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Camera Review

SONY DCS-W50 DIGITAL CAMERA REVIEW

Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W50


Introduction
Sony introduces a compact camera for the novice that includes a large 2.5" LCD screen, with an easy to follow screen guide to steer you into taking great shots. Combined with a Carl Zeiss 3x Optical zoom, a 6 megapixel CCD, and a High-Sensitivity mode that allows you to shoot in low light situations without the flash, you'll be shooting great pictures with this fast responsive camera.

6 Megapixel Super HAD CCD
Photo enthusiasts know that image sensor size is one of the most important influences on picture quality. Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass each pixel, reducing noise and increasing sensitivity.

Large 2.5" LCD Screen
The Sony DSC-W50 has a bright 2.5" LCD screen for setting up and viewing images. Turn on the live histogram to verify you are getting the perfect exposure. A 'One-touch Play' button makes it easy and quick to view your pictures.

High Sensitivity Mode
A new High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 1000) allows you to shoot with great results in low-light conditions - and Sony's original Clear RAW NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress the color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.

Function Guide
Scene selection is now easier with large text descriptions that help guide you into taking the perfect picture - and you'll have greater creative freedom to adjust color mode (including 'Natural' for subtle colors and 'Rich' for more intense colors), sensitivity, brightness and image size.

Carl Zeiss 3X Optical Zoom Lens
A high quality lens produced by the company named after the optician who founded it - Carl Zeiss (September 11, 1816 – December 3, 1888).

Stamina Battery Power
The Sony DSC W50 can capture up to 390 images using its powerful Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.

Capture Images In-Camera
With 32 MB internal memory, the Sony DSC-W50 allows you to shoot without a memory card - then transfer your images to an optional Memory Stick Duo media, or upload to your computer.

Memory Stick Duo Media
The DSC-W50 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo or higher capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo media - the ultra compact media for shooting, storing and sharing your pictures.

 


Sony's 2.5" large LCD screen

 


Battery Charger

The new camera is supplied with a NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery, a Charger, a USB and video cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM software with PicturePackage. There are a variety of optional accessories (sold separately), including wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses, adaptors, filters, tripods, carry cases, memory sticks, battery, fast charger and car adapter.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 camera is available for $249.

Highlights
• 6.0 million pixels (1 / 2.5" Super HAD) CCD sensor
• Carl Zeiss 38-114mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8-f7.1(W) f5.2-13(T) zoom lens
• Live Histogram preview
• Wide ISO range: ISO 80 - ISO 1000
• 32MB internal memory or Memory stick DUO or Memory Stick DUO Pro
• MPEG Movie Mode with sound: 640 x 480, 30fps

Size and weight
The W50 is a nice compact camera. Its dimensions are close to a deck of cards, only slightly thicker. At 3.5" x 2.25" x .94" it weighs 5.8 ounces fully loaded with battery and memory card.

Ergonomics
Build quality of the DSC-W50 is good. Put the wrist strap thru your right hand and grab the camera. Your middle finger rests on the raised bar on the front of the camera, your forefinger rests on the shutter button with the zoom controls, and your thumb grabs the nine raised dots in the middle of the controls on the back of the camera.

Camera’s handling is also good. Balancing the camera with your left hand, all the controls are easily accessible with your thumb.

Lens
W50 features a Carl Zeiss 38-114mm (35mm equivalent) f2.8-f7.1(W) f5.2-13(T) zoom lens with Macro Lens focusing down to 2cm.

Viewfinder/LCD
A 2.5-inch LCD monitor with live histogram allows you to setup your pictures with ease.

Camera views

Front
AF assist lamp / self timer countdown lamp is located above the lens just below the flash. To the left of the flash is the optical viewfinder.

Back
Most controls are located on the back of the camera.

On the top left are 3 holes for the speaker. On the top right above the LCD is the 'Quick Preview' button. It is recessed a little bit more that the other buttons as it can also power on the camera. The thumb dial on the top right picks the scene mode.

The mode dial can be selected to one of nine modes: Automatic, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Night, Night Portrait, Landscape, and Portrait.

Next button down is the LCD screen button. It toggles thru the 4 modes -

The menu button is next alongside the 4-way toggle button.

Beneath that is the image size/trashcan button.

Top
On the left is the microphone, in the middle is a recessed Power button with a green glow-light surrounding it. The shutter release button with wide/telephoto control is on the right.

Bottom
Memory stick/battery compartment is on the left. In the middle is the cable connector with the tripod mount off to the right, slightly off center with the axis of the lens. I was able to change batteries/memory stick while the camera was on my tripod.

Left
Eyelet for the wrist strap and DC power in connector.

Battery and Memory Stick load from the bottom.

Bottom
Memory Stick compartment is here.

On to page 2 (Specifications)

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