Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2

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Fancy, cute cameras are just that--all fluff with possibly wool for brains.

So when Sony announced the uber-adorable Cyber-shot T2, we had morbidly mixed sentiments.

"It's another pretty brick."

"All form, no function."

But with the actual article in our hands, our impression changed. By how much? And in which direction?

Design

The Cyber-shot T2 is a flabby chump. It measures 86.8 x 56.8 x 20.2mm and weighs 156g. But despite the girth, its bright colors and curvy form make it look and feel endearing in a boxy sort of way. A slot on the bottom, next to the battery, accepts both Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo (yup, no SD).

The T2 borrows obvious design cues from the T200. It has almost the same slide-down lens cover that's large enough to protect the lens element, flash and AF illuminator all at the same time. We say "almost" because the T2's version pops out slightly before gliding down. In the T200, it slides down vertically. But however we look at it, Sony is still hands down better at making digicam sliders than other manufacturers.

Like the T200, the T2 has a touchscreen, though it's a little smaller (2.7- vs 3.5-inch). There are two rows of controls in-screen--one on the left column and one on the bottom (which like most touchscreens isn't as responsive as physical buttons).

But we were a trifle miffed with the onscreen controls and it's not because it is any less responsive or intuitive than the T200's. It's more a matter of presentation.

Comparing the placement of on-screen controls

While the T200 cleverly uses the black letterbox areas created by its 16:9 aspect ratio to position its controls, the T2's 4:3 screen doesn't allow for this option. So onscreen controls are shown as an overlay, which makes them a distraction during composition. And it can be problematic when the control icons blend in with an overtly bright scene.

Like the Cyber-shot T200, the camera menu is pretty much touch-and-go. Depending on your settings, pressing the screen will activate spot focus or a splash of digital ink. There's also ample space displaying frequent camera settings for resolution, exposure, focus metering (multi, center weighted or spot), light sensitivity, exposure, marco mode and flash.

Buttons are too flush

Even though buttons are sparse, Sony still got it wrong for the Playback and Scrapbook keys. There are positioned too flush with the surface and are particularly difficult to activate. So while it scores for aesthetics, it fails for usability.

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