Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90

One of the most important features on a camera is how quickly it can take a photo. Some of the other cameras we have reviewed have had relatively slow picture to picture speeds (time it takes to take two pictures successively). This can be important when you’re taking pictures in a sequence or trying to capture something that’s moving quickly.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 has a fairly quick picture to picture speed of 1 second and can take up to 15 pictures at a rate of 2frames per second. From the outside, the W90 looks almost indistinguishable from its 7-megapixel sibling. Its slim metal body measures less than 0.9 inch thick and weighs only 5.3 ounces with battery and Memory Stick Duo. Unfortunately, just like the W80, its small, flat buttons can feel uncomfortable to large-thumbed users.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the Cyber-shot DSC-W90:

• Street price: $199.99 approx.
• 8.1MP
• 2.5″ LCD
• ISO Sensitivity: 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200
• Shutter Speed: 1/4 - 1/1600
• Aperture: F2.8-F14.8

Things I like
The thing I like most about the Cyber-shot DSC-W90 is all of the included on-board software. Sony went all out including, double “anti-blur” which reduces both subject shake blur and camera shake blur through an intelligent combination of an optical image stabilizer and high sensitivity shooting up to ISO3200. Theres also face detection software and a number of tools to edit pictures, change the dynamic range and a number of other things.

I also like the size of this camera. It’s really small so it won’t be a burden if you’re going on long trips where you don’t want a lot of weight. I was able to put this camera in my pocket while I went on a roller coaster and it didn’t feel awkward. The other thing I like about this camera is the fact that it produces good pictures even at low sensitivity levels.

Things I don’t like
To me the buttons on the DSC-W90 feel a little weird. While the size of this camera is definitely a plus it is also a negative for me. I don’t have large hands but holding this camera often felt awkward. That really is the only problem I have with this camera. While it doesn’t have the performance of the Canon Powershot G9, it’s $300 cheaper so you can expect that.

Pros:

• Quick Response time
• Respectable resolution
• Small size
• Lots of on-board functionality

Cons:

• Small, awkward buttons

Final Thoughts
For everyone wanting to buy a inexpensive, but high-quality point and shoot camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W90 is a solid choice. With a quick response time and generally good picture quality you really can’t go wrong.