Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T300 First Impressions Summary

Sony premiered the Cyber-shot DSC-T300 at PMA 2008 in Las Vegas. As the successor to the ultra-compact T200 point-and-shoot, the T300 maintains touch screen abilities and sleek design. The 10.1-megapixel Sony camera caters to repeat digital camera buyers looking for more advanced features in a super small camera. The T300 updates Sony�s face detection system with a new Child and Adult Priority mode, more picture effects, and new image management functions. The camera will retail for $399 when it ships in March. Read on for a first impressions review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300.

Overall Impressions


Value

At the same original retail price as the T200, the Cyber-shot DSC T300 retails for $399. That�s not inexpensive for a digital camera, since budget point-and-shooters retail for as low as $150 new. But gadget lovers will shell out the big bucks for its thin body, touch screen abilities, HD output, face detection system that actually works, and built-in editing tools. It certainly is one of more feature-rich point-and-shoots we�ve seen, but it comes at a price.

Who�s this Camera For?

• Point and Shooters � The T300 is geared toward advanced point-and-shooters who are likely upgrading from an existing digital camera. New beginners can use the camera too, but might be overwhelmed by the number of menu items.
• Budget Consumers � Not so much. At nearly $400, the camera is on the higher scale of point-and-shoot cameras.
• Gadget Freaks � The camera is absolutely geared for techno socialites - think the same demographic as iPhone users.
• Manual Control Freaks � The Cyber-shot T300 doesn�t have enough manual control that this segment craves.
• Pros / Serious Amateurs � Professionals tend to go for SLRs with PASM modes. The T300 may be considered by a serious shooter as a backup fun camera or gift, but there is no way it's going to replace an SLR.

Summary

Likes

• Attractive, ultra-thin design
• 3.5-inch touch screen LCD
• Easy-to-read icon and text based menu system
• Plenty of fun Retouch editing tools
• Movie zoom possible
• Face detection really improved
• Easy all-in-one connection cable
• HD Output support

Dislikes

• Poor lens placement
• Difficult zoom control
• Complicated navigation
• Little handling support
• Need for additional HD dock or cable for high definition support

As the replacement to the T200, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300 brings with it improvements on existing technologies. This evolutionary camera follows the T200 and the T100, which won the DigitalCameraInfo.com 2007 Select Award for Best Ultra-Thin Camera. The 10.1-megapixel camera has some impressive features that will win over advanced point-and-shooters who are upgrading from an existing, lackluster camera they already own. The camera carries over from its predecessors a 5x optical zoom lens with image stabilization and touch screen LCD. The camera improves autofocus, including face detection and post-capture editing. The camera looks beyond just the shooting process; the T300 makes advancements in what you do after you take the pictures with editing and sharing. Some of the tools like Happy Faces and Smile Shutter are gimmicky, but it will win over those who are willing to pay the near-$400 price.