Overview
The Sony DSC W80 is one of the many pocket sized digital cameras on the market. This model has seven megapixels and a three times zoom lens. With so many digital cameras of this type to choose from it is often hard to say why a camera stands out from its competitors. The attractions of thw DSC W80 include value for money, ease of use and a fast shutter response.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
3x
2.5 inches
91 x 58 x 22.9mm
124g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
4cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
Memory Stick Duo
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
It is almost as if I could have written this review when it came to photo quality without taking any photos. My test shots are certainly closely inline with test shots produced by other Sony digital cameras. Therefore I see good levels of focusing (although not quite top drawer) and well balanced colours. The camera is good in lowlight, but red eye is a problem.
Running through the tests starting with the first outdoor shot, focusing is sharp enough, but not quite in the league of more expensive models. Focusing levels are retained as you move out towards the edges of the shot. The glare of the sun causes a small amount of detail to be lost where the sun reflects directly off the boats in the picture. Colours look good to me, although if I am being fussy there is a degree of noise showing in the sky.
The DSC W80 finds the next outdoor shot a tougher test and focusing is not as sharp in this photo. This is a common theme in my tests and the distance between the camera and the scene makes it harder to maintain focusing.
With the lens zoomed in to its full capacity the third outdoor shot works quite well. Again I can see the glare of the sun causing a problem on areas of the boats. Detail is lost in these areas.
As I have already mentioned I like the colours produced by Sony digital cameras. Looking at all the outdoor scenic shots together with the specific colour test I think the levels are about right. This is a matter of personal taste, but the colours are vivid without overpowering you.
The outdoor portrait is another example of the way the colours work. Here they add some warmth to the photo without adding too much of an orange tint as some cameras do. This is another sharp photo.
My lowlight tests are passed easily by the DSC W80. Even in very lowlight I found the camera was able to focus as long as it is within range for the auto focus illuminator to work. Focusing is some way above average in both my portrait and extreme lowlight test. Unfortunately as with other Sony digital cameras red eye is a problem.
The macro shot is o.k. without being anything special. It is sharp enough, but there is a very slight blue tinge to the photo as the camera doesn't quite cope with the artificial lighting.
Up to ISO 400 the camera performs reasonably well. After this level picture quality slides down hill. The maximum ISO rating you can use is ISO 3200. Personally I wouldn't look to use this setting!
Style
You can take your pick when it comes to colour. The DSC W80 is available in silver, black white and pink. It has an aluminium body. Otherwise it is a fairly standard looking digital camera and is just about small enough to fit into a pocket.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.15 seconds
5.08 seconds
0.28 seconds
12.69 seconds
Ease of Use
I can"t come up with any reasons why you will find this camera difficult to use.
Points I Like
Low shutter lag - viewfinder - ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Red eye
Verdict
I like the Sony DSC W80. With virtually no shutter delay you should always get your shot with this camera. In lowlight the camera performs well (shame about the red eye!) and is capable of taken a decent shot outside. Worth a look if you are looking for a good value for money, pocket sized digital camera.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Sony DSC W80 Review Sony DSC W80 Specification Sony DSC W80 Sample Images Sony DSC W80 Features
Review Date
May 2007
