Enter the world of digital photography with this impressive all-around performer. The DSC-W230 Cyber-shot digital camera combines point-and-shoot ease with a host of advanced features in a sophisticated, compact body. A 12.1 megapixels image sensor and a Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens offer ultra-crisp shots and quality close-ups. Not sure which mode is best for your shot? Intelligent Scene Recognition automatically detects the surroundings and adjusts the settings for you. Face Detection capture faces with natural skin tones, while Smile Shutter technology captures a smile the moment it happens. To minimize blurry photos, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is included for great-looking pictures. You can even hook your camera up to a compatible HDTV and show off your shots on the big screen in high definition.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Absolutely Fabulous!
I needed a second still image camera for business since we share a single one in the office, which often results in delays. I was so happy with the Sony Cybershot DSCW80 that I bought about two or three years ago, that it was a no-brainer to upgrade to this newer, higher megapixel version. This is my fourth Sony digital camera, and I’m loving it.
I can’t stress enough how wonderful the anti-blur technology on the camera is. While these newer, lightweight cameras are much more portable than their predecessors, it’s also hard to hold them steady without a little of that extra weight. I don’t have Parkinson’s, but I don’t have a steady surgical hand either, and this camera totally makes up for it. I don’t like using the zoom feature without a tripod, but the more you zoom in on any camera, the shakier you get if you don’t have it on a steady surface. It just goes with the territory.
I am an amateur photographer–I use this for just regular photographs of everyday things. I need something simple to point and shoot. It has the same basic controls that my other Sonys have had, with the bonus of a slightly larger screen on the back. Most users will probably have little trouble using the dials and menu on the back to try different settings and to view the pictures you’ve already taken. I doubt if you’ll have to consult the manual if you’ve had any experience with digital cameras before.
I have video cameras and image editing software, so I didn’t use the video function and did not install or use Sony’s software on my computer, so I can’t comment on either of those functions. The battery charges more quickly than previous models, and seems to have longer life for my still image shooting. The images are just fantastic–I could wave it around while taking a shot and still get a crisp, clean picture.
Some people don’t like the fact that the lens extends out when you turn it on, but I think it’s a small price to pay for such quality images. My only other gripe about this camera, as with all Sony cameras, is the fact that it does not take a standard SD card and you must use Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo. This isn’t necessary, it is slightly irritating, and if it took a standard SD card I would have given it 5 stars.
If you can get past the fact that you’ll need to purchase a special memory card for this camera (and it’s such a great camera that it’s not hard to make that leap), you’ll be very happy with this for years to come. I highly recommend this camera for anyone, advanced users and beginners alike. It’s a fantastic value that will preserve your memories and take great pictures for your business for years to come.
4 Stars DS-W230
The feature I like the best is the smile detector. Took a few tries to learn how to use it, but it really works. Also like the the small easy to carry size.
2 Stars Breaks easily
I dropped the camera from about 3-4 feet to the ground and it won’t work. I can toss my cell phone across the room and it would still work. They need to make these more study becuase dropping them does happen. I loved it for the month that it worked however.
I decided not to buy another Cannon camera because it broke after 3 years and now my Sony broke after one month. I think I will go back to the Cannon.
5 Stars point and shoot
This a great point & shoot digital camera. It is very user friendly and the clarity of the pictures are very impressive. The pic bridge feature is a plus for making quick prints.
5 Stars My first impressions
This camera is really nice. The quality of the pictures is excellent. I haven’t even had any problems with the picture blurring when I’m not 100% still. The flash is really bright, but somehow manages to not add a glare to glossy/shiny objects the that much (it’s much less than any other camera I’ve used). The camera is much smaller than I thought it would be. It can easy fit into my pocket if I don’t feel like carrying a camera bag. I’ve only had it for a couple of days, but I’m very impressed with this guy so far. ^_^
