One, Two , Three...Say Sony! (Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200)

Member Name: d-avenue

Product:	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200
Date:	25/11/08 (231 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great features all in all

Disadvantages: battery life

Two words to describe the world's state of technology today. Instant and digital. It is on this note that I would like to take a shot at reviewing my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200 is an innovative piece of gadget that boasts of unique features that actually work. The touch screen interface is an edgy representation of a high-tech device belonging only to spy flicks. It is thin and lightweight, so it is easy to carry around. It comes in with 8.1 mega pixels with 5x optical zoom. The 3.5" touch panel LCD holds all of the camera's internal buttons, with just the power, zoom and playback visible as physical buttons located at the top of the camera.

One of its unique features is the Smile Shutter which detects smiling faces. When activated, it is released automatically to shoot the images. It's really cool and the subject doesn't have to plaster that smile for many awkward seconds while the one taking the shot is scrambling to find the right angle for capturing that smile. This is very handy with kids who can't seem to sit still while posing.

This also has Super Steady Shot function. This is used when shooting objects while on the move. I am not sure this works properly because the shots I have made while in shaky positions are blurry. I'll hand it down to my lack of talent when it comes to photography and precision. But shooting well-behaved subjects is a breeze. It has a spot auto focus where you touch the spot on the screen where you want the shot to focus. The same can be said with its Face Detection function. It supposedly detects face and it adjusts automatically to superbly capture it. I have no problems so far with the shots I've taken under very cooperative subjects and good environmental condition.

When taking pictures during night-time, you can either use the flash or the Twilight Portrait feature. The flash is very sharp and images are still clear even in poor lighting condition. However, I had a hard time activating the flash and it was just sheer luck I activated it by messing with the buttons on the screen. I suggest you read the manual carefully to really maximize all the features. Twilight Portrait, which can be located in one of the four shooting modes, lets you take images in dark places without losing the dark atmosphere. In cases like dark places, I suggest you use the flash to ensure quality images.

Of course, after taking all of those precious photos, you can pimp them up through paint and retouch which can be found by tapping the menu button on the screen. The functions will then display and touch the item you want to use. You can apply colours, graphics, frames and letters and save pictures as new image, retaining the old ones in case you change your mind and want to keep the original images as they are. You can also resize photos to fit the purpose you want to use them on. Like, 8M for prints up to A3, 5m for prints up to A4 or VGA for e-mail attachment.

Using the video feature is much like taking a still image. After opening the cover lens, the buttons will display. Touch Home and just select the Movie Mode. It will also record audio. The outcome is great when played on TV. Don't expect too much from the sound when viewing it from the camera.

All in all, I have enjoyed this camera thoroughly- if I hadn't it's not like I can afford to buy another one- and find it very easy to use. I like the touch screen immensely because there are no outside buttons. I don't know why other people hate touch-screen gadgets and want protruding buttons. That would be too much of a hindrance and presents the possibility of wrecking them unintentionally. The only setback I can point to this camera is its short battery life. It runs out pretty quickly. It will probably live up to its 250 shots battery life if you will not touch any button other than the shutter. Of course, you will eventually have to play with the other buttons with each shot to achieve the desired styles and settings.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200 comes with a battery charger, power chord, paint pen, rechargeable battery pack, adaptor plate, USB, A/V cable, CD-ROM (Cyber-shot application software), and of course the Instruction Manual which is a must read before taking a shot.

Do wear the wrist strap which is attached at the side of the camera at all times when using it to avoid accidental falling, God forbid!

Summary: I didn't have any other digital camera to compare this to, so just use your own.

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