Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30

Performance
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30's performance is generally very good, except for a limited burst mode that delivers only 3 full-resolution shots at 1.4fps; however, it can maintain that rate until you've filled the card with VGA-resolution pictures. We're impressed with the camera's shutter-lag time of 0.3 second under high-contrast illumination, but the delay balloons to a frustrating 1.7 seconds under low-contrast lighting with the red focus-assist lamp. Power-on to first shot takes 1.6 seconds; thereafter, the shot-to-shot time remains a speedy 1.3 seconds, slowing to 1.6 seconds if the flash needs to recharge.

Image Quality
We're very impressed with this camera's photos. They come out well exposed under a variety of lighting conditions, with lots of detail in the shadows and highlights. The DSC-W30 doesn't blow out whites as much as many other cameras in its class. It produces neutral but highly saturated hues, especially in the reds and the oranges. The most serious image problem was noise. While it's barely visible at ISO 80, you can start to see smearing from the noise reduction at ISO 200 and discolorations at ISO 400 and beyond. Most people will find the high-ISO noise annoying, but at least it is available for moments when you really need to forgo the flash.

Even though it's the bargain of W series, the DSC-W30 offers impressive low-ISO image quality for its resolution and price class. If you're looking for a camera this size and don't need manual controls, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30 could do the trick.

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