Sony DSC-W100 Review

Click on the W100 for a 360° QTVR tour

Sony rounds out the 2006 W-series line of digital still cameras with two top-end models packed with powerful features -- the 8-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-W100 and the 7-megapixel DSC-W70. Both cameras are equipped with an eye-level optical viewfinder and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen and are housed in a stylish compact metal body, that comes in black or silver.

They both incorporate precision Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses; MPEG1 movie recording; high- light sensitivity settings; and a mode dial to quickly switch among photo, video, and preview. The cameras' high light-sensitivity facilitates shooting at higher shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects with reduced blur. It also allows for shooting without a flash to capture more natural-looking images in low-light settings.

The DSC-W70 has a maximum ISO setting of 1000, while the DSC-W100 model extends to IS0 1250 for even greater control. Sony's Clear RAW ™ imaging technology helps increase the cameras' ISO settings and, at the same time, reduces the chances of blurry or grainy pictures by keeping noise to a minimum.

These W-series models feature a new function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, such as a specific shooting function or scene mode, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD making it easier to maximize the camera's performance. This function guide can be turned off as you become more familiar with the camera.

The cameras also feature auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus functions. Sony's multi-point auto-focus system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background by evaluating five separate focus areas of the frame.

Sony's ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor™ circuit delivers quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life. Both cameras snap up to 360 shots on a single full charge.

The W100 has 64MB of internal memory, which can be expanded further with an optional Memory Stick Duo media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo card, now offered in capacities up to two gigabytes. And high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity with Windows and Mac computers for fast transfers of images and movies. You can make high-quality prints by simply connecting these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.

Cyber-shot W100 Major Features:

• Sony 8.1 Megapixel effective CCD image sensor
• Carl Zeiss 3x Zoom (38-114mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
• MPEG Movie: 640x480 VX Fine w/audio at 30fps (Memory Stick Duo Pro required),
  640x480 VX at 16fps, length limited only by media
• Auto, Program AE, Manual, High ISO plus 5 Scene modes
• 4-shot Burst at 1.0fps (100 at VGA quality, 1.3fps)
• Live histogram display in capture and playback
• 5 Area Multi-point AF; auto or selectable Spot AF point
• 2.5" TFT color (115,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250
• Adjustable color, contrast and sharpness
• Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images
• 14bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
• Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red Eye Reduction and Slow Synch
• USB 2.0 Auto-Connect to host computer
• Powered by Li-ion rechargeable battery
• 64MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro compatible
• DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible

The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is available now with a suggested retail of US$349.