Digital Camera News and Reviews

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330

Imaging Resource has tested a budget digital camera from Sony. The camera is called Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330 and has some nice specifications like 14 megapixels and a wide angle zoom lens.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-4x optical zoom lens (26-105mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-SteadyShot Image Stabilization
-Smile Shutter
-Uses Memory Stick Duo and SD memory cards

Imaging Resource ends up giving the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330 a good review and it even receives a “Dave’s Pick” award for budget cameras. When you look on the price and that you get 14 megapixels and a nice wide angle zoom lens it is a good camera. Of course there will be shortcomings on such a cheap camera and the W330 is no exception with heavy noise handling at higher ISO levels and no optical image stabilization, but it is still a good camera when you look at the price tag.
Read the full review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330 digital camera here.

Sony Alpha NEX-5

Imaging Resource are very early this time with their reviews. They have already reviewed the Sony Alpha NEX-5 that will be released in the summer of 2010. The NEX-5 is the mirrorless digital camera with interchangeable lenses answer from Sony to the Mirco Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, and the Samsung NX-10 camera.

Some key features for the Sony Alpha NEX-5:
-Mirrorless digital cameras with interchangeable lenses
-14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
-3″ tilt LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity 200-12800
-1080i AVCHD video recording
-3D Sweep Panorama mode

Imaging Resource ends up giving the Sony Alpha NEX-5 a very good overall score and it even gets a “Dave’s Pick” reward. On the positive side the reviewers find the Sony to have a very compact design, takes good pictures at high ISO levels, comfortable hold and high resolution tilting LCD screen. On the negative side we find that the lenses has some corner softness, some chromatic aberration, poor macro abilities and a cumbersome menu. Overall the NEX-5 seem like a very good competitor to the Micro Four Thirds cameras especially when you look at the price. It is nice to see that Sony pushes the market forward.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha NEX-5 camera here.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

Digital Camera Review has tested the full frame DSLR camera Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. This full frame seems to be targeted at photographers who want a big sensor but are on a smaller budget than professional photographers.

Some key features for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850:
-24.6 megapixel image sensor
-3″ LCD screen with 921k resoultion
-Viewfinder with 98% coverage
-3fps continous shooting
-Shutter speeds to 1/8000 second
-Nine-point AF with ten supplemental assist points

Digital Camera Review ends up giving the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 a total score of 4 out 5 stars. The DSLR scores highest on features and getting an overall high score on image and video quality, design, ease of use, performance and value. The A850 seems like a very good DSLR, but the biggest shortcomings in my opinion is that it produces quite a lot of noise at higher ISO levels. If you want a full frame DSLR with lots of megapixels this might be the right choice for you.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 camera here.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7

Camera Labs has tested the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 compact digital camera. This Sony camera features a large 3.5 inch touchscreen that should be great, but it remains to be seen if the image quality is up to par.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7:
-3.5″ touchscreen LCD
-10.2 megapixel Exmor R image sensor
-4x optical zoom lens (25-100mm)
-Image stabilization
-1080i AVCHD movie mode
-Uses memory stick memory cards

Camera Labs ends up giving the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 81%. The camera scores highest on specifications and build quality, pretty high on value while scoring lowest on image quality and handling. The reviewer likes the big LCD screen, but finds the camera body a bit hard to hold. Other positive points are fast shooting, high quality video recording and innovative auto modes. On the downside we find a limited zoom range and the noise reduction software can be harsh making photographs a bit soft.
Read the full review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera here.