Overview
The Sony DSC T200 is an 8 megapixel, pocket sized digital camera. It has a longer than standard 5x optical zoom lens. A big attraction is likely to be the extra large 3.5 inch touch screen. Other standard features built into the DSC T200 include face detection software, image stabilisation, HD TV output and in camera retouching for red eye.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
5x
3.5 inches
93.5 x 59.3 x 20.4mm
160g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
8cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
This photo was taken at a time when the sun was shining down on the boats creating high levels of sun glare. The DSC T200 was able to handle the glare better than most cameras I tested at the same time were able to. This is especially noticeable by looking at the white, wooden beams under the roof of the building where the camera has managed to produce great clarity.
Sharpness levels are good and just about hold up as you move toward the edge of the shot. I like the way the camera handles the lighting in general and this helps to produce a bright photo.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
Not using any zoom can cause some cameras a problem, but I think the DSC T200 copes well with this shot. Both sharpness levels and lighting are some way above average as the camera overcomes typical problems I am used to seeing.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
When zooming right in the DSC T200 is still able to produce a sharply focused shot. Levels of detail are above average once again.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
The outdoor portrait works well. There is a slight loss of detail on the forehead where the light catches it. The photo was taken in cloudy conditions, so I used the cloudy white balance setting to boost the colour in the shot.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
What I like most about this photo is the depth of colour in the shot. Sometimes when you use flash it tends to blast out the colour and leave the photo looking washed out. Even with the flash turned on the DSC T200 automatically increases the ISO setting to compensate for the lack of light. This causes some noise to be added to the shot.
My test photo did have a small amount of red eye. I used the red eye retouch tool and it removed almost all of it.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
Without flash being used the camera automatically increases ISO even further, causing more noise to be added. Even so this is only likely to become a big issue on larger prints. The photo is a little dark, but you can choose whether you prefer to use flash or not for this type of photo.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
This is a successful test shot. The photo is sharp, bright and clear and you cannot ask for much more than that from a smaller, pocket sized camera.
Colours:
In my opinion Sony have the colours just about right with the DSC T200. There is plenty of strength in the colours without making you need sunglasses to look at the picture.
ISO 400:
At ISO 400 picture quality is surprisingly good. This may help you get round some lower light conditions. The photo is not completely free of noise, but it is a good effort none the less and highlights an area where there has been an improvement in quality from a number of brands this year.
ISO 3200:
ISO 3200 is one or two steps too far though. Picture quality is all but gone at this level.
Summary
On the whole the DSC T200 has produced a very impressive set of photos. In my view, based on picture quality it is one of the better pocket sized digital cameras.
Style
Simple, but attractive pocket sized digital camera. The front is plain with a sliding lens cover. The DSC T200 has an aluminium body.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.15 seconds
6.97 seconds
0.48 seconds
12.53 seconds
Ease of Use
Perhaps it"s just me, but I don"t feel that the touch screen makes the camera easier to use or faster to change a setting. Maybe I need to get used to the different screen.
Points I Like
Low shutter lag - picture quality - design - longer zoom for pocket camera - extra features
Where it Could Improve
Hard to think of any!
Verdict
The Sony DSC T200 is right up there with the very best pocket sized digital cameras. The longer zoom and extra features in general should prove to be of interest, but it is the picture quality and shutter lag times that set this camera apart. It is one of the fastest cameras you will find and I have no complaints about the quality of the photos it takes.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Canon IXUS 510 HS Rating 86/100
If you are prepared to pay a bit more for extra quality then the Canon IXUS 510 HS is likely to be of interest to you. For a pocket camera picture quality is very good. Add in the impressive set of features including a touch screen and Wi-Fi and you can start to see that you do get more for your money compared to a lot of digital cameras. The power of the lens also gives you plenty of scope for capturing a wide range of photo opportunities. It is true you pay a little extra than with more standard pocket cameras, but if you also include the stylish look of this model there is a lot on offer for the price tag.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 510 HS Review
Canon IXUS 125 HS Rating 86/100
If you are looking for a pocket camera and you are prepared to pay extra for picture quality and build quality then the Canon IXUS 125 HS is a good choice. Although it doesn’t have all the latest features like 360 degree panoramas it does an excellent job when it comes to taking pictures. It is straightforward, easy to use and will fit into just about any pocket.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 125 HS Review
Canon IXUS 1100 HS Rating 85/100
The Canon IXUS 1100 HS is a very good choice if you are looking for a pocket digital camera with a combination of a longer zoom lens and touch control. Once you get used to the screen and improve your touch accuracy it responds well. Picture quality compares favourably with other pocket cameras. The style and build suggest a bit of extra class too. The IXUS 1100 HS ticks most of the boxes for a camera in this category.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 1100 HS Review
Related Pages
Sony DSC T200 Review Sony DSC T200 Specification Sony DSC T200 Sample Images Sony DSC T200 Features Sony Digital Cameras
Review Date
October 2007
