Just posted! Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 review
Just posted! Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 review
Thursday, 11 October 2007 21:45 GMT
Just Posted! After a longer than anticipated delay we're finally all set up to start posting reviews again, starting with one we've had sitting around for a while now, Sony's ultra compact Cyber-shot DSC-W80, an ultra-slim 7.2MP model with 3x zoom and HDTV output. And for those of you waiting for our reviews of the current 'headline' cameras - fear not; they're well under way!
Sony Cyber-shot W80 Review
Announced at PMA in February 2007, the Cyber-shot W80 is one of three almost identical models that differ only in their pixel count (the range-topping W200 is 12MP, the W90 is 8MP and the W80 is 7MP). The W series has been gradually refined over the last few generations and now offers a more affordable alternative to the ultra-slim 'T' series whilst still offering a compact body, optical image stabilization and - new for these models - HDTV (1080i) output - albeit with an optional composite video cable or Cyber-shot Station dock. Also new to the W series is a new multi-point AF system and - of course - face detection AF/AE. Otherwise the spec is pretty standard ultra compact fare; 3x zoom, 2.5-inch screen and a claimed 340 shot battery capability. This is a crowded part of the market and Sony is one of the most successful players, and the W80 has proved very popular since it arrived in stores a few months ago. But is it any good? Let's find out, starting as usual with the headline features:
- 1/2.5" CCD sensor, 7.2 million effective pixels
- 3x Carl Zeiss branded optical zoom
- 2.5" LCD screen
- HDTV video output (requires optional cable or dock)
- Super Steady Shot image stabilization
- 4cm macro
- ISO 80-3200
- 7 Scene modes
- 2.8 fps continuous shooting
- Available in 4 colors (black, silver, white and pink)
Sony DSC-W80 specifications
| Street price | • US: $220 • UK: £150 |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Metal |
| Sensor | • 1/2.5" Sony Super HAD Type CCD |
| Image sizes | • 3072 x 2304 |
| Movie clips | • MPEG Movie VX (VGA 30fps movie mode with audio) |
| File formats | • Still: JPEG • Movie: MPEG1 |
| Lens | • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar |
| Image stabilization | Super Steady Shot (optical image stabilization) |
| Conversion lenses | no |
| Digital zoom | Precision 2x, TTL 6x |
| Focus | • Auto • Macro • Single • Monitoring • Manual focus (presets) |
| AF area modes | • 9-point Multi • Center • Center Spot |
| AF assist lamp | Yes |
| Focus distance | • AF: 50cm • Macro: 4cm (wide) 35cm (tele) |
| Metering | • Multi-pattern • Center-weighted • Spot |
| ISO sensitivity | • Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200 |
| Exposure compensation | +/-2EV in 1/3EV stop increments |
| Exposure bracketing | • +/- 0.3EV • +/- 0.7EV • +/- 1.0EV |
| Shutter speed | • Auto: 1/4-1/1600 • P: 1"-1/1600 |
| Aperture | • F2.8-8 (W) • F5.2-14.8 (T) |
| Modes | • Auto • Program Auto • Scene • Movie |
| Scene modes | • Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • High Sensitivity • Soft Snap |
| White balance | • Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent 1, 2, 3 • Incandescent • Flash WB |
| White balance fine tune | no |
| Self timer | 2 or 10 sec |
| Continuous shooting | 100 shots, 2.8fps, 7MP (max) |
| Image parameters | Color modes: Natural, Vivid, Sepia, B&W |
| Flash | • Auto • On • Slow synch • Off • Red-eye reduction • Range: 0.2-3.3m (wide) 0.4-1.8m (tele) |
| Viewfinder | Optical real image |
| LCD monitor | • 2.5-inch • 115,000 pixel |
| Connectivity | • USB • HDMI (via optional cable) • AV w/multi-jack |
| Print compliance | •PictBridge • DPOF |
| Storage | • Memory Stick / Pro Duo • 31 MB card internal memory |
| Power | • Lithium-ion battery NP-BG1 • BC-CSG Charger (included) |
| Weight (no battery) | 124 g (4.4 oz) |
| Dimensions | 91 x 58 x 22.9 mm (3 9/16 x 2 5/16 x 7/8 in) |