Editorial Review:

Product Description:
5-megapixel recording * Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens * 3X optical zoom (4X digital/12X total zoom with lower-res photos only) * 2.5-inch color LCD * JPEG options: resolution up to 2592 x 1944; 2048 x 1536; 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 *

Amazon.com Product Description:
Sony updates the rangefinder-style camera for the digital age with the 5-megapixel Cyber-shot DSCW1. Built for photographers who want to capture images through a host of automatic features to help balance light and exposure, the DSCW1 also offers a bevy of manual controls. And once turned on, it focuses and shoots full-resolution images in a little over one-second intervals. The DSCW1 features a 3x optical zoom, Carl Zeiss optics, large 2.5-inch LCD

The DSCW1's super-sized 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD Monitor is much larger than the 1.5-inch displays common to other cameras in its class. (See detail)

Optics and Resolution
The DSCW1 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens, which is specially constructed for very compact cameras, and its design allows for quick autofocusing. It has a 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom for a combined 6x zoom.

The 1/1.8-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 5.1-megapixel effective resolution (2592 x 1944). The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480; the included 32 MB memory card will store 87 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

About Multi-Pattern Measuring

Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern measuring establishes the optimum exposure value, even in scenes where pronounced highlight and shadow are not centered in the frame.

More Features

• Resolution modes: 2592 x 1944 (5.1MP), 2592 x 1728 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA)
• 2.5-inch, 123K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• Real Imaging Processor: The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-P93 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag and improves battery stamina.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ð 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.

About Slow Shutter Noise Reduction

This process captures the scene in two exposures. The second subtracts the noise pattern from the initial shot, resulting in a final beautiful photograph that is virtually noise-free.

Direct Printing
The Cyber-shot DSCW1 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cyber-shot DSCW1 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 Fine and 23 Standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCPW1 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 3.56 x 2.38 x 1.25 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCW1 digital camera, 32 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input.



Accessories:
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Accessories:

• Sony LCS-VA60 Multi-Function Backpack for Most Digital Cameras and Camcorders
• Ceiva Advanced Digital Photo Receiver
• Sima SPY-06 Sports Pouch (Super)
• Sony MSA64A 64 MB Memory Stick Media
• Sony VCTTK1 Pocket Tripod for Sony Camcorders

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• SanDisk SDMSV-512-A10 512 MB MemoryStick Pro (Retail Package)
• Sony NH-AA-2DB Ni-MH AA 2500mAh Battery for DSCP41, P73, P93, W1, W5, W7, H1, S40, S60, S90, and S600 Digital Cameras
• see more

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Rating: - bulky by today's standard but a really nice buy
I dont usually write reviews but reading some recent reviews about my favourite camera (now you guys know I know nothing about cameras) prompted me to throw in my 2 cents

I just love this Sony Cybershot DSC W1.

Cons
- It is bulky. Fits into my pocket but is really think compared to some of the cameras I have seen
- Night shots require a really s tead hand.

Pros
-Photos are phenomenal in bright light
- Used with a stand (and timer to avoid shake when clicking the button) come out great
- Never use more than 3 Meg setting, and my 36 X 24 blow ups look like professional posters.
- With a 512 MB memory stick and 3 Meg setting, i can go through an entire weekend trip without having to download the photographs.

if you are not a professional and just want good casual photographs this will work for you.
Disclaimer: I am not an expert to say there is no better camera out there. Just stating that it works great for me I have owned it since 2004 and have taken over 5000 photographs.. Am still in love with it.

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Rating: - SAME PROBLEM THAN LAST REVIEWER
Exactly the same happened to me. After less than 2 years of use, the lens mechanism broke and had to pay around $200 for repair. After that repair, the batteries lasts enough for 5 or 6 pictures then goes dead, no matter how charged they are. To make it worst, now the flash is dead and there is no available replacements for it, so pretty much it is garbage now.
Otherwise, before it broke the pictures were pretty good, but honestly I prefer the quality and colors of my 2 megapixels Olympus.
I will never buy a Sony camera again, this was a terrible experience, I will try a Canon now.

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Rating: - Didn't Hold Up Over Time
After less than three years of use, and after $300 in additional lenses, my DSC-W1 was inoperable most of the time. After one year of flawless performance, the cheapness of the camera began to show.

First the lens transport mechanism failed, so I sent it in for $180 worth of repairs. Now less than a year later, the camera does not recognize battery levels in any photo/movie mode. It will display a full battery icon, but only after just one photo, it thinks the battery is dead and shuts off. I'd be an idiot to send it for service again for another $180.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a simple, good, compact point-and-shoot camera that will last you a year, Sony's Cybershots will do the trick.

But if you are careful with your equipment and are used to getting three to five years out of your electronic devices, then don't buy a Sony Cybershot. They just don't last.

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Rating: - Disappointed
At first the camera worked great. It broke within 6 months. Fortunately, the warrenty paided for the repair the first time - but it took 2 months! It was sent back to me still broken the first time. At 13 months, right after the 1 year warrenty expired, the LCD screen went out. What's the point of owning a digital camera if you can't see the photo? The cover for the batteries is also failing and the shutter no longer closes.

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Rating: - Plagued with mechanical problems.
Loved the camera at first. But then I noticed that the problems listed below were also the problems many other owners on the internet were having.

1. Battery door tabs break. Must buy entire compartment from Sony.
2. Lens won't retract.
3. Dust specs on the inner lens (inside camera housing). Repair manual will cost money if requested from Sony.
4. Movie-mode will continually go in and out of focus even if aimed at stationary object while on tri-pod.

Get a service plan cause you'll be sending this guy off within a year.