Sony Cyber-shot T900 (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DSC-T900
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though some will be disappointed by its photo quality, the barely there, high-tech Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is a very good ultracompact camera.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Cyber-shot T900 (silver) price range: $323.95 - $402.99
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 06/11/2009
- Released on: 04/01/2009
The good: Fast performance; excellent design, LCD; optical zoom works in movie mode.
The bad: Short battery life; photo quality merely OK for the money; touch-screen not for everyone.
The bottom line: Though some will be disappointed by its photo quality, the barely there, high-tech Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is a very good ultracompact camera.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is immediately impressive. A 12-megapixel camera with a stabilized 4x internal zoom lens, 3.5-inch touch-screen display with a resolution four times that of a typical camera LCD, and few physical controls in a body that's roughly half-an-inch thick and is so light there's a good chance your wallet weighs more. (Well, at least before you buy a T900, anyway.) Of course, you might expect excellent photos for that money, too, and that's where the T900 comes up a bit short.
| Key specs | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 |
| Price (MSRP) | $379.99 |
| Dimensions | 3.9 inches wide by 2.3 inches high by 0.6 inch deep |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 5.2 ounces |
| Megapixels, image sensor size, type | 12 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution | 3.5-inch LCD, 921K dots |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 4x, f3.5-4.6, 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (still/video) | JPEG/MPEG-4 |
| Highest resolution size (still/video) | 4,000x3,000 pixels/1,280x720 at 30fps |
| Image stabilization type | Mechanical and electronic |
| Battery type, rated life | Lithium ion rechargeable, 200 shots |
The camera has an elegant feel with a full metal body up front and sides, and nothing but screen on the back. A wrist strap loop off the right side doubles as a thumbrest--otherwise your thumb's on the screen. The only physical controls are the power and shutter buttons on top, with a zoom ring around the shutter release and a switch at the back of the ring for going between shooting stills and movies. The only other button is a small Playback mode button at the top of the display. On the bottom is the battery/Memory Stick compartment, a proprietary connector for use with the included USB/AV cable and multioutput dock, and a tripod mount. To take a picture you simply slide down the metal lens cover and click away. You'll want to be careful of errant fingers getting in shots and touching the lens, however, as the lens is positioned at the far left.
Sony's high-contrast Xtra Fine display is quite good. At its Normal brightness setting, there was no issue seeing the screen in direct sunlight. Well, after wiping away fingerprints there was no issue; the T900 seems to collect more than most. If having to wipe off fingerprints is a deal breaker, you'll want to skip this camera and probably all touch-screen models for that matter. Aside from fingerprints, you might take issue with the touch screen's responsiveness. I found the T900's to be fine with fingers, but better with the included stylus (or Paint Pen as Sony calls it) likely because you can be more precise with it. It clips onto the wrist strap and allows you to quickly poke around the three onscreen menus (Home, Menu, and Display) along with the in-camera retouching and painting tools (you can add stamps, frames, or draw on pictures) all while keeping the screen free of fingerprints.
Navigating the camera settings is easy enough, once you remember what menu system you want. The Home menu gives you access to all the main features and options, while the Menu screen provides context-sensitive options; for instance, if you're taking still pictures, you get all the settings related to the shooting mode you're in.
| General shooting options | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 |
| ISO sensitivity (full resolution) | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200 |
| White balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1, 2, and 3, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater Auto, 1, and 2 |
| Recording modes | Intelligent Auto, Easy, Program Auto, Movie, Scenes |
| Focus | 9- point AF, Center-weighted AF, Spot AF, Touch AF, Semi-manual (0.5m, 1m, 3m, 7m, ∞) |
| Metering | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Color effects | Normal, Vivid, Sepia, Black & White |
| Burst mode shot limit (full resolution) | 100 photos |
Being a snapshot camera there's no reason to expect the T900 to have manual controls for shutter speed and aperture, and it doesn't. You do, however, get four automatic modes: Program Auto has the most controls with access to ISO, exposure, white balance, focus, and metering; Sony's Intelligent Auto; Easy mode that takes away all but a couple basic shooting options; and SCN, which lets you select from five specialty scene situations, but automatically handles all other settings. (There are five additional standard scene modes like portrait and landscape just sort of hanging out in the Mode menu.) If you tend to leave it in Auto mode, Sony's Intelligent Auto turned in reliable results as it picks from eight scene types (branded iSCN) and turns on face detection and image stabilization. Sony's iSCN can be set to Auto or Advanced, the difference being that in difficult lighting the camera will automatically take two shots with different settings so you have a better chance of getting a usable photo. Also worth mentioning is that the T900 has exposure bracketing that'll take three photos, one at the exposure you select and then two more at plus and minus 0.3EV, 0.7EV, or 1.0EV.
Performance is excellent for an ultracompact camera. Start-up time is a fast 1.4 seconds with an identical shot-to-shot time. Turning on the flash has little impact, only going up to 2.2 seconds for it to refresh and capture. Shutter lag is 0.4 second in good lighting, while more challenging dim lighting extends the lag time to an average 0.7 second. The T900's continuous mode is respectably quick, too, at 0.9 frames per second. What's probably the biggest disappointment is battery life: a fresh charge from the included little lithium ion pack gets you about 200 shots.
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.
(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) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test digital cameras.
User reviews
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All features are awsome except the LCD screen
by kholioman on November 19, 2009
