Sony DSC W210 vs Panasonic DMC FS7 Comparison
Sony DSC W210
Panasonic DMC FS7
The Sony DSC W210 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7 are both marketed by their respective companies as cheaper versions of their more expensive pocket cameras. In the case of the Cybershot DSC W210 the camera looks quite different from the models found in the more stylish Sony T range of cameras. The Lumix DMC FS7 does not look all that different from some of the more advanced Panasonic models. The difference between this model and more expensive Panasonic model can be seen when comparing features and components such as lens quality.
Basic Specification
Sony DSC W210
12 megapixels
4x Optical Zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 4cm
Panasonic DMC FS7
10 megapixels
4x optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 5cm
Features
The most obvious difference between the two cameras is that the Sony camera has an extra two megapixels. This may not make a great deal of difference when it comes to the size of prints you can make, but it does give the camera the edge when it comes to boosting the amount of zoom available. Both cameras offer a feature that allows you to shoot at lower resolutions (fewer megapixels) and more zoom is made available to you.
Aside from the extra megapixels it is worth noting the Lumix DMC FS7 has image stabilisation built into it. Another advantage the Lumix DMC FS7 holds is that it is capable of producing movies that can make full use of the screen size and shape of a widescreen television. This camera also has a few extra features that may come in useful on occasion or for different people. For example the LCD screen has a setting you can use to make it easier to see if you need to hold the camera above head height to take a picture. Other nice touches include being able to increase the size of the text used in the menu system.
All in all though both cameras have more features than a lot of models do in this price bracket.
Design
I feel the build quality of the Lumix DMC FS7 is better than that of the Cybershot DSC W210. When it comes to looks the cameras are quite similar and have the typical rectangular shape associated with most digital cameras.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
Although the Lumix DMC FS7 is a shade quicker if you are firing off five shots with or without flash the Cybershot DSC W210 is faster for individual shots and to turn on and take the first picture. So if it is the single shot time that is important to you the Cybershot DSC W210 has the edge.
Power Supply
No difference here. Both cameras use lithium ion batteries. Batteries and chargers are supplied as you would expect.
Picture Quality
Picture quality is obviously very important, but a lot depends on the size of the prints you are planning to make. For example if you are only planning to make 6x 4 inch prints or 7 x 5 inch prints, then it is hard to detect much difference in sharpness or the level of detail in the shot unless you are taking close up photos. The Lumix DMC FS7 is a versatile digital camera. It can take a decent snapshot in most situations and I think it has the edge in this comparison.
Ease of Use
Both the cameras are easy enough to use. It is worth noting that the Cybershot DSC W210 uses an icon based menu while the Panasonic camera uses a text based menu.
Verdict
Overall I prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7. It outperforms the Sony Cybershot DSC W210 in a few key areas. Both cameras do a decent enough job and I could make a case for buying the Sony model if the difference in shutter lag times is very important to you or you would shoot at extreme low resolutions to increase the amount of zoom available to you.
Where to Buy - Sony DSC W210
Product Shots
Front View
Sony DSC W210
Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7
Back View
Sony DSC W210
Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7
Top View
Sony DSC W210
Panasonic Lumix DMC FS7
