Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200

Smile Factor

The face detection mode (it focuses and tracks faces) on the Cyber-shot T200 isn't worth grinning about since it's so commonplace, but the Smile Shutter may be worth it for some.

As the name literally suggests, the shutter mechanism is activated by your subject's smile. He beams and the camera takes a picture immediately. But smiles can vary from a mild smirk to a laughing-your-head-off guffaw. To remedy that, Sony lets you set three levels of grin detection, but it still isn't foolproof.

"Can you smile a little bit more?"

Your friend shows more teeth.

"Not good. I think you need to grin harder than that."

He puts on his best Cheshire cat impression.

"Nope, nope. Hey, don't look at me like that. It's the camera that thinks you aren't smiling enough."

Things get more interesting in a group photo. If someone in the group flashes the correct grin before everyone else, the camera will just snap the picture anyway. And it's no laughing matter, if you have to keep repeating the shot just because someone has a stubborn smile.

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