Sony DSC-L1 Review

The DSC-L1 employs a high-quality F2.8-5.1 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 5.1-15.3mm optical zoom lens with 32 to 96mm coverage (as compared to a 35mm camera.)   This is an all-glass lens consisting of 7 elements in 6 groups with 3 aspheric elements. The lens retracts into the body when powered down and is protected by a built in lens barrier.

The DSC-L1 employs a 5 Area Multi-point auto focus system, with Center AF and 5-Step Manual. The working range is from 4.7 inches (12cm) to infinity. Macro mode is automatic with a coverage of 4.7 inches (12cm) to infinity.

The DSC-L1 features an AF Assist beam designed to achieve accurate focus on subjects with little contrast in dark conditions. It also makes the LCD screen image brighten to aid in framing.

The built-in flash has modes for Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, and Slow Synchro. Red-eye reduction can be enabled or disabled via the Setup menu. It uses a pre- flash for precise metering of the exposure. It also has auto daylight synchro fill flash for backlit or shadowed subjects as well as dynamic flash white balance for greater color accuracy. The working range for the flash is approx. 8 in. - 6.5 ft. (0.2 - 2.0 m), when using ISO Auto.

On top is the Power button, sliding Mode switch, Shutter release, and the Zoom controls. In playback the Zoom controls also act as the magnify and index options.

On the back is the 1.5-inch Transflective LCD. It is the only viewfinder, and is used to browse the menu system, etc. Controls on the back: Top right is the built-in speaker. Along the bottom of the LCD you find the Image Quality button, which lets you quickly change the image size in record mode and acts as the image delete button in playback. The Monitor button turns the color LCD on and off and controls the amount of information (and histogram) that is displayed. And the MENU button call up and dismisses the onscreen menu system.

The 4-way selector lets you navigate through the menus or select images during playback. Pressing it in the center accepts selections. In record it lets you select the flash mode, spot metering, self-timer and Quick Review mode.

Located on the side with the battery is the Memory Stick DUO card slot. The DSC-L1 comes with a 16MB Memory Stick DUO card and can use any capacity Memory Stick DUO or Memory Stick DUO Pro card. The use of a Memory Stick DUO Pro card is required for recording 640x480 VX Fine mode movie clips.

Power is supplied by a rechargeable Sony InfoLithium NP-FT1 3.6v 2.4Wh battery. Sony includes the AC-LS5 AC charger / power adapter, the battery is charged in-camera. As always, we recommend the purchase of a second battery pack, just in case.

The L1 has a small threaded mounting hole on the bottom and comes with this bracket that screws onto the bottom of the camera and allows it to be mounted on a tripod with a standard 1/4-inch screw.