Given the budget Cyber-shot DSC-S700's position at the rock-bottom of Sony's 2007 camera line, all you should really expect from it is the ability to take usable photos with minimal fuss. And by those standards, it passes muster. Just.
Compact and weighing 6.8 ounces, the S700 fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. It uses a typical control layout: the mode dial and power switch sit on top, while on the back you'll find a zoom rocker; four-way-plus-enter switch for exposure compensation, flash, macro and self-timer; and image quality/delete, review, display, and menu buttons. All these controls are large enough--the 2.4-inch LCD leaves plenty of space for them along with a small thumb grip--and it's pretty comfortable to shoot one-handed. However, the buttons all feel a bit flat and hard to push, while the navigation switch doesn't always seem to register presses. Like many of its classmates, the S700 lacks an optical viewfinder, and there are times in bright sunlight that the LCD becomes unreadable.
Feature wise, there's not a lot to the 7-megapixel S700. As with many budget options, it sports a relatively slow, narrow-angle lens, in this case an f2.8-4.8 35-105mm 3x zoom. From within the menus you can choose from some color effects, spot or evaluative metering, several white-balance presets, sensitivity up to ISO 1000, Fine or Standard compression quality, sharpness, flash compensation, and single or burst shooting.
Compared with many low-budget models, the S700 performs pretty well. It powers on and shoots in just under 2 seconds. In good light when there are no contrast problems to challenge the autofocus, it focuses and shoots in 0.8 second--tolerable, but not great. But when the lights dim and contrast decreases, shutter lag increases just a bit to 1.1 seconds, which is very good for its class. It typically takes about 1.8 seconds to shoot two consecutive frames, which jumps to a reasonable 2.5 seconds when flash comes into play. The S700 provides a limited three-shot burst mode that shoots at around 1.4-1.6fps, depending upon file size and quality settings.
The results look a bit more middling when it comes to photo quality. Though it certainly fares no worse than many competing cameras, its pictures don't match up to those of models such as the Canon PowerShot A550 or Fujifilm FinePix A900. You can get some decent snapshots in good light, as long as you stick to the lowest ISO sensitivity setting, though they might not stand up to printing larger than 8x10. There's surprisingly little fringing. Beyond that, however, problems arise. The default evaluative metering mode tends to underexpose shots and photos lack sharpness. There's visible vignetting at the widest angle of the zoom range. Depending upon the subject matter, photos shot at ISO 200 can be OK, but above that there's simply too much noise and detail smearing from aggressive noise suppression. The automatic white balance remains within acceptable limits, but occasionally gets confused. (Some photo samples are available here.)
In the highly competitive low-end camera market, it takes a bit more work to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, the frill-free Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 can't quite keep up with better same-priced models like the Canon PowerShot A550 or Sony's own, slightly more expensive DSC-W55.
Shooting speed (in seconds) (Shorter bars indicate better performance)
Intro:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 is a 7.2-megapixel, compact camera.Compared to other compact digital cameras on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $140.
Noteworthy Features:
Weighing only 5.3 ounces without battery and media, this digital camera is rather light relative to its competitors.
Weaker Features:
Has only a 2.4 inch viewscreen.
Suitability:
A compact digital camera, suited for vacation and snapshot photography.A recommended use, based on key features, is framed photos for the home.The largest recommended print size, estimated from the camera's resolution, is 12x16 or larger.
Value:
In view of its very inexpensive price, this digital camera has good features for the money.In fact, you would normally pay about 35% more to get a compact camera with comparable resolution.
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Sony should recall this product to protect its name.
My wife bought the camera at Circuit City on Black Friday 2007 to replace a perfectly good HP 5.1 ...
My wife bought the camera at Circuit City on Black Friday 2007 to replace a perfectly good HP 5.1 megapixel camera. OK, at $99 it was a great deal until I opened the box and took a few pictures. The first images I took of my daughter were ghosted. I figured it was my issue, and my wife used it to take a movie of my daughters school play. She complained the audio was low and that it made a lot of scratching noises(video of her play is lost forever now).So I took it back to Circuit City in Leominster MA where they exchanged it for another.Tested it in their store where the hum from the audio was like a freight train and the issue was still there,they agreed.Found that if you touch the metal on the camera and then release, multiple times, then it would make a loud pop in the audio stream in playback on a PC.The manager (Zin or Kin) then told me that all cameras are bad in movie mode. I told him I had HP, Kodak and Canon that work great in movie mode. He dissed them all, either trying for an upsell or other intention.I had just spend $10K in the store this month.He said I was just unsatisfied and had to pay the 15% restocking fee.He saw that the camera had this issue and was obstinate.I left the store.I called Sony, and they say I can send it to them(shipping cost over $10) and they would fix it, I told them "Fix a brand new camera, and I had to pay to ship to them?" Next day my wife brought the camera back to the Circuit City store,and they called the police while she was waiting to talk to him.They would not even entertain trying the camera out for themselves. I am dissapointed in both Sony and Circuit City.I believe that the issue is a microphone circuit flaw, microphone not being grounded properly or set to a too high gain.That even if I got a replacement it would do the same, Can all users that have this same camera reading this try the movie mode and test their audio out?If it is bad let Sony and Circuit City know. I believe that Sony and Circuit City should be protecting the consumers from these issues.Audio has been around for a long time and there is no excuse.Circuit City loses on customer support.
Read more
by dlindsay59 (see profile) -
December 26, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Rubbish! Should be recalled!
Having used other digital cameras, my only suggestions for this camera are: do not buy one; if Sony has any ...
