In summary
A stylish, high-resolution digicam that is pocketable and has dual image stabilisation systems.The DSC-T30 Cyber-shot is the eighth and highest-resolution model in Sony’s slimline digicam range but shares many features with earlier models. Equipped with a 7.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens and 3.0-inch LCD, it’s small enough to slip in a shirt pocket. Sony has added two new features to ensure users obtain sharp pictures with this tiny camera: Super SteadyShot image stabilisation and a new High Sensitivity Mode that selects ISO 1000 to reduce camera shake. Both are a step up from the Steady Shot mode on the earlier T9 model. . . [more]
Full review
The DSC-T30 Cyber-shot is the eighth and highest-resolution model in Sony’s slimline digicam range but shares many features with earlier models. Equipped with a 7.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens and 3.0-inch LCD, it’s small enough to slip into a shirt pocket. Sony has added two new features to ensure users obtain sharp pictures with this tiny camera: Super SteadyShot image stabilisation and a new High Sensitivity Mode that selects ISO 1000 to reduce camera shake. Both are a step up from the Steady Shot mode on the earlier T9 model.
Like other T-series cameras, the T30’s lens covers focal lengths from 38-114mm (equivalent) and tucks away behind a solid, vertically sliding panel when the camera is switched off. Users can create slide shows with music playback for viewing on the LCD, selecting the music from tracks stored inside the camera or favourite music downloaded via the supplied Picture Package Music Transfer software. Transition effects can be added in-camera.
Designed for point-and-shoot use, the T30 has a sliding switch for selecting playback, still and movie modes. Users can choose between full auto and Program AE operation, the former providing few adjustments, while the latter controls exposure automatically but gives access to other settings. Seven resolution settings include 3:2 and 16:9 formats and the camera provides nine scene modes and four colour modes. It has 58MB of internal memory plus a Memory Stick Duo/Duo Pro card slot. Like other T-series models it can record VGA movie clips at 30fps to memory capacity and a Video Mail setting (120 x 112, 8 fps) is also provided.
Because the test camera was a pre-production unit, we can’t report definitively on shooting performance but initial observations suggest it will be like earlier models – but with the added benefit of image stabilisation. [29]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.76 x 4.29mm Super HAD CCD with (7.2 megapixels effective)
Lens: 6.33-19mm f3.5-4.3 Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens (38-114mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, 6x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 95.0 x 56.5 x 23.3mm
Weight: 132g (without battery and card)
Image formats: Stills – JPEG (Exif 2.2); Movies – MPEG1 (VGA at 30/16.6 fps; QQVGA at 8.3 fps with sound)
Shutter speed range: 1-1/000 sec.
Focus system/range: 5-area, multi-point AF; range 50 cm to infinity; macro 8-25 cm; Super macro to 1 cm.
Exposure metering/control: Multi-point (5 points, auto), centre-weighted, spot metering; Auto, P-Auto, 9 scene settings, 4 colour modes.
White balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash.
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, Forced-Flash, Slow synchro, No Flash; range 0.1-2.8 metres.
ISO range: Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 640, 1000.
Sequence shooting: 7 shots at 0.8 fps (?)
Storage Media: 58 MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo slot; internal memory holds
Viewfinder: n.a.
LCD monitor: 3-inch hybrid Clear Photo LCD Plus (230,000 dots)
Power supply: NP-FR1 InfoLithium rechargeable battery
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Rating
Rating (out of 10):
- Build: 9
- Ease of use: 9
- Image quality: 8.5
- OVERALL: 8.5