Quick Take

Pros

Very sub-compact for easy carry and retrieval in pocket or handbag Although small, the control layout is comfortable Good shooting performance Captures nice 16-megapixel photos when using program mode Convenient control to quickly switch between Still, Panorama, or Video Panorama technology is easy to use and captures great images both vertically and horizontally Easy to understand button layout Short descriptions of each exposure setting In-camera photo editing such as crop, rotate, sharpening, and red eye correction Available in four different colors In-camera guide if you lose or forget the manual, or if you prefer hands-on learning

Cons

Weal built-in flash (typical for camera of this size however) High levels of noise at all ISO settings; can be seen indoors and out when pixel peeping iAuto seemed to produce images with increased noise and missing fine detail Zoom has less steps, making precise framing difficult No mode button to take you directly to scene modes No way to manually go into macro mode LCD scratches easily

Bottom Line

The Cyber-Shot DSC-W570 is a competitive ultra-compact digicam in the sub $200 market. With a tiny frame that is packed with some of Sony's well-known technologies, the W570 has a lot to offer for a camera sporting a price tag of just $159 US or less. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

An all-new W-series will join Sony's line of affordable, yet feature-laden, Cyber-shot cameras for 2011. Their flagship model in the affordable W-series line-up is DSC-W570. This camera boasts a 16.1-megapixel sensor combined with a 25mm wide-angle carl Zeiss lens with a 5x optical zoom. The camera also boasts 720p HD video capture and a 2.7-inch LCD. While holding the "top of the line" spot, the W570 sports a very affordable price tag.

Like all models in the new W-series of Cyber-shot cameras, the DSC-W570 includes Sweep Panorama Mode (which uses a CCD sensor to capture panoramas in one easy "press and sweep" motion), Optical SteadyShot image stabilization (to reduce blur), iAuto mode (which automatically optimizes camera settings for your shooting locales), Face Detection, and Smile Shutter technologies. Built-in help is also available via the "In Camera Guide" software, which allows users to search by keyword and/or purpose to find help topics and ease functionality.

Sony DSC-W570 features include:

• 16-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor (1/2.3")
  
• 25mm wide Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens
  
• Intelligent Auto (iAuto) exposure control
• Program AE and 13 Scene modes
  
• Sweep Panorama
  
• 2.7-inch LCD screen for easy viewing
• Capture 720p HD videos, with access to the optical zoom
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
  
• Li-ion battery pack (220 shots per charge)
• Dual card slot accepts either MS Duo or SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Comes in four colors: Pink, Silver, Black, and Purple
  

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 will is available now for $159.99 US or less. See our by box below for the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:

• Battery (NP-BN1)
• Wrist Strap
• Multi Connector Cable
• Battery Charger (BC-CSN)
• CD-ROM