Having used other digital cameras, my only suggestions for this camera are: do not buy one; if Sony has any integrity whatsoever, they should recall these models in good faith. Absolute rubbish on every feature. Pictures are so grainy, hazy or out of focus as to be unsalvageable. A complete waste of money. Does not even come with a cover and the built in memory maybe holds say, 5 pics if lucky. A ripoff!
Read more
by skeindubh (see profile) -
August 21, 2008
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Awful camera
This camera is a piece of junk. I have 3 kids and have yet to take a decent picture of ...
This camera is a piece of junk. I have 3 kids and have yet to take a decent picture of them. The pictures are blurry, the colors are bad, the flash overexposes images, and it's very slow. By the time it takes a picture of the kids, they have moved and the picture is ruined.
I had another digital camera before this that was much better.
Do yourself a favor and save money for a better quality camera. You'll just be sick if you buy this one.
Read more
by momcubed (see profile) -
March 22, 2008
5 out of 10 - Average Poor Photo Quality
I am one of those avid camera users who usually just enjoys taking pictures of surroundings and with friends. I ...
I am one of those avid camera users who usually just enjoys taking pictures of surroundings and with friends. I don't mess with the extra features; mostly just point and shoot. I thought Sony Cybershot would be a good candidate but the thing that bothers me the most is the FLASH QUALITY. The automatic flash is too bright and for indoor scenes, it makes white people look like ghosts. Not attractive at all. The flash can be shown bouncing off of people's cheeks.
It is also not that thin, pretty bulky. It is not safe to put in pockets.
The location of the batteries is inconvenient and clumsy. Everytime I take a picture, my fingers holding the camera just conveniently is right at the battery door and always manages to slip the door open and my batteries will fall out. Just an inconvenient annoyance.
Overall, it is just the photo quality I am not satisfied with. I believe there is a function to re-adjust the flash and make it softer but I don't play with extra features. I expect the best from the auto-flash.
Read more
by missxocee (see profile) -
February 21, 2008
6 out of 10 - Good this camera is just ok
this was gift, and it is okay for taking family and holiday pictures. kinda no frills--but since it is easy ...
this was gift, and it is okay for taking family and holiday pictures. kinda no frills--but since it is easy to use and affordable it might make a good gift camera for mom or grandma. It was a nice gift and I use it often.
Read more
by mikeylab (see profile) -
January 16, 2008
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Do NOT waste your money
This camera is the biggest waste of money. I bought it before a family vacation and had little time to ...
This camera is the biggest waste of money. I bought it before a family vacation and had little time to test it out beforehand. In outdoor daylight the camera takes fine quality pictures. However, in even a remotely darkened area the quality is horrible. I tried FOURTEEN times with multiple settings to get a shot in dim light (not even dark) and not a single photo turned out. I don't know how Sony can get away with selling such a horrible product. Needless to say I left my vacation with about 20 decent pictures of the 146 I shot. What a disapointment. I will be returning this camera ASAP.
Read more
by scarletstarlet76 (see profile) -
January 2, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect Considering price..good
Considering the price mark, I'd say it is a good camera. I mean what do you expect from a $...
Considering the price mark, I'd say it is a good camera. I mean what do you expect from a $100 camera? You didn't pay for a DLR, so don't expect DLR quality photography experiences.
Read more
by dwelch112 (see profile) -
April 15, 2008
JPEG 3072 x 2048,
JPEG 640 x 480,
JPEG 1632 x 1224,
Fine JPEG 3072 x 2304,
JPEG 2592 x 1944,
JPEG 1920 x 1080,
Standard,
JPEG 2048 x 1536
Flash memory
24 MB - Integrated
Supported Flash Memory
Memory Stick Duo,
Memory Stick PRO Duo
Lens System
Type
Zoom lens - 5.8 mm - 17.4 mm - F/2.8-4.8
Focal Length
5.8 mm - 17.4 mm
Lens Construction
5 group(s) / 6 element(s)
Lens Manufacturer
Sony
Additional Features
Self Timer
Yes
Self Timer Delay
10 sec,
2 sec
Additional Features
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Display brightness control,
DPOF support,
Audio recording,
PictBridge support,
Digital noise reduction,
Resizing an image,
Direct print,
Contrast control,
Sharpness control,
Digital image rotation,
Auto power save,
Histogram display,
PRINT Image Matching
Camera Flash
Effective Flash Range
1.6 ft - 11.5 ft
Type
Built-in flash
Flash Modes
Flash OFF mode,
Fill-in mode,
Slow synchro,
Auto mode,
Red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction
Yes
Effective flash range
1.6 ft - 11.5 ft
Features
AF illuminator,
Flash +/- compensation
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Optical - Real-image zoom
Display
Type
LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.4 in - Color
Mounting
Built-in
Resolution
112,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
Type
None
Microphone
Type
Microphone - Built-in
Connections
Connector Type
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x USB
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Lens Systems
Auto Focus
TTL contrast detection
Type
Zoom lens
Focal length
5.8 mm - 17.4 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera
35 - 105 mm
Focus adjustment
Automatic
Min Focus Range
19.7 in
Macro Focus Range
2-30cm
Lens Aperture
F/2.8-4.8
Optical Zoom
3 x
Zoom Adjustment
Motorized drive
Lens construction
5 : 6
Features
Built-in lens shield
Miscellaneous
Carrying Case
None
Cables Included
USB cable,
A/V cable
Included Accessories
Wrist strap
Min Operating Temperature
32 ?F
Max Operating Temperature
104 ?F
Power
Power Device
None
Battery
Supported Battery
2 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included )
Software
Type
Sony Picture Motion Browser,
Drivers & Utilities
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
Labs information
All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
Hide
Show
Print friendly version
Email to a friend