The Sony DSC W200 pushes the number of megapixels on compact digital cameras ever higher. This is a 12 megapixel model. In theory you should be able to make some extremely large prints using this number of megapixels. Megapixels aside this is a fairly straightforward digital camera. The DSC W200 has a standard three times zoom lens. It also has manual exposure controls allowing you to set the shutter speed and aperture.
Image Quality Sony DSC W200 test shots
Outdoor 1
This shot is taken with the zoom in use, but not fully extended. Focusing is o.k., but I am a bit disappointed the overall photo is not sharper. There is also a noticeable softness as you more towards the edges of the photo. The sun is handled well and I like the colours too. The DSC W200 manages to retain a good level of detail in the brighter areas of the shot.
Outdoor 2
The second outdoor test shot is brighter than I am used to seeing for this shot and that gets the DSC W200 a tick in the box. Focusing is about standard with the lens zoomed right out. There is a suggestion of purple fringing showing around the geese and ducks. This is where a thin purple line is added to edge of an object. This is usually more of a problem with longer lenses.
Outdoor 3
A pattern is beginning to develop as this is another bright image and is taken with the zoom lens fully extended. I am not completely happy with the resolution. The photo lacks clarity.
Outdoor Portrait
Looking through all the tests this is my favourite shot taken with the DSC W200. The strength of the colours is just about spot on for me. Again the photo has a bright feel. The end result is a natural looking photo.
Indoor Portrait
Once again the DSC W200 has managed to produce a photo with strong colours. It compares well with other indoor portrait shots I have taken. Red eye is a problem though. This is something I am used to seeing with Sony digital cameras.
Lowlight
Sony cameras tend to handle lowlight better than most brands do. In this photo the camera has managed to bring out plenty of detail despite the low lighting levels. This is one of the better efforts for this test.
Colours
Colours are strong throughout all my test shots. Often strong colours can tip over into being overbearing, but Sony manage to keep the colours on the right side of the line with the DSC W200.
Macro
This is a decent macro shot without quite being one of the best. The photo is sharp enough without being pin sharp. The artificial light also produces a slight blue colour caste. This should not be an issue when taking close up shots under natural light, for example for shots of flowers or insects.
ISO 400
When you increase the ISO levels up to 400 noise starts to creep into the photos. With the DSC W200 noise levels are about standard, but I would not want to use this setting unless it was the only way to get the photograph.
ISO 3200
At the highest ISO setting all quality has disappeared from the picture. It would probably have been better if this level had not been included.
Overall
A fairly standard set of photos were produced. I must admit to being a bit disappointed with the sharpness of the photos in places.
Shutter Lag
I was able to take a single shot in 0.3 seconds and five shots in 7.32 seconds. The time for a single shot is about standard. The time for five shots is faster than average. With the flash a single shot took 0.46 seconds. This is still a reasonable time. Five shots took 18.17 seconds with flash recycling times adding a lot to the time.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style: This camera is just on the large side to fit easily into a pocket. It has a simple design and is available in silver. It's body is made of aluminium.
Dimensions: 91 x 58.5 x 27.3mm
Weight: 142g
Batteries: Lithium ion. Sony supplies a battery and charger as standard. They suggest you should be able to take around 350 shots in between charges.
Memory cards: 31mb (enough for around 9 photos) of storage has been built into the DSC W200 so no card is supplied as standard. The camera is compatible with Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Duo Pro cards.
Click here to save money on Memory Stick.
Ease of use rating: I have no complaints when it comes to ease of use. Sony produce digital cameras that most people should be able to get to grips with. The menus are easy to read and follow in a logical order.
Points I like:
Viewfinder - ease of use
Where it could improve:
Photos could be a touch sharper in places
Verdict:
If you are looking for a camera with a large number of megapixels than the Sony DSC W200 has as many as any current consumer level digital camera. It is easy to use. All I would like to have seen was a bit better picture quality in places.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Sony DSC W200 Summary |
| Description: | 12 megapixels and a 3x zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 8 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 8 |
| Indoors: | 8 |
| Value for Money: | 8 |
| Style: | 8 |
| Movie Mode: | 8 |
| Image Quality: | 8 |
| Build Quality: | 8 |
| Total: | 80 |
| Verdict: | The Sony DSC W200 is a stylish digital camera. Just on the large size for fitting in a pocket easily it also has some basic manual exposure controls. The 12 megapixels are also likely to prove attractive. |
| Review Date: | August 2007 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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