Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9

With its 16.2-megapixel Exmor R backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and Bionz processor, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 packs a lot of photographic power into a lightweight point-and-shoot digital camera that's not larger than a cell phone. Despite its small size, the WX9 has a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen for framing (though it doea lack a viewfinder). Navigating through the numerous shooting options can be confusing for beginners and images start showing noise at ISO 800 and up, reviewer say, but the WX9 comes with an impressive list of features, including 3D still images and 1080i HD video recording. "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 is a lot of camera -- with solid shooting performance and photo and movie quality -- for the money," says Joshua Goldman of CNET.

With its "classic Altoids tin shape" the WX9 is easy to carry around all day without being burdened, says David Elrich of DigitalTrends.com. Navigating menus is easy enough, reviewers say, though the number of buttons could be a source of confusion for novice users. It has three automatic modes with varying levels of functionality, along with advanced functions such as iSweep Panorama and Background Defocus, among others. Superior Auto mode does well at choosing the appropriate settings, but slows the camera to "unbearable levels," say the experts at Imaging-Resource.com. For the most part, reviewers feel image quality is good for the price range, but does show some blurriness in corners and isn't intended for heavy cropping or large prints. Video quality is "on par with a very good pocket video camera," says Goldman, who adds that the WX9 is a "sweet deal for the money." Still, options like the Sony Cyber-shot HX7V with double the zoom range and better controls do give the WX9 competition.

Experts test the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 against similar models and find it produces excellent video and good image quality, though it does have some problems with noise and blurriness. Imaging-Resource.com offers the most detailed look at the WX9 while CNET and DigitalCameraReview.com provide detailed results of tests and usage. DigitalTrends.com offers a rundown of the WX9's good and bad points.