Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-09-08

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T700 Review:

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 is both a point and shoot camera and a portable photo album. This ultra slim model, which is only 0.6 inches thick, weighs in at 4.8oz and comes equipped with 10.3 megapixel and a 1/2.3 inch Super HAD CCD sensor. It uses a 4X optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens with Sony's SteadyShot optical image stabilization a 3.5 inch Xtra-fine LCD screen with 921,000 pixel resolution with a touch screen display. The 4GB memory also allows you to store up to 40,000 pictures.

The T-700 has a focal range of 6.18mm to 24.7mm which is equivalent to 35mm-140mm in a 35 mm camera. The touch screen is the operational hub and controls just about all of the functions on the camera with an ISO range from 80-3200 and shutter ranges from 1/1000 to 1 second. This camera is chock full of intelligent shooting features like face detection and smile shutter. It is powered by a LI-ion rechargeable battery and includes a memory stick duo/pro duo card slot. USB 2.0 connectivity is available as well as HD video connections.

Rating:

3.4 out of 5

Features

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T700 not only strives to take all the work out of taking pictures with its quality array of features but also in storing and retrieving them. You are provided with 10 different shooting modes, which include landscape, twilight, auto and movie. Auto face recognition will recognize up to 8 different faces. Improved anti blink technology actually takes 2 pictures and stores the one which has the eyes open. Intelligent scene recognition ensures images are taken at the optimal settings. A stylus is also included for the touch screen LCD display. Retrieving pictures is just as easy. Images can be labeled as favorites or can be viewed based on calendar or date view allowing you to see all the images you snapped on a certain date. Photomusic slideshow software is also included allowing you to add music to your picture playback.

Performance

As with most electronics equipment the quality of the performance all depends on what your needs are. If you are the person at the family reunion taking all the pictures and showing them off then this camera will perform very well for all of your needs. The camera performs very well in brightly lit conditions however not as well in low light scenarios. Start up time averaged less than 2 seconds and shot to shot time averaged about 1.8 seconds. The touch screen display is easy to use however some may find it a little unresponsive so use the stylus if you must. This multi featured unit takes a severe toll on the battery which you may find disappointing. Overall picture quality is good but the price tag of the unit may warrant you to expect higher.

Summary

The sleek, sexy Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T700 fits comfortably in your pocket and will definitely turn heads. This well designed unit is perfect for the point and shoot photographer and gadget guy who has to have all the latest technology. If you love showing off picture this is definitely a great option for you. The more serious photographer may be disappointed with the lack of manual controls on the unit. This is definitely a camera if you want to be "hip" or part of the in crowd but for the budget conscious and professional users you my find better options at lesser prices.

Pros

Point and Shoot Ready
4GB of internal memory
Great Auto Features

Cons

Unit takes a severe toll on the battery
High Price Tag