Sony Cybershot DSC-V1

Delivers professional performance more cheaply than its rivals.

Price: £549.99

Manufacturer: Sony

Ratings

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Verdict

Pros:

Great quality and features.

Cons:
Missing some control and features of pricier rivals.

Verdict:
Photographers will find the V1 represents terrific value.

Gordon Laing, Personal Computer World 04 Dec 2003

Aimed at prosumers - consumers who look for professional performance - Sony's Cybershot DSC-V1 is a 5megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom and some neat gadgetry. While its basic specification looks similar to that of the Canon Powershot G5 and Nikon Coolpix 5400, the V1 is smaller, lighter and, crucially, £100 cheaper than its competitors.

As a 5megapixel camera, the V1 delivers images with 2,592 x 1,944 pixels and sufficient detail to produce good-looking 13 x 10in inkjet prints. There are four lower resolutions and two levels of jpeg compression from which to choose, along with an uncompressed tiff option. Best-quality jpegs measure around 2.3MB each, which means you'll squeeze about 14 on the supplied 32MB Memory Stick; the V1's slot is also compatible with the latest high-capacity Memory Stick Pro cards.

The V1 features a 4x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent range of 34-136mm and focal ratio of f2.8-4. Unlike most high-end cameras that use lens caps, this model sports an automatic sliding lens cover. The closest focusing distance in macro mode is a disappointing 10cm, although you can achieve a fair result with the zoom set midway (capturing 76mm across the frame). There's also a pair of optional lens adaptors which multiply the zoom range by 0.7x or 1.7x.

The V1 offers a manual focusing option with 14 preset distances, but its crowning glory is the laser-assisted autofocus mode first seen on Sony's DSC-F717 camera. The laser projects a fine red pattern onto challenging subjects, giving the autofocus something to lock on to even in pitch darkness.

Of course, there's the problem of composing a shot in pitch darkness, but the V1's got that covered with infra-red night modes, which illuminate nearby subjects with military-style night vision. Once focused, the pop-up flash will illuminate the subject or, if you desire, you can shoot with infra-red light alone for green-tinted results. The V1 is Sony's first camera with a proper hotshoe designed for an external Sony flashgun.

Measuring a mere 99 x 65 x 57mm and weighing only 291g with a battery, the V1 is noticeably smaller and lighter than its rivals. It's also powered by one of Sony's Infolithium batteries, which tells you exactly how many minutes of life are remaining on-screen. The battery recharges within the camera, allowing the recharger to double-up as an AC adaptor. Images are composed using the optical viewfinder or sharp and detailed 1.5in screen.

The main mode dial offers Auto, Program, Manual, Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, along with six scene presets, and a movie option that can capture 640 x 480 video at 16fps with mono sound for as long as you have memory remaining. The movie mode can be set to Sony's Clip motion setting, which captures up to 10 small images and combines them into an animated gif.

Shutter speeds range from between 1/1,000 and 30 seconds, but there's no bulb for longer exposures. Sensitivity is rated between 100 and 800 ISO, and this is the first Sony camera to offer adjustment of contrast, sharpness and saturation, albeit with just three levels of each.

In use, the V1 performed well. The auto-focusing and night-framing excelled in darkened party environments where other cameras struggled. It was also good to know that the high-resolution movie mode wasn't limited to 20-second bursts, although even at 640 x 480 it remains a novelty and is no replacement for a camcorder. About the only real criticism of the feature set is the paltry three-shot burst mode, which really trails competitors.

In terms of picture quality, the DSC-V1 performed as well as the best 5megapixel cameras we have tested. Images were highly detailed and virtually bereft of optical or electronic artefacts. In short, the photos looked great.

So what do you get for an extra £100? Cameras such as Canon's G5 and Nikon's 5400 both have flipout and twist screens, and more advanced photographic control. That said, the V1 features more than enough control for most photographers, while coming in cheaper, smaller and lighter. It comes highly recommended, although prospective buyers should also compare its Canon and Nikon rivals.

Contact: Sony 08705 111 999
www.sony.co.uk

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