Sony DSC-S90 or DSC-S60 Owners here?

[Granddad-digital]

I was interested in some inside input;from owners of these camera's!
Are they good?
Do you regret buying it?

[Dennis]

I own two S90's. There still in the box and are waiting to be given as gifts to my parents and my wife's parents.

I personally own a S200 which I believe uses the same technology as the other DSC model Sony cameras that were released earlier this year. If you are looking for a simple camera that you can just leave in auto mode to take pictures of the grandkids, then I believe an S60 or S90 will work very well for you. I have done a lot of research on digital cameras and I am drawn to the DSC series Sony's mostly because of their low shutter lag. I have children of mine own and realized that they will not always stand frozen still while a slow Canon or Nikon captures the moment. One of the nice things about a digital camera is that you can go after those great impromptu shots without worrying about wasting costly film. For these kinds of shots, it really helps to have a camera that has almost no lag time like the Sony.

If you can, go compare shutter lag of digital cameras in the stores. To keep the playing field level, make sure the flash is on and set the red eye reduction to whatever your preference is (but keep it the same across the cameras). Put the zoom as far wide angle as possible and then take some test shots. Try taking pre-focused shots by pressing the shutter button half way down until it focuses and then all the way down to shoot the picture. Take some full-focus shots by fully pressing the button. The shutter lag is the time that passes from pressing the shutter button all the way until the flash goes off. Also take note as to how long you have to wait before you can take a second picture. Also watch at how long it takes for the camera to "warm up" after first turning it on. If you want a camera for taking pictures of young children, then you will want a faster camera. The S60 and S90 are very fast cameras. Comparing them to similarly priced Canon's and Nikon's will seem like comparing broadband to dial-up.

Based on reviews I have read and my own experience, Sony's do a better job of focusing in low light. Also, they are more reliable. From what I saw in Consumer's Reports, Canon's are almost twice as likely to have a breakdown requiring a repair or replacement as a Sony.

Unless you need a camera that allows you to make manually adjustments (Canon's have more manual controls), then a Sony is probably better for you. There are several places where you can get a S90 for $200. The two I purchased came from Target (store, not online). I also noticed that Best Buy online and Circuit City online have them for $200, not sure what they charge in-store. These are all non-sale prices. I was happy to see that price at Target because they have a 90 day return policy and are much easier to deal with for returns that electronic stores.

[Granddad-digital]

I own two S90's. There still in the box and are waiting to be given as gifts to my parents and my wife's parents.

I personally own a S200 which I believe uses the same technology as the other DSC model Sony cameras that were released earlier this year. If you are looking for a simple camera that you can just leave in auto mode to take pictures of the grandkids, then I believe an S60 or S90 will work very well for you. I have done a lot of research on digital cameras and I am drawn to the DSC series Sony's mostly because of their low shutter lag. I have children of mine own and realized that they will not always stand frozen still while a slow Canon or Nikon captures the moment. One of the nice things about a digital camera is that you can go after those great impromptu shots without worrying about wasting costly film. For these kinds of shots, it really helps to have a camera that has almost no lag time like the Sony.

If you can, go compare shutter lag of digital cameras in the stores. To keep the playing field level, make sure the flash is on and set the red eye reduction to whatever your preference is (but keep it the same across the cameras). Put the zoom as far wide angle as possible and then take some test shots. Try taking pre-focused shots by pressing the shutter button half way down until it focuses and then all the way down to shoot the picture. Take some full-focus shots by fully pressing the button. The shutter lag is the time that passes from pressing the shutter button all the way until the flash goes off. Also take note as to how long you have to wait before you can take a second picture. Also watch at how long it takes for the camera to "warm up" after first turning it on. If you want a camera for taking pictures of young children, then you will want a faster camera. The S60 and S90 are very fast cameras. Comparing them to similarly priced Canon's and Nikon's will seem like comparing broadband to dial-up.

Based on reviews I have read and my own experience, Sony's do a better job of focusing in low light. Also, they are more reliable. From what I saw in Consumer's Reports, Canon's are almost twice as likely to have a breakdown requiring a repair or replacement as a Sony.

Unless you need a camera that allows you to make manually adjustments (Canon's have more manual controls), then a Sony is probably better for you. There are several places where you can get a S90 for $200. The two I purchased came from Target (store, not online). I also noticed that Best Buy online and Circuit City online have them for $200, not sure what they charge in-store. These are all non-sale prices. I was happy to see that price at Target because they have a 90 day return policy and are much easier to deal with for returns that electronic stores.
Yeah,this will be my very first digital camera.And I've met a few people around here where I live at.Who own Sony(DSC-S60) & Sony(DSC-W5)'s and preach by them.LOL..............
I seen the S90 selling for $199.00 locally here in Indiana.At Circuitcity,Bestbuy,and Target.And also H.H.Gregg

And only hate the memory stick prices tho!

[Dennis]

If you do a Google search for "Circuit City Coupon", you will find one that expires really soon that will give you $15 off $100 which lets you get a S90 for $185 with free shipping. I'll stick with my Target purchases at $200 each just because they have more lenient return policies.

I know what you mean about the memory sticks being more expensive, but if you keep an eye out for sales, you can find good deals. I picked up my 512Mb for $50. I saw them cheaper than that on Black Friday. eBay is a real good source for used memory. I picked up a used 256Mb MS-pro for $7 (which included shipping) from eBay.

I live in Mishawaka.

[SonySucks]

Just don't get the s60. I purchased one recently. It worked for a day of very little use. Now it will only stay on in review mode. It just shuts itself off in any other modes, after displaying a message "Access". I've done some searching online and it seems to happen to quite a few people, yet they still sell these pieces of junk,

[betoquiroga]

I got one of those cameras in December and as many of other new owners, I was frustrated about getting a "damaged" camera just off the shelf. I put the batteries that came in the box and after just a very few shots, the camera will shut itself off. I tested the batteries in other devices and those were dead, so I put standard AA Ni-Mh rechargable batteries and...problem solved! I have taken more than 80 shots by now and it works flawlessly. The main issue here is the very short life of the batteries included on the kit, which may mislead many people (including me) on thinking that we have a "defective" camera. Its a very good camera and a very good buy as well, just...get the rechargables..:)


Beto.