CyberShot DSC-U30

Sony is blending their expertise in miniaturization, digital imaging and sophisticated design with a new class of ultra-small "Cyber-shot U" digital cameras. It began with the 1.3 megapixel DSC-U10 and continues with the 2.0 megapixel DSC-U20 and now the new DSC-U30.

With the Cyber-shot "U" series, Sony has engineered a sub-miniature model without sacrificing image quality or functionality. The lightweight body design turns this into a camera that is light enough to hook to a belt loop, drape around the neck or carry in a pocket. Smaller than many cell phones, the DSC-U30 weighs a scant 4.3 ounces (with battery and media) and offers a host of built-in photographic features. For those instances when the user wants to be a part of the picture, the Cyber-shot U30 model features a circular mirror on the sliding lens cover to ensure that the picture is properly framed.

For more accurate exposure, the camera incorporates a built-in advanced pre-flash metering system. At the time of exposure, the flash automatically fires twice: once to illuminate the subject and calculate correct exposure, then a second time to record the image with the best exposure possible. In addition, the automatic center-weighted focusing system helps ensure accurate capture of any subject.

The DSC-U30 is also available in blue or charcoal grey.

Designed for impulsive picture taking, the Cyber-shot U30 reduces the time of having to remove and ready a larger camera from its case, as well as the need to set manual controls. The camera offers simple, single-handed operation; slide the door open for immediate powerup and then start shooting. Quick power activation and minimal processing time required between shots makes this one of the fastest shooting digital cameras - capable of capturing "on the fly" shots when other cameras are still preparing to do so.

For one-step USB photo transfer from the camera to a PC, the camera comes bundled with Sony's new Image Transfer software - a completely automated, plug-and-play program that offers quick downloading and storing of all digital photos.

DSC-U30 features:

• 2.0 Megapixel CCD for up to 1632x1224 images
• 12-Bit DXP A/D Conversion
• 1.0-inch, backlit reflective color TFT LCD;
• MPEG video recording (w/o audio) in 15-sec 160x112 clips;
• Soft Snap Scene Mode for warmer skin tones;
• VGA Burst mode captures up to five 640x480 frames at 2 frames/second;
• 4 Mode Intelligent Flash with TTL Pre-flash metering and Red Eye Reduction;
• Illumination Snap Scene Mode for shooting in low light;
• Vivid Nature Scene Mode for vibrant landscapes;
• Picture Effects: Negative Art, Sepia, Black & White, and Solarize;
• Flash Modes: Auto, Auto Red Eye Reduction, Forced Flash, and No Flash;
• USB 1.1 connectivity
• "AAA" Rechargeable NiMH Batteries and Charger included,
• Sony Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media
• OS Compatibility: Microsoft® Windows® 98 / 98SE / Me / 2000, Professional, XP Home and Professional, Macintosh® OS 8.5.1 / 8.6 / 9.0 / 9.1 / 9.2, Mac OS X 10.0 / 10.1

Supplied Accessories: "AAA" Rechargeable NiMH Batteries, Battery Charger, USB Cable, MSA-8A(8MB Memory Stick media), Neck Strap, Software CD-ROM.

The DSC-U30 is available now for about $199 (July 2003).

Physical Views

The DSC-U30 and the water-resistant DSC-U60.