The Sony Cybershot line of digital cameras have been very popular for quite some time now and there is a new addition to the family of great digital cameras. The updated Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 comes packed with new features, improved image quality, and a larger number of megapixels. Just like past Sony Cybershot models, this camera's target consumer is casual photographer that takes the usual family and vacation photos. Does the DSC-W70 live up to its reputation? Our full review will tell you everything you need to know.
The best thing about the Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 is its small, lightweight size and form-factor. The camera weighs a very light 4.7 ounces and measures 3.5 x 2.2 x 1.0-inches, which really makes it slip in and out of a shirt or jean pocket very easily. On the back of the camera is the monstrous 2.5-inch LCD display, which is very bright and vibrant. The screen takes up most of the back of the camera, which unfortunately leaves very little room for the controls and navigation buttons. On the back there is a 4-way navigational control, which can be a little difficult to control and use for someone with bigger than average hands and fingers. There is also a shooting-mode selector, which is on a click-wheel like device that is relatively simple enough to use and control.
Navigating the Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 was surprisingly very easy and well-though out. We had no problem finding and modifying the main image adjustments, such as resolution, flash mode, self-timer, and macro. Just like other Cybershot's, the DSC-W70 comes with more than enough advanced features, including continuous shooting, metering, and white balance.
In terms of performance, the Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 definitely meets or exceeds competing digital cameras. It's got a 7.2 megapixel sensor and a 3X optical zoom, which really contributes to the camera's excellent image quality. Colors are very vivid and almost pop-out at you when you look at them on printed prints or even on the camera's own LCD screen. The 35-mm equivalent lens easily and very nicely renders crisp, sharp images with very limited amounts of fringing and excellent contrast. Prints printed at 8.5x11 inches and smaller look almost totally sharp and as perfect as you could get. However, on any prints larger than 100% zoom or 8.5x11 inches, there is some image distortion and blurriness. You can also record VGA-resolution 30FPS MPEG-1 movies that play in Windows Media Player or QuickTime, which actually look pretty good. Power on to first shot takes about 2 full seconds and about 1.5 seconds between each shot after that, which is fairly decent compared to other similar digital cameras.
The Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 has 58MB of internal memory and an additional expansion slot that accepts Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick Pro Duo memory. There is also no starter card included in the box. Sony claims that the camera can go for about 360 shots on a full charge and we were unable to validate this claim as we didn't test battery life, but it seems pretty consistent to similar cameras.
In conclusion, the Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 is an excellent addition to the Sony Cybershot family of digital cameras and this model definitely lives up to the good reputation of these cameras. This specific model is excellent for anyone who is a casual photographer who takes the usual family gathering and vacation photos. You'll definitely like it if you are looking for a compact camera that you can quickly snap a picture and slip back into your pocket.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 17 October 2008 )
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