In summary
Similar in shape, size and rangefinder-like styling to the 5-megapixel DSC-W1 model, Sony’s new DSC-W7 has a 7.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 32 MB of internal memory plus some additional exposure options, notably the addition of a centre-weighted metering mode and a new Snow scene setting in the Scene menu. The W7 was released just after a 5-megapixel model, the DSC-W5 (RRP $599), with identical features but lower resolution. . . [more]
Full review
Quality rating (out of 10) Build: 9.0
Ease of use: 8.5Image quality: 8.5Value for money: 9.0
Similar in shape, size and rangefinder-like styling to the 5-megapixel DSC-W1 model, Sony’s new DSC-W7 has a 7.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 32MB of internal memory, and some additional exposure options, such as the addition of a centre-weighted metering mode, and a new snow setting in the Scene menu. The W7 was released just after a 5-megapixel model, the DSC-W5 (RRP $599), with identical features but lower resolution.
Both models boast a large (2.5-inch) LCD that is partnered by an optical viewfinder which, although a little tight, makes the camera easier to use than the T7 in bright outdoor lighting. Otherwise, the lens and ‘Real Imaging Processor’ chip are the same as the W1’s. Designed to appeal to quality-conscious photographers, the W7 (and W5) present a control suite that will suit users of widely differing abilities and photographic knowledge. It has a point-and-shoot auto setting and seven pre-set scene modes, which are easily accessed via the mode dial and will suit novice users.
There are some handy manual adjustments, including a manual exposure mode with shutter speed settings from 30 to 1/1000 second and two aperture adjustments. A small live histogram is provided.
The test camera’s performance was similar to that of the W1. Overall colour accuracy was very good, although saturation was slightly elevated and contrast was a bit too high for bright Australian lighting. However, this was advantageous in flat lighting, especially for portrait shots. Exposure accuracy was above average and the white balance performed well in both the auto and pre-set modes. No manual measurement is provided, one of the few negatives for this camera.
Low light performance was also good, with excellent colour, good exposure and sharp focusing, even after dark. However the flash was rather weak and failed to illuminate an average sized room, even at ISO 400. Image noise was visible at ISO settings above 200 – but less noticeable than with the T7 model. We measured an average capture lag of 0.2 seconds, which reduced to less than 0.1 seconds with pre-focusing. The burst mode recorded shots at one second intervals. [24]
Specifications
Image sensor: 7.18 x 5.32 mm Super HAD CCD with 7.41 million photosites (7.2 megapixels effective)
Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 7.9-23.7mm f2.8-5.2 zoom (38-114mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, up to 2x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 91 x 60 x 37.1 mm
Weight: 253 grams (with batteries and wrist strap)
Image formats: Stills – JPEG (EXIF 2.2), Movies – MPEG 1 (VGA at 8, 16 or30 fps, unlimited clip length) with monaural audio
Shutter speed range: 30-1/1000 second
Focus system/range: Multi-point (5 areas selectable); range 50 cm to infinity, macro to 6 cm
Exposure metering/control: Multi-Segment, Spot metering; Auto, P, M and 7 Scene modes
White balance: Auto, daylight, cloudy, fluorescent, incandescent, flash
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync; range 0.2-4.5 m
ISO range: Auto, 100, 200, 400
Sequence shooting: 1.6 fps for 9 Fine images, 16 Standard images
Storage Media: 32 MB internal plus Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro slot; internal memory holds
Viewfinder: Optical
LCD monitor: 6.2 cm TFT drive LCD with 115,200 pixels
Power supply: 2x AA (rechargeable NiMH batteries included)
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