Features & Controls

To help reduce the occurrence of camera shake and image blur, Sony has included their optical SteadyShot image stabilization system. When the camera is powered down, the lens retracts almost fully inside the body (there is a small lens bezel.
Autofocus is handled by a 9-point contrast detection system, which has modes for: Multi, Single, Flexible Spot, Semi Manual, and Manual. The camera also boasts robust Face detection options, along with Smile Detection and Smile Shutter. Sony does not list the focus range.
The WX10 has a tiny built-in flash unit, with modes for Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, and Slow Synchro.
Flash Range (ISO Auto):
- 0.35-Approx. 7.1m (1.15' - 23.3') (W) / 1.0 - 2.9m (3.28' - 9.51') (T)
- ISO3200: up to 10.1m (33.1') (W) / 4.0m (13.1') (T)
Controls on the top include the On/Off power button and the shutter release with the zoom controls mounted around it (which also control the Index and Magnify options in playback). You can also see the stereo microphones.
Framing,
viewing and editing your images is accomplished with the camera's 2.8-inch Clear Photo LCD screen, which offers 460,000 dots of
resolution. With both Normal and Bright modes, the
LCD is easy to see in almost all lighting conditions.
Back Controls: At the very top you can see the movie mode shutter release, which is extremely convenient. You can start recording video at any time, no matter what exposure mode you are in. The Mode dial with Positions for SCeNe modes, iAuto, Superior Auto, Program, Manual, iSweep Panorama, Video, and 3D. Next we can see the Play button, which is used to enter the playback mode. The 4-way controller encircles the "set" button, and offers a control wheel mounted around it. The 4-way gives quick access to features such as the flash mode, the self-timer, burst mode as well as changing what is displayed on the 2.8-inch LCD screen. Rotating the control wheel lets you quickly scroll through menus, stored files, and adjust specific exposure settings depending on the mode being used. Below that are the menu and guide/delete buttons.
Like many of Sony's cameras, the WX10 uses a single input/output jack. While the camera comes with a USB only cable (which is also used to charge the battery), an optional multi cable allows you to connect to a computer via USB or a TV with the AV out lines. You can also connect the camera to a HDTV with the
optional HD output adapter. To the right of the I/O port, you can see the WX10's metal tripod socket, which is located towards the left hand edge (not the best placement).
One feature that we truly love about most of Sony's current digital camera offerings in the dual card slot. This single slot can use either Sony's use Memory Stick Pro Duo media cards, or a SD/SDHC/SDXC card; one at a time however. On top of being very convenient, this also allows those who are upgrading from another manufacturer's camera to the WX10 to use the cards they've already invested in.
Powering
the camera is a 3.6V, 910mAh, Sony NP-BG1 Li-ion rechargeable battery pack. According to Sony, this battery
provides approx. 360 images on a single charge. Unlike other Sony models that use this popular NP-BG1 battery pack, the WX10 charges the pack in-camera, with the included AC adapter (or your PC/Mac's USB port) and USB cable. Above we show the WX10 with a Multi-connector cable, however according to Sony's website the WX10 only comes with a USB cable.
At this time, we are uncertain which is actually supplied; our eval unit was missing a USB or Multi cable altogether when we received it, so Sony shipped the above cable to us for our review. One would assume that the above is the cable supplied with the camera.
At this time, we are uncertain which is actually supplied; our eval unit was missing a USB or Multi cable altogether when we received it, so Sony shipped the above cable to us for our review. One would assume that the above is the cable supplied with the camera.
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