sony W-1 - return?

[kmorris]

I bought a Sony W-1 last weekend and am thinking of returning it. I’ve tried to use some of the different settings but it seems that a portion of my pictures are not coming out sharp – I figured that I need to play around with the settings some more, but yesterday I took a bunch of pictures at a brunch in a hotel and they all came out fairly dark – even with the flash. I tried to brighten in Photoshop but the colors just didn’t look right to me. Then this morning I went to take a picture of a lighted balloon figure in the dark. I used the night feature and the picture didn’t come out at all, it was streaked (guess I needed a tripod?). On auto mode it didn’t show up at all. I ran back inside and got my old Sony S-70 and the picture came out fine. Can anyone tell if these problems are going to occur with any compact camera of this size or if there is a better camera out there. I like the speed of the camera – helps when I take pictures of my 15 month old child. But I’d like to have consistency with picture quality. My ability to return ends today so I’d appreciate any input – thanks!

[Digideb]

While researching cameras, I read reviews on the Sony W-1 & picture quality was a common complaint so I chose an Olympus C-60 & I'm very happy with it.
One thing mentioned in the comments on the Sony was problems with using "Portrait mode" improperly & having fuzzy results. I'm just a newbie, so I can't really offer advice, but maybe reading user comments, reviews on your Sony would provide some clues to your problems. :confused:

[poikkeus]

As a happy W1 owner, I can offer a few tips that will assure clear, bright photos with your camera. Don't exchange it just yet!

1. Read the instruction book thoroughly. When you get an understanding of how the modes and options work, picture-taking is pretty easy. (Yes, I know it's 100 pages long...)

2. Take all daytime pictures with the mode wheel on the green "camera" icon. This assures correct exposure.

3. Take nighttime pictures with the mode wheel on the "moon" icon. You can take satisfactory pictures like this, but flash is recommended for people shots. Read the book for additional details.

4. Follow the correct steps in shooting. And these are...

a. Compose the picture in your LCD viewfinder.
b. Press the silver exposure button halfway. (This lets the camera find its proper focus.)
c. Press the exposure button the rest of the way down.
d. Don't move the camera until the whole exposure cycle is done. (This can take a second or two with slow exposure shots. Keep your hands steady.)
e. When the shot is taken, review it for clarity and composition.

I get extremely clear. well-exposed digital photos in day and night. Before dumping the camera for another you may not like as much, give it a few more days.