Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-01-16
If you like the simple look and feel of a point-and-shoot camera, but love the functionality of the markets high end digital SLR cameras, then you may want to check out the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300. The Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is the best of both worlds. It provides users with the functionality of a standard point-and-shoot camera with the tweakability of a D-SLR for those brave enough to play with them. The Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is one of the first 13.6-megapixel digital point-and-shoot cameras on the market. With a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom, an Anti-Scratch Premium Titanium body and a 2.7 inch Clear Photo LCD view screen all in a slim package. Unlike most point-and-shoots on the market the Cyber-shot DSC-W300 actually contains a viewfinder although using it only displays about 86% of the actual image compared to shooting with the LCD screen. It weighs only 5.5 ounces which makes it the great go to camera for the casual user and enthusiast alike.
FeaturesThe Cyber-shot DSC-W300 includes Face Detection which can track up to 8 faces in one shot, but unlike other cameras on the market, Sony ups the ante with the ability to differentiate between adults and children and allows you to set priority. Sony's Face Detection automatically controls focus, exposure and white balance resulting in quality groups shots every time. Sony also offers Smile Shutter technology. Like its Face Detection, it can also differentiate between the face of a child and an adult, and will automatically take the photo as soon as they smile. It also allows you to set priority of the faces in the shot and will automatically take the photo as soon as the primary subject smiles. There is also the ability to make changes to this mode so it will trigger when they laugh, smile, or grin. The best feature is Sony's In Camera Retouch technology. It allows users the ability to trim, remove red eye, soft focus, partial color, fisheye lens, cross filter, retro, radial blur and happy face. Make the changes you want without a computer and photo software. Any change can be made on the fly, and all in the palm of your hand. PerformanceThe Cyber-shot DSC-W300 performs quite well for a point-and-shoot camera. It offers users the Double Anti-Blur solution which combines Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with a high ISO sensitivity. This technology compensates for the shaky hand of the common user and minimizes blur resulting in quality photos every time. Sony also offers users its Intelligent Scene Recognition which can detect eight different types of scenes and will select the best mode for the setting. Optional modes are backlight, backlight portrait, twilight, twilight portrait, twilight using a tripod, portrait, macro, and landscape. This function works quite well for providing quality photos for the novice photographer who is unsure of the right setting for the best quality photo. SummaryIn conclusion, the Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is a great point-and-shoot camera that can play with the big boys. It offers users a wealth of handy functions in a great package. If you are looking for the portability of a point-and-shoot with the added functionality of a SLR then the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is the way to go. Pros
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