Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 Review Discussion

[David Rasnake]

I had to do a double take when I unboxed our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 review unit. "Wait. Didn't I just review this camera?" From all of the press materials, I had an idea that the W170 shared a lot in common with its recently reviewed Cyber-shot W150 sibling. As it turns out, the cameras are essentially clones, visually and functionally.

 

So what makes the W170 worthy of a separate model name? Primarily, a 10.1 megapixel sensor that's slightly larger in addition to be higher-res than the W150's 8.1 megapixel variant. If there may not be a lot of new information to be uncovered in reviewing the W170, it's fair to say that the W150 was a strong camera that we liked a lot but didn't get to spend a lot of time with. Likewise, there were some concerns with our W150 review unit that we hoped were anomalies, and loads of features yet to play with. Overall, even with all it shares in common with its step-down sibling, there's plenty of substance worthy of a fresh look with the W170.

Read the full content of this Article: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 Review

[Andy Stanton]

Happy Face Retouch? Did Sony actually test this "feature"? Did someone really think it would help Sony sell cameras?

Maybe it's intended to be a joke.

[David Rasnake]

That was our thought even when the first demos were shown around PMA: it occasionally works well, but the right combination of things have to come together (and they usually don't). I think the concept is really designed for group shots, where you invariably get one person who isn't smiling. But the approach is typical for Sony: solving simple issues through complex technology.

Otherwise, it's a good small camera though.

dr

[Arlene]

Aside from the happy face thing this could be a great little tag along camera in my purse. For me the "deal buster" still remains those stupid memory stick things. Why doesn't Sony get with program and use SD/SDHC like the rest of the world is doing?

[David Rasnake]

It is a very good general purpose camera, though if you're hoping for Sony to give up on a proprietary format I'd probably keep hoping.

The reasons for Sony's continued use of MemoryStick are complex, but I would say that at least to some degree the "loyalty factor" (I already have a Sony, so I'll buy another since I don't have to change memory formats) is a part of it.

Moreover, Sony has something of a reputation for preferring their own proprietary formats (remember Betamax?), but unlike some other basically failed attempts - Olympus/Fuji's xD-Picture Card for instance, which looks to be on its way out - Sony has remained strong enough in the market that I wouldn't bank on a change here any time soon. If they were struggling it would be a different story, but their devices continue to sell well, and being able to control the memory format has undoubtedly been profitable for them as they control the licensing of it (either you buy a Sony MemoryStick, or you buy one from a maker that had to pay Sony to license the technology - either way, they win).

dr

[Tinderbox (UK)]

A lot of memory stick technology seems to have been a joint venture between Sony and Sandisk.

If so i dound Sandisk would be paying Sony royalty`s

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_Stick

[David Rasnake]

The Sandisk version may well be exempt given the partnership, but most variants (Lexar is doing some now I know) would be licensed.

dr

[bubb]

Does anyone know how long you can record a movie? The Sony website says only about 10 minutes, but other reviews have said as long as the memory card has space. Thanks for any help.

[pablo]

Does anyone know how long you can record a movie? The Sony website says only about 10 minutes, but other reviews have said as long as the memory card has space. Thanks for any help.

You can record more than 10 minutes.

Hi everyone, I have a little bit of a problem with this camera.
For some reason the screen changes as if I touch the dial or change mode, so when I am actually trying to view the pictures I took on the camera, suddenly it will change from the playback mode into taking a picture mode, and then it will show the dial as if it is turning, so from Video it would move to Picture, or from Sport to Night mode by itself, this happens when I move the camera or when I touch something.

[Andy Stanton]

There's something physically wrong with the camera, I'm afraid. You may want to look around for a replacement.