Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T3

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Reviewed by: Robert Dubbin
Edited by: Lori Grunin

Reviewed on 9/3/04 With its upcoming Cyber Shot DSC-T3, Sony makes some largely cosmetic improvements to the T1, a model that garnered high marks for style but relatively tepid reviews for image quality. The ultrathin DSC-T1 packs 5-megapixel resolution and a 3X Zeiss lens into a sleek and highly portable design; the T3 has the same insides encased in a new outside.

Upside: Like the T1 before it, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T3 uses Sony's Real Imaging Processor to achieve quick shot-to-shot performance, and Sony has given the T3 a brighter and better-performing LCD screen, while making the camera a bit smaller. Sony also drops the large, sliding lens cover in favor of a recessed lens with cover, which helps slim the camera's profile. Like its predecessor, the T3 ships with a dock for downloading and displaying images.

Downside: By forgoing improvements to the DSC-T1's internal workings--the T3 has the same innards as its predecessor--Sony appears to have slotted the T3 as a camera for the fashion-conscious rather than the technosavvy. We haven't had the chance to test a production model, but it doesn't seem as though Sony has made any effort with the DSC-T3 to rectify the T1's disappointing image quality.

Outlook: The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T3 looks to be quite the eye-catching stocking stuffer for the too-much-disposable-income market segment. But when it ships in October for $500, with nary a tripod mount or an optical viewfinder, consumers who value substance over style may want to look elsewhere.

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 - Digital camera
Product Type: Digital camera
Dimensions (WxDxH): 3.5 in x 0.7 in x 2.4 in
Flash Memory: 32 MB
Supported Flash Memory: Memory Stick Duo , Memory Stick PRO Duo
Sensor Resolution: 5.1 megapixels
Shooting Modes: Normal movie mode , Portrait , Landscape mode
Focus Adjustment: Manual , Automatic
Min Focus Range: 19.7 in
Focal Length: 6.7 mm - 20.1 mm
Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Microphone: Microphone - Built-in - Electret condenser - Mono
Viewfinder: None - Color
Display: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
Supported Battery: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Product Basic Spec:
Video input type: Digital camera
Digital Zoom: 2 x
Sensor resolution: 5.1 megapixels
Optical sensor size: 1/2.4 in
Optical sensor type: Super HAD CCD
Light sensitivity: ISO 100 , ISO 200 , ISO 400
Gross sensor resolution: 5,100,000
Still image format: JPEG
Lens Aperture: F/3.5-4.4
Interchangeable lens: No
Optical Zoom: 3 x
Camera Flash: Built-in flash
Exposure metering: Spot , Center-weighted
Exposure compensation: ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
Flash memory: 32 MB - Memory Stick
Display type: 2.5 in LCD display
Battery type: 1 x Camera battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
Battery type(s) supported: Lithium ion
Weight: 0.2 lbs

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