, enabling hand-held photography in lighting conditions that would otherwise require the use of a tripod or flash. Noise is almost nonexistent at ISO speeds of 200 or less, and even ISO 400 and 800 look pretty good. Once you reach ISO 1600 and 3200, noise is quite noticeable throughout the image, however at these settings images are still usable as long as you are not making prints larger than your typical 4x6-inch. As we have mentioned on various models that feature such high sensitivity options, the usefulness of being able to capture handheld images without motion blur in situations where most cameras need the flash greatly outweighs the degenerative effects to the image quality. While capturing these test shots in ambient lighting (available light), I did notice that the white balance system was producing images that were a bit "warm". You can see for yourself by taking a look at our samples page.

When using movie mode, you can capture high-quality MPEG 640x480 "VX" Fine video at 30fps. You can also choose 640x480 Standard (16.6fps) or 320x240 (8fps) modes. Like most digicams that record audio in movie mode, the optical zoom may not be used while recording, but can be preset before hand. When using 640x480 "VX" Fine mode, a Memory Stick Duo Pro card is required. Our samples look good, however like we found with the W100, the microphone is a bit sensitive.

The W200 is powered by a small, but powerful, Sony NP-BG1 3.6V, 3.4Wh (960 mAh) proprietary Lithium Ion battery. Despite its small size, this pack can power the W200 for up to 310 shots (LCD on, according to Sony.) I was able to capture over 100 still images and about several movie clips as well as conclude all of our other tests on a single charge. The battery is charged outside the camera in the included BC-CSG charger. We recommend you purchase a spare battery (about $49), and keep it charged and ready at all times.

Bottom line - with a stylish and durable outer shell, great image quality, speedy performance, and loads of useful exposure modes, I feel the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 will be a tuff model to beat in the high resolution ultra-compact category. With an MSRP of US$399 or less, it is a bit expensive, but I feel this model still offers a great value for a 12-megapixel pocket-rocket. And lets not forget this is the highest resolution ultra-compact on the market (at the time of this review, 8/2007.)