Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9

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By Damian Koh
Jan 18, 2006

This latest iteration in the whole array of T-series Cyber-shots is not the thinnest in the family, but it sports optical image stabilization--a feature sorely missed in its predecessors. Finally, Sony got it right this time.

Design
There's nothing alien on the T9 in terms of design. The unit sports a familiar sliding lens cover which doubles as a power switch. Alternatively, there's a switch on the top edge which will power up the camera for picture review. What's new and not available on the previous T-series models is optical image stabilization--traditionally known as Steady Shot on Sony's Handycams--labeled as a vibrating hand icon (not terribly innovative we feel) to the right of the shutter button.

	The Steady Shot button does nothing while in Auto mode. You will have to enable/disable it via the menus.

Measuring 89.7 x 54.9 x 20.6mm from end-to-end and weighing 159g, the T9 we felt is a little on the heavy side. A large 2.5-inch LCD occupies two-thirds of the rear estate with key controls coated in shiny silver taking up the remaining space. The buttons provide tactile feedback and are generally responsive as we navigate the menus in-camera. The zoom lever over on the top right corner, on the other hand, feels a little stiff compared with the rest of the buttons.

Over on the left of the screen are the rather inconspicuous speakers represented by three little dots.

As a snapshot camera, there just aren't a lot of options you can choose from. A three-way slider switch allows you to toggle between playback and record (for still images and movie capture).

	There is only one cable for the T5 and it has the AV and USB connectors bunched together. There is also a display selector switch for either camera or TV output.

The Memory Stick Duo and Lithium-ion battery share a compartment on the right of the T9. What we don't fancy is its flimsy cover.

While we'd love to have a dedicated button for every function, unfortunately there's only this much space on a camera this size. Unlike Panasonic's Lumix FX9 which has separate USB and AV connectors, the T9 streamlines its connectivity options to a multi-use terminal along the bottom edge, beside the tripod receptacle.

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