Sony Cyber-shot W230

Sony Cyber-shot W230 Digital Camera features as the low budget camera. These are available for around $299 and are available in four attractive colors –black, silver, red and blue. This model is quite close to W220, except a few changes. This model was introduced in Australia in Feb’09 and is the entry level model. When we review Sony Cyber-shot® W230 Digital Camera, these are the following features which attract us:

1. The biggest advantage is the price factor. At low price, you are getting a 12.1 mega pixel camera, that too from Sony.
2. 12.1 mega pixels ensure that the picture quality is sharp and clear.
3. Wide 3 inch LCD screen enables to view the images clearly both before and after shooting.
4. It is equipped with 15mb built in memory. You can increase the memory limit by using a memory stick.
5. Superior quality lens by Carl Zeiss is used, as is the case with all the Sony cameras.
6. 4x optical zoom ensures picture quality.
7. The focal length range is from 30mm to 120mm.
8. The auto feature is quite powerful. It will automatically focus on the photo based on the size.
9. It has a good shutter speed.
10. The intelligent scene recognition feature enables to take clear picture in bright light or dim light, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
11. The camera is smart enough to recognize the difference between a child and an adult and would get the images accordingly.
12. It is very easy to operate this camera.

There are a few drawbacks with this camera. First of all, Sony introduced too many models in a short span of time. Instead of buying W230, by just shelling out a few dollars more, you can get W290, which has wider screen and better features than W230.

The images don’t come out that beautifully in twilight, without the use of flash. Though, Sony recommends use of tripod and flash, it will amount to additional expenditure. In that case, the budget increases, and it would be better to go for higher versions.

However, we should forget that we are getting a Sony make, 12.1mp camera at a cheap rate and this makes it a best deal.

Sony Cyber-shot W290

This camera was first introduced in Feb 2009 in Australia. This pocket sized camera comes in four attractive colors- black, bronze, silver and blue. Let us take a review of Sony Cyber-shot W290 Digital Camera

1. It is surprisingly cheap at $372.
2. Like most of the Sony cameras, this one too uses Carl Zeiss lens.
3. This 12.1 mega pixel camera, with 3 inches wide screen is relatively easy to operate.
4. There are three switches on the top- the normal power button, button for the shutter and a button to called Smile shutter that activates the camera quickly.
5. In terms of quality and performance, it has surpassed the earlier models.
6. There is a provision for HD output. That means you can view your photos on HD TV, with the help of a cable.
7. Since this is a high resolution camera, the picture quality is the best.
8. The settings in the camera are automatically altered as per the environment. You can switch on the auto feature and leave the rest to the camera, to get the best photos. You are saved of botheration to adjust the mode with every situation.
9. You can even shoot high definition video though the zoom in not operative in movie mode.
10. The subtle design on the body of the camera assure superior grip.
11. The other accessories are USB cable, battery, battery charger, AV cable and CD-ROM

With this camera, it is difficult to find the minuses. However, one thing that comes glaring to the mind is that the zoom feature cannot be used for movie recording. Secondly, in spite of the fact that you can view the images on a HD TV, the accessories do not include a HD cable. You need to buy it separately.  The design on the exterior body of the camera is susceptible to dirt accumulation.

Sony Cyber-shot W290 Digital Camera proves that all good things come in small packages. For just around $350, you can get features of digital camera with video recording. It is the best deal that any one can get. The negatives are too small and can be ignored.

Sony Cyber-shot W220

Sony has introduced yet another product in the lower price segment in its W series. It is available in 4 attractive colors- silver, pink, blue and black. The price of this product in Australia is  now bellow $300. Let us take a review of Sony Cyber-shot W220 Digital Camera:

What is has?

1. 12.1 mega pixels that is capable of giving sharp and clear images.
2. 4x optical zoom and Carl Zeiss lens
3. 2.7 inches wide LCD screen to view the image clearly before shooting as well as enjoy the pleasure of viewing the images.
4. Rechargeable batteries
5. High resolution of 4000*3000, so that the image is crisp.
6. 10 recording modes to enable the best shooting at any time and any place. You can adjust the light by choosing from different modes such as twilight, soft snap, landscape etc. or even take under water photos clearly.
7. The quality of the photo is very good. The colors are good too. However, they are better in the higher end models.
8. Light weight and can be easily carried in pocket.
9. It comes with 12 months warranty.

What it does not have?

1. Optical zoom is not available for recording of a movie.
2. There are 10 modes on a small button, so it often gets clumsy, between selecting a mode.
3. It does not HD feature. If you spend a little more money, you can get W290 which has many features over this camera such as it can be connected to a HD TV via cable, wider lens as well as wider LCD screen.
4. There are too many buttons and therefore, operating it could be confusing.
5. The picture quality is not very good when you take a large print.
6. You may need flash in case you are shooting out at night for better images.

Overall, W220 is a good camera, and given its low price, it is the best deal. However, you may get better features in W290 if you are willing to spend a few dollars more.
In short you can call W220 camera as a no frill camera similar to budget airlines, where you have the basic services, but there are no luxuries attached.

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