Flash Off • Auto Flash • Fill-in Flash • Red-eye Reduction Flash • Slow Sync
Viewfinder
Optical
LCD Panel
With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size
2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution
123,200 pixels
LCD Protected Position
Without LCD Protected Position
Video Interface
Video Out
Battery Life
340 Images
Self Timer
10 Sec.
Mp3 Built In
Built-in Microphone
With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker
With Built-in Speaker
Operating System
Apple Mac OS 9 • Apple Mac OS X • Microsoft Windows 2000 • Microsoft Windows 98 • Microsoft Windows 98SE • Microsoft Windows ME • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Included Accessories
Software • USB Cable • Video Cable • Hand Strap • 32 MB Memory Card • Driver • 2 x AA Rechargeable Batteries • Battery Charger
Release Date
May, 2004
Product ID
25249930
Product Description
High-end optics combine with everyday ease of use in the DSC-W1 Cyber-shot digital camera.
We purchased this camera for casual snapshots during travels. Have had the same lens retraction problem that many have had with this camera, along with the accompanying "access error" message. Overall a disappointing result from a name consumers were once able to rely upon.
Strengths: big screen. at the time I purchased, good price for 5mp/
Weaknesses: the video function is just way too choppy! too expensive if it works for only 15 months.
Bottom Line:
I trusted Sony - not anymore! After 15 months my camera just went dead. No power at all and it is not the batteries or power supply or my negligence. It just died.
Strengths: 2.5 inch screen,
the fastest retractable lens i've seen on a camera,
price for value
Weaknesses: the retractable lens getting stuck? don't know how many people have had this problem
Bottom Line:
Can't say I've seen a better camera to offer so much at a reasonable price. The 2.5inch screen was what sold me. Plus, the Canon S400 was selling for the same price, but had a few less features, and smaller mega pixel size. I've had this camera for about 4 months. I vacationed for a week with it, and took over 150 pictures in 4 days. All of a sudden, when i turned off the power, the lens would not retract. It was stuck. I've read a review (on another site) of this happening to one other person. Don't know how common it is. But the Sony Service was great. Didn't pay a cent and they replaced the entire lens and had it back in my hands in 5 days..and that was because it was a holiday weekend. I'm giving this product an all-around 5..because the good customer service made up for the malfunction.
Strengths: Build quality
Style
Speed of use
Viewing screen
Quality pictures
Good movie mode
Compact size
Weaknesses: Memory Stick is getting cheaper but still a lot more than the other types.
Wider choice of apertures and manual settings would be good.
Included software is basic.
Bottom Line:
I've used quite a few digital cameras now and they seem to be getting better and better. I ditched the excellent Canon A80 for this camera and apart from the lack of manual overides I don't regret it one bit. The Sony is so quick to use and the 2.5 inch screen is a dream. Th build quality is about the best I have seen on a digital camera (including the Fuji S2) and the quality of the results are excellent. Even the movie mode works very well.
Strengths: Great ergonomics, beautiful design, good battery life with only 2 AAs, very fast operation, very good image quality in manual mode, advanced 640x480 30fps movie mode, very accurate flash (doesn't under or over expose subjects), large and clear LCD, good macro shots, quality lens, low noise in pictures, and available lens add-ons.
Weaknesses: Flash is weak, no sound memo, limited manual focus, no manual WB, limited aperture choices, no shutter or aperture priority modes (though not really missing), prone to shaking (requires fast shutter speeds).
Bottom Line:
Firstly, the ergonomics. Amazing. A little beauty, sturdy, small, lightweight and all controls are within very easy reach. One of the finest cameras I have ever seen in this category. In fully automatic mode, the picture quality is good for beginners but don't expect too much. Unfortunately the camera chooses relatively slow shutter speeds on auto (about 1/40). The camera is very prone to shaking because of its small size which can result in blurry pictures, that people tend to complain about.
In Program or manual mode you can set: focus mode, metering mode, white balance mode, and ISO. Manual lets you control exposure settings as well. Program mode will let you change exposure values (+-2EV). The auto-focus is usually accurate and very fast. Manual options are very limited to 0.5m/1m/3m/7m/inf, but center-focus usually does the job. The "smart" 5 point auto-focus works well by default, but there are many situations where it could get lost, use it with care.
Metering is either spot or matrix, both are very accurate. ISO speeds are 100,200 or 400 with very low noise (even at night) up to 200. 400 is also exceptable, especially in daylight. Auto mode chooses any value between 100 and 320 with minimal noise. White balance is either auto or 1 of 4 presets, but sadly no manual setting. However the presets usually do the job, or fine tune the results on your computer.
Exposure: Aperture choices are limited. Only 2 choices at any focal lengths (f2.8/5.6 at wide or f5.2/10 at tele), it seems sufficient however. Shutter speeds are very diverse, from 1/2000 to 30 seconds with many inbetween steps (but fastest is 1/1000 in manual mode).
If you know what you're doing with the aid of the light meter (and the excellent live histogram) you will get very beautiful images with excellent colors and good details.
The Zeiss lens retract into the body very quickly when not in use, and are of high quality providing excellent colors and good detail, low CA. Unfortunately quite slow at f2.8-f5.2. Focal range is 38mm-114mm, not wide enough for many uses, but quite average nowadays.
Low-light performance is great with long exposures outside on a tripod. Indoors the AF-assist lamp helps when its totally dark but is usually activated without a need and forces center-focus (can be disabled).
Lastly, don't forget the great LCD, movie mode and extremely fast operating speeds.
Flash Off • Auto Flash • Fill-in Flash • Red-eye Reduction Flash • Slow Sync
Viewfinder
Optical
LCD Panel
With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size
2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution
123,200 pixels
LCD Protected Position
Without LCD Protected Position
Video Interface
Video Out
Battery Life
340 Images
Self Timer
10 Sec.
Mp3 Built In
Built-in Microphone
With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker
With Built-in Speaker
Operating System
Apple Mac OS 9 • Apple Mac OS X • Microsoft Windows 2000 • Microsoft Windows 98 • Microsoft Windows 98SE • Microsoft Windows ME • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Included Accessories
Software • USB Cable • Video Cable • Hand Strap • 32 MB Memory Card • Driver • 2 x AA Rechargeable Batteries • Battery Charger
Release Date
May, 2004
Product ID
25249930
File Format
JPEG
Interface Type
USB 2.0
LCD Monitor
2.5 inch LCD
Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 7.9-23.7mm f/2.8-5.2 (35mm equiv: 38-114mm) w. 2x digital zoom
