Overview
The Sony DSC T100 offers something different from the typical pocket sized digital camera. This is because it has a longer than standard 5x zoom lens. This means that it can zoom in closer to distant objects than the majority of digital cameras that fit into a pocket. The DSC T100 has eight megapixels and is generally easy to use.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
5x
3 inches
91.8 x 59.2 x 22.3mm
141g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
Memory Stick Duo
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
The DSC T100 handles the standard outdoor shots pretty well. I especially like the look of the first test photo. This is taken with around 50 - 60% of the zoom used. My feeling is that the lens works at its best around this level. The photo is sharp and stays sharp as you move towards the edges. There is a small loss of detail on the boats where the sun scores a direct hit. Taking the conditions and the time of day the photo was taken into account this is understandable and it is a better result than other cameras manage. I really like the balance of the colours in this shot.
The second test shot is taken with the lens zoomed out completely. This is the weakest shot of the three outdoor photos and the scene is a bit distant for the camera to focus easily. There are also very small areas of darkness showing right in the corners of the shot.
My next test is with the lens zoomed right in to its maximum capacity. By comparing this shot with those taken with other cameras you can see the benefit of the longer lens. Focusing is good although a small amount of noise creeps into the sky. Zooming in also manages to reduce the strength of the colours.
Aside from the third outdoor test shot I think the strength of the colours is about right. As you can see from my specific colour test no one colour stands out to the detriment of others.
Colours also work well in the outdoor portrait shot. The balance is good and there is enough colour in the skin tones and in general to give the photo some life.
The indoor portrait is another with plenty of colour. The DSC T100 has done a great job of focusing in the conditions and the photo is bright without blasting out all the detail. The only problem is the degree of red eye. This is something I have come to expect from Sony digital cameras and suggests a powerful flash unit. The obvious downside of the power is that it rebounds the light directly back into the lens causing the high degree of red eye.
Even in extreme lowlight the DSC T100 is able to focus successfully as illustrated by my shot of beer bottles. The shot could be brighter, but considering how dark it is when I take the shot it is a very good effort.
If I was serious about close up or macro photography this is not the type of camera I would buy. I would go for something with a larger lens. Nevertheless the macro shot is above average and my only real complaint is that a touch of purple shows up in places.
I have started to see an improvement with the latest batch of digital cameras when it comes to taking photos using a higher ISO setting. At ISO 400 the DSC T100 handles this level quite well. There is noise in the photo as I would expect, but it is certainly lower than with earlier Sony models I have tested. The maximum ISO setting is 3200. This level is a step too far and picture quality is low.
Style
It is available in black silver and red. With its sliding lens cover I really like the look of the DSC T100 and feel it is one of the more stylish pocket sized cameras.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.18 seconds
6.99 seconds
0.33 seconds
14.83 seconds
Ease of Use
This is one of the more simple cameras.
Points I Like
Design - low shutter lag - ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Red eye
Verdict
Overall the Sony DSC T100 is well worth considering. I am sure the longer than standard lens will come in handy and this camera is superior to other pocket sized cameras I have tested with similar length lenses.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Sony DSC T100 Review Sony DSC T100 Specification Sony DSC T100 Sample Images Sony DSC T100 Features
Review Date
May 2007
