Sony Cybershot DSC-T200 8.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)
by Sony
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony Cybershot DSC-T200 8.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)
Customer Review: Awesome camera
Summary: 5 Stars
This camera is perfect for what I bought it for, which is taking quick, sharp pictures. I would recommend this product and this sellerCustomer Review: Very nice camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
Quick shot! Excelent zoom! Excelent picture quality! Excelent screen size! The best option for who is looking a slim camera.Customer Review: Sony DSC-T200 Ultra Compact Camera
Summary: 4 Stars
I went to buy a Casio EX-V8 to find a compact camera with decent video and decent pictures that had more than a 3X zoom. Prices dropped a lot on the previously-unaffordable DSC-T200 so I played with it at the store. Ended up buying it.
The touchscreen takes a little getting used to. Where's the record button? How do I switch to photos? Where are the settings? It takes a little mindset change and practice to get up to speed. There is a 'Home' button to let you get at certain functions quickly, it just isn't obvious at first.
Like many compact cameras, the weakness is indoors. Don't use the Auto mode. Set it on Program mode, with a reasonable ISO (400 or less) and shoot that way. The metering and focus setting also have a big effect on your photo, so if you learn how to use those features it helps.
Macros are great, and there are the typical macro mode and the super macro mode to get within 1 centimeter. I have good results with both.
The video is decent, I rate it 7 out of 10. Just straightforward 640x480 resolution with no bull. MPeg format instead of MOV. You really only can change the framerate, but its simple and works well. A 2GB memory stick will hold about 1.5 hours at standard framerate or about 25 minutes at high-quality. The white balance settings have a big effect on video quality indoors. Choose the correct lighting style and the video comes out accurately. By the way, the sound pickup is excellent. Not sterero, but very decent. I've heard some concert video and the sound is not all blown out like it does on many cameras. It picks up surprising sounds in the room like breathing and other nuances.
Focusing is quick. Very bright autofocus assist lamp. Maybe too bright. Easy to change the metering and focusing modes (When in the Program shooting mode).
The flash? Well, its a compact, not a DSLR. Its ok. I have great results with the slow synchro flash - it really lights up the room well.
Full speed USB 2.0 means fast transfers.
28mm wide angle accessory lense available. Two different docking stations are available (actually 3). The CSS-PC1 is for your computer. The CSS-HD1 and new CSS-HD2 are to hook the camera to the TV for hi-def displays. All the docks have faster chargers than the charger that comes with the camera (30% faster).
Outdoor images are great. The 5x zoom is just right - I didn't feel that "not quite close enough" feeling you always have with a 3x camera.
My expectations were to get a camera with decent photos (above average) and decent video that didn't make me have to work too hard, and can be put in my pocket, and this is it. You do have to work this camera a little indoors if you want better than average shots. I have gotten decent no-flash results up to ISO800. ISO1600 and 3200 are not useable.
I would buy this camera again. I love the touchscreen, and whoever thinks its grainy or said they would be ashamed to show someone pictures on this screen are simply wrong. There are better looking screens (very few), but this one is certainly on of the better ones.
Cons:
Big touchscreen does not automatically gain up outdoors. You have to brighten the display manualy (come on, Sony) but at least you can brighten the display.
No viewfinder. Would be nice in a few cases.
Its expensive. Proprietary memory sticks. Battery life sucks. Get the docking station because it charges the battery 30% quicker than provided charger. Learn to not put your finger over the lense.
Could use a bunch more scene modes. The 10 or so provided are pretty basic. They should have one for indoor shooting, and one for doubleshot (flash/no flash) like Fuji has.
The camera cables are special (not standard USB), but if you use the dock its not a big deal.
Customer Review: Awesome little camera - - if used properly
Summary: 4 Stars
I own a Sony R-1 which is a SLR type camera - a bit big but excellent image quality. The Sony T-200 is considerably smaller and more convenient to carry around.
Do not expect a mini-compact to compare with a D-SLR type camera - they don't regardless of pixel count.
To get the best out of the T200, use the "Program" (P) mode and set the ISO to 100. Do not use "Vivid" or other in-camera settings (do your adjustments in software). Use Auto only in daylight settings. The grainy, smeary pictures in low light are in auto mode, with an ISO of about 800 or more. The results are not satisfactory.
If you take command of the T200's settings in Program mode you can take excellent pictures in just about any situation except flash pictures. The flash (I call it a peanut popper) is good for about 8' to 10'. After that, since light falls off rapidly, it will not illuminate an auditorium at school or theater. In those instances you may have to accept grainy smeary pictures in lieu of no picture. Sometimes an auxiliary flash tripped by the camera flash can help in large rooms.
I gave the camera a rating of 4 as I think it's pro's outweight the con's for me.
Pros: Excellent close focusing, 5X optical zoom, Small and pocketable, best styling - colors (I love black), When used wisely, excellent, noise free pictures, great color and sharpness. touch screen (recommend a pda type screen cover), plethora of controls including flash intensity. Great face detection (and smile) and optical stabilization (vs. digital correction)
Cons: Battery life limited. Noise and quality not very good above ISO 600, a bit pricy, but the T70 offers much of the same features for less $$$$.
I would definitly recommend a "buy" rating, but be aware you have to think for the camera. If you want just a "point and shoot" camera, still use the "P" scene mode or perhaps try the Canon or Nikon. Make sure you purchase your camera from a store that allows a reture privilege regardless of the brand you buy. You do not have to be stuck with a product you do not like.
Customer Review: GOOD CAMERA BUT BATTERY POWER GOES FAST
Summary: 4 Stars
A long time Sony fan having many of their large dscr-1 cameras- spent the last week at Disney World with the new dsc t-200 here is some quick remarks:
1- battery drain is seems terrible. Battery was dead by 2 PM. On my other compact sonys battery lasted days. Next day I nursed it throughout the day but suggest to have extra battery on hand if you are on vacation.
2- having to recharge battery you have to remove it from the camera- so easier to just pop in fresh at the same time
3- camera is very small and lens is at top left corner where your finger wants to be around- so for large hands you must be aware at all times to keep finger away from lense. On initial days use I had many picts with finger blur.
4- bottom line pictures were good- I thougt they would be better being 8.1 pixel after using higher priced big older digital cameras by sony. But probably the best they could be considering size and convenience.
5- Video was exceptional far surpassing my expectations.
6- focusing was fast,
7- Yes a fantastic camera considering size and all.