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Photograph: Rick Rizner
Sony CyberShot DSC-W7 Digital Camera (7.2MP, 3072x2304, 3x Opt, 32MB Built-In Memory)
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- Spec Navigator
- Image Processor
- Storage
- LCD Screen
- Exposure Controls
- Dimensions
- Power
- Flash
- Lens Features
- Video
- Connectivity
- Other Features
- Warranty
- Tags
Image Processor
| Image sensor | CCD |
| Image sensor size | 0.56 inches |
| Image format | JPEG |
| White balance |
|
Exposure Controls
| Bulb setting | No |
| ISO equivalencies |
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| Exposure settings | Manual Exposure |
| Metering characteristics |
|
Lens Features
| Minimum focal length | 7.9 |
| Maximum focal length | 23.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 2.25 |
| Lens mount | Fixed |
| Focus features |
|
Connectivity
| Interface connection |
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7
CyberShot DSC-W7 Digital Camera (7.2MP, 3072x2304, 3x Opt, 32MB Built-In Memory) Review, by Anush Yegyazarian June 10, 2005
The $449 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 offers 7.2 megapixels, which is plenty for a point-and-shoot camera. It sports a 3X optical zoom and a big, 2.5-inch LCD and forgoes extensive scene modes in favor of some manual controls.
The DSC-W7 has few scene modes--just seven; some point-and-shoot cameras come with upwards of 20. This will likely disappoint newbies who want a mode for every conceivable setting (backlit subject and panorama modes, for example, are absent); also, you can't store customized camera settings. But I achieved good results using the automatic mode in difficult conditions that are sometimes given a dedicated setting, such as shooting objects behind glass and backlit subjects. In lieu of numerous modes, the DSC-W7 offers more manually adjustable settings than many point-and-shoot cameras. Though it doesn't offer a fully manual mode (where you could set the shutter speed and aperture independently), it lets you adjust the shutter speed and gives you two options for the aperture setting. This semi-manual mode compares your exposure settings with what the camera judges to be optimal to give you a bit more guidance. Also, you also can evaluate your exposures with a histogram, a helpful feature for advanced photographers.
As in earlier W models, the mode dial appears briefly on the LCD screen as you change it. The DSC-W7 doesn't have manual focus, though you can choose from five distance options and either center or multi-point autofocus. Unlike with many point-and-shoot cameras, you can also add wide-angle and telephoto conversion lenses, as well as filters.
A two-second startup will get you going quickly, and using the controls on the Cyber-shot DSC-W7 is easy. The well-positioned thumbpad gives you quick access to the last picture you took, and to flash, macro and self-timer settings. One little quirk is that to set image size--ranging from low-end VGA to high-quality 3072 by 2304--you have to use a quick-launch button that doubles as the delete button when reviewing stored images.
You'll be well satisfied with picture quality--this Cyber-shot earned a Very Good rating in our tests. Its shots were sharp enough to rival those of advanced cameras, with accurate color in both indoor and outdoor images.
The unit comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charger, but you can use standard AA disposable batteries if you need to. With its included batteries, the unit took an impressive 406 shots, which is better than the 350-shot average for point-and-shoot cameras. You don't get separate media with the camera, but it comes with 32MB of memory built in, so you can still start shooting right away. To augment that, you'll need a Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro, as you'd expect from a Sony camera.
The silver case feels sturdy, though at about 9 ounces (with battery) the Cyber-shot DSC-W7 is a touch heavier than other cameras in its class. It's also a bit thicker, roughly the size of two standard packs of playing cards.
Note: For a review of the similar but less expensive (4.1-megapixel) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90, click here.
Upshot: This point-and-shoot camera takes high-quality photos, has a big LCD, and offers some manual controls for users who want to do more than just select scene modes.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7
7.2 megapixels, 3072 by 2304 maximum resolution, 38mm to 114mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.8 to f10 maximum aperture range, shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/2000 second, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB connection, 32MB internal memory and Memory Stick slot, rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, 9.3 ounces, Picture Package 1.6 and ImageMixer VCD2 software. One-year parts and labor warranty, 15-hour daily toll-free support.
$449
877/865-7669
www.sonystyle.com
Anush Yegyazarian
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User Reviews
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User Reviews From Around the Web
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Reviewed by: mhwhalen
Strengths: Great pictures
Weaknesses: Batteries lose charge quickly, pictures on LCD look clear and then when you upload them, sometimes they are blurry.
Overall: After about 1 year, my batteries started losing the charge very quickly. I tried every different type of battery. I asked the technical support at Best buy and they said Sony's are notorious for losing its ability to keep the batteries charged. I didn't have this problem in the beginning. I bought the extended warranty so I am waiting to see if they can fix it. One of the guys told me it is not possible.This camera is also not for the beginner as there are many options to set. Many times I have taken a picture and it looks clear on the LCD screen, but when I upload it, it is blurry so I can't print that picture.It is also pretty heavy.
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Reviewed by: wdrescher
Strengths: It's fast to load and is ready within a second for the next picture. Quality is very good and pictures look great with a steady hand.
Weaknesses: Action shots require some changes from the default settings depending on the situation.
Overall: We had the W5 for 2 years and it got run over by a car. Opps. So we were so happy with it that we got a W7. Same camera with more pixels. When we first started looking we wanted something that was smaller, easy to use, batteries were AA, and was quick at taking pictures for the candid shots. This and the Canon fit the bill perfectly. We also have other Sony products that use Memory Stick so this was a no brainer. I'd highly recommend it!
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Reviewed by: thecode
Strengths: high resolution, easy to use, big screen
Weaknesses: hasn't find one yet
Overall: I bought it for my 16-year-old sister. I was worried at first, not all teenagers should be trusted with $350 camera, wrong move and something will break. Nothing did, and it has been 6-7 months since then, and she is really happy with high resolution pictures and if you buy big memory card you can record movies. Couple months ago we got the same camera for my father-in-low, he is 65 and he has no problem using it either.
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Reviewed by: erlsrna
Strengths: Large screen, easy to hold, excellent battery life, sharp pictures.
Weaknesses: At factory setting (7M, Fine resolution), image size per Adobe Photoshop is 42" x 32" with 72 dpi.
Overall: Image size for my Nikon D70 at 6M is 10" x 6.6" @ 300 dpi which is normal. My Sony DSC-W7 outputs images at 72 dpi regardless of image size (1M, 3M, 5M, 7M) plus the image at 7M is poster size (42" x 32"). I called customer service (event # E31079269)and they were unable to help me increase above 72 dpi for the image output. I checked online for a Sony warranty repair center only to find there are none in California and I will have to pay to ship it to the repair shop on the East Coast with no indication they will fix it. I bought this camera because it was a Sony and the high user rating. After the B.S. from customer service and the lack of a repair facility in Los Angeles, I would not recommend Sony..
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Reviewed by: LucindaWillcutt
Strengths: Quick start up and excellent photos
Weaknesses: Too many settings to choose from if you are a novice!
Overall: The DSC-W7 is our first digital camera and we love it. While we were used to our old SLR Canon AE-1 and Pentax point & shoot cameras, we are thoroughly enjoying each new setting we try! This camera takes "coffee table book" photos of flowers....I have had people ask if the flowers were on a POSTCARD! You can get so close to them on the 'flower' setting and the clarity is unreal! We had to adapt to the smallness of it, but once we got over the fear of breaking or dropping it....there was no looking back! This camera takes fantastic portraits also! I have had several people ask me what kind of camera we used because they want one also. I don't think you could go wrong with this camera.....even if you are a novice, give it a try!
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