Sony DSC-W90 Review

Click on the W90 for a 360° QTVR tour

For 2007, Sony has introduced three new compact "W" series Cyber-shot models. At the top of the line is the DSC-W200, the most compact 12-megapixel camera in the industry. It is followed by the 8-megapixel DSC-W90 and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-W80 model. All sport a powerful Carl Zeiss® 3x optical zoom lenses, traditional eye-level viewfinders, and large 2.5-inch LCD screens, all wrapped in durable and sleek metal bodies.

Sony is offering three accessory options to begin enjoying high-definition photo viewing. These new models are compatible with the Sony VMC-MHC1 high-definition component cable for simple connection to an HDTV set.

The cameras can also be used with the new Sony CSS-HD1 high-definition Cyber-shot Station®, which comes with the component cable. This Cyber-shot station also serves as a charging base, so while you are viewing your precious images o your HDTV, your cameras battery is receiving a fresh charge.

The DSC-W90 is powered by the Bionz™ processing engine, first used in Sony's Alpha digital SLR camera system. This newly-added circuitry delivers the fast image processing speeds needed to produce color rich, detailed pictures for true high-definition photo viewing.

You can choose from two stylish finishes, shimmering Silver, or smooth Black. And, you can be sure you'll capture sharp photos, with the W90 Incorporating Sony's new face detection technology, which can identify up to eight faces in the camera's LCD frame, and then automatically adjusts white balance, flash output, focus and exposure.

These models also incorporate Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization to safeguard against blur caused by camera shake. Their high sensitivity (up to ISO3200) settings can help to fight blur associated with fast-moving subjects. Sony's Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology will minimize picture noise common to images shot at high ISO levels.

The new W-series models incorporate selectable in-camera editing functions that can save you from hours of post-editing time at the computer. Equipped with Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer, the cameras can analyze captured image data and instantly determine the best exposure and tonality of each picture before JPEG compression.

The W90 has 31MB 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 8 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 W90 Major Features:

• Sony 8.1 Megapixel effective CCD image sensor
• Carl Zeiss 3x Zoom (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
• Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization
• 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, High ISO plus 6 Scene modes
• Burst mode: Max 100 Shots at 2.2fps (All resolutions)
• Live histogram display in capture and playback
• 9 Area Multi-point AF; auto or selectable Spot AF point
• New face detection technology
• 2.5" TFT color (115,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
• Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images
• Dynamic Range Optimizer
• 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
• 31MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro compatible
• DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible

The Cyber-shot DSC-W90 ships with a NP-BG1 Lithium-Ion Battery, BC-CSG Battery Charger, AV/USB Multi-Connector Cable, Wrist Strap, and Software CD-ROM. It is available now with a suggested retail of US$299.