The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 -- a replacement for the DSC-T50 -- one's way an eight megapixel sensor which is coupled to a Zeiss-branded 5x optical rip and a hovering 3.0-inch LCD display. The DSC-T100's 35 to 175mm idol lens incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot optical concept stabilization to minimize blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Other T100 features include ISO sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 3,200, in-camera photo editing, a Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo card slot plus 31MB of built in memory, and power from a proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The T100 also offers high definition component video output, via an optional proprietary cable or cradle.

The Cyber-shot T100 includes Sony's increased frontage detection technology, sufficient of detecting maturity to eight faces simultaneously. Sony's plan is apparently linked not original to the T100's auto exposure, again autofocus systems as in most similar systems, but also to white balance and flash metering as well -- allowing the camera to ensure proper flash exposure, and pleasing flesh tones. Also, the T100 marks one of the first applications of Sony's Bionz image processor in their compact camera models. Sony says Bionz will offer improved image quality, faster response times, and better battery life in its compact cameras.

If the first-rate consolidated organize doesn't attain you because at once, the large, sublime LCD will. And you won't demur it because the T100 is a very capable camera, making great shots easy, without too much contrast or saturation. Thanks to the Alpha's Bionz image processor and Super SteadyShot, there isn't much this slim digicams with its 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens can't do.

Detail does vault unbefriended at inflamed ISO, but that appears to speak for a tradeoff Sony makes to secure color. I was convincing to propagate street scenes with credible results despite the high level of noise. The Sony T-series is the ultimate "party" camera, a popular take-along for parties and evening events, but make sure you stick to the low ISO settings and shoot with flash in about the six foot range, as the T100's noise suppression will obliterate detail otherwise.

The Sony T100's in-camera editing tricks are fully appealing merry again useful, telling rightful genius images, and the high definition slideshow feature is impressive, working on a standard TV out of the box. It's a shame that you have to buy the Cyber-station to take advantage of the slideshow feature with an HDTV. Though we want to warn you about the high ISO softness with the Sony T100, we still think it's a great camera, worthy of a Dave's Pick.

Basic Importance

• 8.1 megapixel Super HAD CCD
• Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-175mm on a 35mm camera
• 2x Precision Digital Zoom, 25x Smart Zoom (VGA resolution)
• Aperture range of f/3.5-5.6 (wide-angle), and f/4.4-10 (telephoto)
• Shutter speeds from 1/4 to 1/1000 second (Auto), and 1 to 1/1000 (Program Auto)
• 3.0-inch LCD with 230K pixels
• Microphone and speaker
• Nine-point autofocus
• Scene Modes: Beach, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter, High Sensitivity, Landscape.
• Sony Bionz image processor with dynamic range optimization
• 31MB internal memory
• Flash Modes: Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Synch
• Self-timer with 10 and 2 second options
• Memory Stick Duo, and Memory Stick PRO Duo image storage (no card included)
• Powered by a NP-BG1 lithium ion battery for 340 shots
• Picture Motion Browser software
 
Special Importance

• Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
• 16:9 aspect ratio perfect for HDTV playback
• High ISO: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
• High Definition output with optional composite cable, dock or printer
• HD slide show with music
• Face Detection
• In-camera retouching: soft edge filer, cross filter, partial color filter.
• Color modes: B&W, Natural, Sepia, Vivid
• Exposure bracketing
• In-camera red-eye reduction
• Burst mode of 100 shots at 2.2 frames per second at all resolutions
• Macro focusing (3-3/16 inch), and Magnifying Macro (3/8 inch)
• Available in silver, black, and red body colors
 
Inside Pieces

The Sony DSC-T100 ships with the following items in the box:

• Sony DSC-T100 camera
• Wrist strap
• USB/AV multiconnector cable
• NP-BG1 Info-Lithium battery pack
• Battery charger
• Software CD
• Instruction manual, and registration card