Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-170

[jthomson]

What do people think of this camera?

I am looking for an ultra-compact with optical viewfinder and wide angle.

This seems to fill the bill, but I don't need 10 megapixels ( 7 would do).

[Beowulff]

I haven't handled this camera myself, but I'll simply offer some of my observations from its specifications.

Being a Sony, you can trust that its build quality will be excellent, with a nice rigid metal casing, and controls that're firm and responsive. You may have some noise issues at higher ISOs (over 200) due to the relatively high 10MP count on a fairly small 1/2.3" sensor. Its 28-104mm zoom is a very practical range — a wider-than-normal to a medium tele.

At ƒ3.3 max it's a tiny bit slower than average, which means you'll have to up the ISO that little bit more, which in turn increases image noise. Bear in mind too that its ISO 3200 will be unusable for any practical purposes, and that its ISO 1600 will probably only give you 6" x 4" prints at best.

Ergonomically, I don't like the position of its mode dial — in exactly the same spot as my thumb will fall on the back of the camera. But I do like the (increasingly rare) rear-mounted zoom rocker switch, rather than the more typical around-the-shutter-button ring. And, I think it's somewhat overpriced for what you get, but then that applies to most Sony cameras (again, in my opinion).

Hopefully, someone who uses one of these babies will respond with some hands-on experiences.

Cheers :)

[jthomson]

:) Many thannks, Beowolf.

[KCook]

Good looking camera from a respected company. Attractive specs too. But the one review out so far was not handing out roses on the IQ -

"www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W170/W170A.HTM"

Maybe a zoom as much as 5X is just beyond the reach of the ultracompact form factor?

Kelly Cook