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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900/B review (digital camera)

Photo quality for the T900 is a bit tricky. The results are roughly the same as the sub-$250 Cyber-shot DSC-W290, which was very good for its price. The T900 is $100 more, though, so the expectation is there that the photos should be better and they aren't. (The extra money no doubt went into the better LCD and miniaturization of everything.)

Color and exposure were very good: pleasing and accurate, though reds were occasionally a little too vivid. The camera goes from ISO 80 up to ISO 3,200, but usability drops off significantly above ISO 400 (typical of cameras in its class). However, even at ISO 80, photos viewed at full size have a grain to them that only gets more pronounced as sensitivities get higher. It had little to no impact on large prints (13x19 and below) made from test shots taken up to IS0 200. If you're planning to make prints that large, just keep the ISO as low as possible. In the end, the photos are good for a snapshot camera, but if you're expecting better quality because of the higher price tag, don't.

Those interested in picking up the T900 for the added benefit of HD movie capture will be happy that the quality is very good. And, you get use of the 4x optical zoom while recording.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is a good, fast snapshot camera that's also very attractive and extremely compact. Its battery life is a little short, its touch screen won't please everyone, and some will find the photo quality unworthy of the camera's price tag. In this case, though, you're paying for the great design more than for great photos.

Shooting speed (in seconds)
(Smaller bars indicate better performance)
Time to first shot  
Typical shot-to-shot time (flash)  
Typical shot-to-shot time  
Shutter lag (dim)  
Shutter lag (typical)  
Casio Exilim EX-Z250
2.8 
3.7 
3 
0.5 
0.3 
Canon PowerShot SD780 IS
1.5 
4.7 
2.4 
0.6 
0.4 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900
1.4 
2.2 
1.4 
0.7 
0.4 
Kodak EasyShare M1093 IS
2.9 
1.4 
1.2 
1 
0.5 
Nikon Coolpix S230
3.5 
3.3 
3 
1 
0.5 

Typical continuous-shooting speed (in fps)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900
0.9 

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Josh started writing about consumer tech more than a decade ago covering everything from software and computers to home theater and audio equipment. He currently covers digital cameras and camcorders for CNET, but occasionally spouts off about other things like laptops, tablets, apps, and anything to do with listening to music. Full Bio

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