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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700

Discontinued

Reviewed

January 2009

Pros

4 GB of built-in memory
High-res, 3.5-inch LCD display
Touchscreen controls
Smile detection

Cons

Touchscreen is a smudge magnet
Red-eye problems
Expensive

Where to Buy

for $399.99

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 doesn't get the reviewers' nod as the best ultracompact digital camera. That honor goes to the less expensive Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250). But the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 offers some unusual attributes for about $100 more. Reviews say it's a good choice for those who are interested in displaying as well as shooting photos -- there is a whopping 4 GB of built-in memory (which can store about 1,000 photos at the highest quality setting), a 3.5-inch, high-resolution LCD display and touchscreen controls (which can smudge). Like many of the Sony digital cameras, there is also "smile detection" that will automatically snap a photo when the subject smiles. As with all ultracompact cameras, there is some dissing of the image quality (especially red-eye).

Imaging-Resource.com can get a bit technical, but if you don't mind a lot of reading, it deals with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 in very practical terms, calling it great for the "casual" user, as opposed to the needs of professional photographers. We also found good coverage for "casual" shooters at CNet.com, PC Magazine and Consumer Reports. Most of the owner reviews at Amazon.com are complimentary -- criticisms of image quality (especially indoors) are universal among ultracompacts, so consider that when you read them.

Where To Buy

Sony Cybershot DSC-T700 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Grey)
(71 reviews) Buy new: $399.99 15 Used from $77.00

Our Sources

1. Imaging-Resource.com

Wowed by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700's external beauty, Imaging Resource nonetheless performs exhaustive tests and determines that the image quality is fine for casual users. The 3.5-inch, high-resolution LCD display draws raves, although it's a bit of a battery drain.

Review: Sony T700 Overview, Mike Pasini and Stephanie Boozer, Nov. 17, 2008

2. CNET

CNet lab-tests the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 and rates it "excellent," with about 20 user reviews combining for a slightly lower score. Reviewer Joshua Goldman says photo quality is "respectable," but the real star is the display, including many slideshow options for the 3.5-inch LCD screen.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 Review, Joshua Goldman, Aug. 18, 2008

3. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

After thorough testing, PC Magazine gives the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 a score of four out of five, praising its "terrific" images and "one of the most impressive LCDs we've ever seen." On the downside are ergonomics and battery life.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 Review, Sean Carroll, Dec. 18, 2008

4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 is among the more than 60 digicams rated, but only subscribers have access to the ratings chart and product reviews. The testing is unquestionably professional, but you can find more detailed reviews on the aforementioned free websites.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of Consumer Reports

5. StevesDigicams.com

These long, detailed reviews have one major flaw -- they don't really compare one camera against its competitors. Still, it's worth a look. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 is called an "awesome … fast" compact, but less so indoors, with a lot of red-eye problems.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 Review, Editors of Steve's Digicams, Dec. 31, 2008

6. Amazon.com

Only about 30 owner reviews are posted at this writing for a good average score, just a few posting negative comments about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700. Those complaints about image quality are common for a small digital camera. Some say the red-eye correction is poor.

Review: Sony Cybershot DSC-T700 10MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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