Pros: HD movie, zooming while shooting, clear images, stylish look.
Cons: The quality of LCD isn't very good, it cannot handle enough pressure, so delicate.
Summary: This camera is for those infrequent users who tend to use it on special occasions.
Summary: This camera is for those infrequent users who tend to use it on special occasions.
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Amazing Features!
by fakecanuck on August 14, 2009
Pros: 12.1MP - HD recording 1080P - Auto-Shoot Smile detection - Auto-Shoot Macro detection + more settings and amazing features - Touch Screen - Quick processing - Lens Cover - Small - Light Weight - Sleek - Edit Photos after shooting - many many settings
Cons: Short battery life - does not auto detect rotation when previewing photos -
Summary: This camera ROCKS! I almost bought the Nikon CoolPix S60, however after comparing the features between the two cameras, Sony had the better deal, plus the better product! Great for ...
Summary: This camera ROCKS! I almost bought the Nikon CoolPix S60, however after comparing the features between the two cameras, Sony had the better deal, plus the better product! Great for quick point shoot action. Auto detect features are neat too!
Excellent camera to purchase for simple point and shoot use, quick, awesome technology, well worth money spent and well waited for great technology, will be a long while before a new camera is purchased. -
Walmart sells this same one for $299.00 folks! 7-29-09
by aloneinelcajon on July 31, 2009
Pros: The versatility of ease, touch screen not for everyone. The price is NOT for everyone, especially me. I like the SMALLNES of it, puse size & compact, I like that a lot. Hate purses.
Cons: No bundle pkg. like on E-bay, $369 plus 13 items included.
Not shockproof, coldproof, waterproof. Only get 2 pics on built-in memory, then purchase memory card extra & USB hub to download to PC.Summary: Am going to reconsider the purchase of this one. There's an Olympus 550WP at Walmart that's got my attentio, $179 in sore, $159 online which thye'll honor ...
Summary: Am going to reconsider the purchase of this one. There's an Olympus 550WP at Walmart that's got my attentio, $179 in sore, $159 online which thye'll honor it instore. Walmart Protection plan is $18.88 for 2yrs., Best Buy is $89.99 for 4yrs. Sony charges $119 online for the plan.
YES, I REALLY did my research yesterday. -
Awesome camera, fast, and simple touch screen use
by stesprit on June 15, 2009
Pros: Fast performance, EASY to use. Lot's of features
Cons: Short battery life, but I purchased the extended battery and charger. I have had no battery issues
Summary: Love the camera and all its features - it has several that were not mentioned in the description. Easy to use, very user-friendly, takes great pictures, small - everything I ...
Summary: Love the camera and all its features - it has several that were not mentioned in the description. Easy to use, very user-friendly, takes great pictures, small - everything I wanted in a camera right now! And I especially love the 3.5" touchscreen
The screen is big enough to adequately analyze a shot and determine if the quality is good enough to keep and I can show my pics to others right on my camera.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DSC-T900
- Description: Snapping off premium quality photos is effortless with the 12.1-megapixel DSC-T900 Cyber-shot digital camera. Engineered to take the guesswork out of choosing the right mode, the T900 features iAuto mode that automatically adjusts settings for the best pictures in almost any environment. Its distinctive, svelte design, yet it boasts more than enough advanced technology inside. For easy framing and viewing of your shots, there's a dazzling 3.5" touch screen with crisp resolution for displaying sharp details. You can even record HD video clips and play them back on your compatible HDTV via HDMI output with stereo sound.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.7 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 2.3 in
- Weight 5.2 oz
- Enclosure Color Silver
Main Features
- Resolution 12.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type Super HAD CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 12,100,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 2 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Gourmet, Fireworks, Landscape, Underwater, Portrait mode, Twilight mode, Hi-speed shutter, High sensitivity, Twilight portrait
- Special Effects Retro, Sepia, Vivid, Fisheye, Happy face, Soft Focus, Radial blur, Cross filter, Black & White, Partial color, Unsharp masking
- Image Stabilizer Optical (Super Steady Shot)
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom. This camera utilizes built-in Super SteadyShot stabilization to assist in taking sharper pictures.
- Min Shutter Speed 2 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Flash, Cloudy, Daylight, Underwater, Incandescent, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture 1280 x 720, 640 x 480
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Floppy Drive None
- Digital Storage Media None
- Image Storage Fine JPEG, Standard
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 3 in - 9.5 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6.18 mm - 24.7 mm - F/3.5-4.6
- Focal Length 6.18 mm - 24.7 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 35 - 140 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Lens Aperture F/3.5-4.6
- Optical Zoom 4 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 10 group(s) / 12 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Features Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features Direct print, Face detection, Auto power save, Built-in speaker, Cropping an image, Resizing an image, PictBridge support, Built-in help guide, 16:9 widescreen mode, Touch-screen control, In-camera red-eye fix, USB 2.0 compatibility, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Blink Detection technology, Smile Detection technology
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 921,600 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Motion Browser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, Apple Mac OS 9.1, Apple Mac OS 9.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1 - 10.5
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Pen stylus, Wrist strap, Docking station
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-BD1
- Supported Battery 1 x Sony NP-BD1 Li-ion rechargeable battery - 680 mAh ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year parts and labor warranty
Product series
-

Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4 x, 3.5 in LCD display
-

Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4 x, 3.5 in LCD display
-

Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4 x, 3.5 in LCD display
-

Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4 x, 3.5 in LCD display
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790









