The Cybershot DSC-T300 is the second generation of touch-screen ultra compacts from electronics colossus Sony. Because it is built around a very small 1/2.3" sensor, Sony has been able to cram a 5x zoom into the slimline body without it ever having occasion to protrude. It's also packed full of the latest special modes and functions, including 'smile shutter,' that only takes a photo once your subject is smiling. The real stand-out feature of this camera is the huge, 16:9 aspect ratio touch screen that covers the entire reverse of the body. So is this beginning of the revolution that will free us from the the hegemony of the four-way controller, or is there a good reason that most cameras are covered in buttons?
Before getting on to that question, let's start with the headline features:
- 10.1 Megapixels and 5x zoom
- Super Steady Shot image stabilization
- Dynamic range optimization
- 3.5" touch-screen control system
Key differences compared to T200
In a shocking sequence of events, the biggest difference between the T300 and its predecessor is that the new model is built around a more pixel-dense sensor. The lens range also changes, with the wide end getting a tiny bit wider (though we're not about to hold a street party for a 33mm wide angle camera). This is a side-effect of adding a larger, 1/2.3" sensor in the same position as the old 1/2.5" one.
Cybershot DSC-T300 specifications
Street price | US: $380 UK: £270 |
---|---|
Sensor | • 1/2.3" Type CCD |
Image sizes | • 3648 x 2736 |
Movie clips | • 640 x 480 (@ either 30 or 16.6fps) |
File formats | • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) • MPEG1 (MPEG Movie VX) |
Lens | • 5.8 mm – 29.0 mm |
Image stabilization | Yes (CCD shift-type) |
Conversion lenses | Wide: VCL-DE07TB |
Digital zoom | up to 2x |
Focus | TTL Contrast Detection AF |
AF area mode | • Face detection • 9-point AF • Center Weighted AF • Spot area AF • Flexible Spot AF (Touch Panel) • Semi Manual (1.0M, 3.0M,7.0M, Infinity) |
AF assist lamp | Yes, auto or off |
Focus distance | • Auto/Macro: 8cm - ∞ (w), 80cm - ∞ (t) • Close Focus enabled: 1cm - 20cm |
Metering | • Multi-Pattern • Center-Weighted • Spot |
ISO sensitivity | • Auto |
Exposure compensation | ± 2EV in 1/3 EV steps |
Exposure bracketing | +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV |
Shutter speed | • Auto: 1/4 - 1/1,000 sec • Program Auto: 1 sec- 1/1,000 sec |
Aperture | F3.5 -F4.4 |
Modes | • Auto Adjustment • Easy Shooting • Program Auto • Movie |
Scene modes | • High Sensitivity • Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Soft Snap • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • Hi-speed Shutter • Smile Shutter • Underwater |
White balance | • Auto |
Self timer | 2 or 10 sec |
Continuous shooting | Approx 1.6 fps, 10 shots |
Flash | • Auto • Flash On • Slow Syncro • Flash Off • Red-Eye Reduction |
Flash range | • 10cm - 3.5m (w), 80cm - 2.7m (t) (ISO Auto) • Up to 7.2m (w), 5.5m (t) (ISO 3200) |
Viewfinder | No |
LCD monitor | • 3.5“ Touch-sensitive Hybrid TFT LCD • 16:9 aspect ratio • Approx.230,000 pixels • Approx. 100% coverage |
Connectivity | • AV out (Composite, 1080i component with optional cable) • USB 2.0 High Speed • DC input • All in/out via Multi Use Terminal |
Print compliance | • Pictbridge • DPOF • PIM III • EXIF Print |
Storage | • Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo card • Approx 15MB internal memory |
Power | • NF-FD1 Li-ion battery • Charger included |
Weight (No batt) | 149 g (5.3 oz) |
Dimensions | 94 x 59.3 x 21.4 mm (3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 in) |
Comments