Best Reviewed
Digital Cameras
- Best compact digital camera Canon PowerShot S95 *Est. $330
- Compact camera with advanced features Canon PowerShot G12 *Est. $380
- Best compact camera with interchangeable lenses Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 *Est. $900
- Best waterproof digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 *Est. $250
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- 5X Zeiss zoom lens
- Smile detection
- Has a viewfinder
- Tiny manual controls
- Normal complaints about image quality
Given that point-and-shoot cameras aren't being marketed to professional photographers or tech mavens, we'd rank Consumer Reports first if you didn't need a subscription to see its coverage. It doesn't get bogged down in jargon and specs. However, for depth of information (and free access), we'd have to place Imaging-Resource.com as the best source, with Steve's Digicams, DigitalCameraReview.com and the U.K. version of CNet.com also proving useful. One caveat on the owner reviews at Amazon.com: You'll find similar complaints about image quality and frustratingly small controls for virtually every ultracompact camera.
Although reviews say the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250) is the best ultracompact digital camera overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 offers some advantages and is about $25 cheaper. For one thing, it has a 5X zoom Zeiss lens compared with the Canon's 4X. For another, it offers "smile detection," in which the camera notices when the subject achieves that facial expression, then automatically takes a photo. And the Sony has a viewfinder, unlike the Canon. Like all ultracompacts, image quality can be iffy indoors and the size, of course, means tiny manual controls that some find difficult. At least one professional reviewer says you ought to save about $50 and buy a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 (*est. $175) instead.
| Sony Cybershot DSCW170/B 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot (Black) | |
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Our Sources
Imaging Resource performs exhaustive testing and calls the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 a "bargain," especially considering the 5X Zeiss lens, the viewfinder and a face-detection function that can distinguish between children and adults. The flash didn't test well indoors, though.
Review: Sony W170 Overview, Mike Pasini, April 17, 2008
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports ranks nearly 70 digicams, including the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170, but a subscription is required to see the ratings chart and individual product reviews. Testing is thorough, but you can find longer reviews for free from other credible sources.
Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of Consumer Reports
Reviews here are thorough, but so many cameras make the "best" lists that you ought to read elsewhere to narrow your search. Bottom line is Steve's Digicams calls the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 a good point-and-shoot and especially likes the sensor that detects when someone smiles and then automatically takes a shot.
Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 Review, Editors of Steve's Digicams, May 15, 2008
This long, thorough review ultimately says you're better off with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 because it is basically the same, except it performs better at continuous shooting and is about $50 cheaper.
Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 Review, David Rasnake, July 27, 2008
5. CNET (U.K.)
The British version of CNet sometimes reviews products that fall through the cracks at the U.S. website, and reports are based on solid testing. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 gets a "very good" rating for being "very adaptable," although the manual controls are "cluttered."
Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 Review, Rich Trenholm, June 25, 2008
6. Amazon.com
More than 100 user reviews combine to give the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 a very high average score, about 70 percent scoring it a perfect five. A few say the image quality is lacking; others say you can't expect greatness for the size and price.
Review: Sony Cybershot DSCW170 10.1MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com
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