Sony Cyber-shot T900 (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DSC-T900/B
- 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.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/04/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Cyber-shot T900 (black) price range: $589.95
- 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
-
-
Video and advance point-and-shoot in one small camera
by cvanderrick on April 16, 2009
Pros: - Automatic scene selection
- Smile detector
- Advance settings
- HD video camera with stereo sound
- Simple to use touchscreen
- And did I mention SMALL!!!Cons: - 4x zoom
- Battery drains fast, although box says it can take 200 pics on single charge. Video probably drains it must faster.Summary: This camera is incredible! Pictures are great. Very easy to use. It can do it all for you, or you can adjust ISO and other settings to get creative. Warns ...
Summary: This camera is incredible! Pictures are great. Very easy to use. It can do it all for you, or you can adjust ISO and other settings to get creative. Warns you if someone blinked, has smile-detector... you won't be disappointed! But the real positive is that with a flip of a switch you ALSO get a high-def video camera with stereo sound and zoom. Yes, zoom is only 4x, but its a fair trade-off for something this thin and light. Touch screen is incredibly easy-to-use. Great for touching-up pictures, showing off your vacation videos, etc. Love the calendar view! Tips: battery seems to drain a bit fast, so I recommend a spare. 4GB Duo stick a must (minimum). Also, be sure to get a nice case to protect. I recommend a BUILT case (Built NY E-HCS-BLK Small Hoodie Camera Case (Black)) as it fits the camera well and has a hard protective back. Glad I spent the extra cash over the T90 as the larger screen and stereo sound seem worth it. I think you'll really love this camera!
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
FABULOUS camera all around. especially photo and video!
by vitaminwater4life on June 10, 2009
Pros: -Nice big 3.5 inch screen to SEE what your taking a picture of.
-FABULOUS picture quality
-FABULOUS HD quality
-Features
-BATTERY LIFECons: -Price is a little high, But its new and WELL worth it
-didn't like how the camera didn't come with a caseSummary: This camera is AMAZING when it comes to pictures and videos! I am AMAZED with the quality of the photos and videos. The HD (fine) quality is so clear and ...
Summary: This camera is AMAZING when it comes to pictures and videos! I am AMAZED with the quality of the photos and videos. The HD (fine) quality is so clear and crisp that you can hear every little move and sound with the two stereo Left and Right Microphones. The photo quality is REALLY REALLY good where you can use MACRO mode and get close to a subject and get all details possible! Its astounding to see such high quality.
I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CAMERA WAS CRAP AND A WASTE but they were WRONG!!!! Clearly that person didnt even see the camera in person and judged off the price. Right now times are tough and if you have the cash for this camera T-900 then you are going to be do happy you did so! The camera is stylish and is flawless.
This camera is EXCELENT for people who take some to a lot of pictures. The quality of the touch screen is... There are no words to describe it. All i can say is that its so clear its as good as my 1080p HD TV at home right now. Its amazing that you can see every quality in the picture.
When you have the chance to see this camera in person it makes the difference than just seeing the specs. The flash and zoom are pretty good for ultra compact. I was impressed when I personally own many DSLR cameras my self and this ultra compact will fit anywhere and be safe.
The camera and flash is effective for more than the advertised length. It goes about 20 feet in a low light situation. All modes for this camera are amazing and even in the intelligent mode it chooses the correct setting and takes a clear photo that is advertisement worthy.
The bottom line is if you have the cash you are going to be so happy with this camera that you are going to be all set because you have the 12.1 megapixles and the high resolution screen as well as zoom and functions. If someone tells you that its not worth it, then you better look at this camera in person and i bet you that you will be so satisfied with the quality of it. The shutter slide is very sturdy and is strong. It has quiet a resistance when opening and closing.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Loving it!
by mwelckle on June 7, 2009
Pros: Top notch quality, as awesome as DSLRs I have seen! Video is fantastic!
Cons: Battery life
Transfer optionsSummary: have 2 very active kids and this takes wonderful pictures! It isn't quite as novice friendly as my Canons were (I have had several) but I am learning quickly ...
Summary: have 2 very active kids and this takes wonderful pictures! It isn't quite as novice friendly as my Canons were (I have had several) but I am learning quickly what it can do! The video quality is phenomenal, I never have to bring my camcorder anywhere again! Just an extra battery! The face/smile detection is great and the editing tools are functional and fun. Have to have the dock to sync to a computer unless you have a card-reader. This is only a problem when I am other people's homes or work. I just picked up a low cost card reader to keep in my bag. Battery life on it is not great, but understandable for what it can do. I picked up an extra battery for 20 and the charger is easy to take along. Problem solved, not deal breaking!
-
Perfect Camera, SLR like Quality
by mtf612 on May 22, 2009
Pros: Beautiful pictures, stunning hd video, tons of cool features, touch screen, big bright screen, decent zoom, and awesome lens cover. Easy to use and many shooting features. Smile detection rules! Macro pictures are crazy
Cons: CANT CHARGE ON THE FREAKING DOCK!!! Even with an optional power strip...
Not enough manual settings are available. No real infinity zoom, and no manual shutter speed. No addable lenses and lacks some features. Battery sucks.Summary: Overall, the best camera I have EVER owned. PERIOD.
Summary: Overall, the best camera I have EVER owned. PERIOD.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DSC-T900/B
- 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 measures just under 5/8" thin, 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 (720p) 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 2.2 in
- Weight 5.3 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
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 (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)
- Digital Video Format MPEG-4
- 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
- Integrated Memory 11 MB
- 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, Histogram display, 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, 720p HD movie recording, 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, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI
- Expansion Slot(s) 1, 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
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
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 warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year
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
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-t900/4014-6501_9-33528928.html){kind=small}