Consumer Product Review: Sony DSC-s730 Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera

For your money, high power digital still cameras with impressive specs are almost a dime a dozen. In the price point in which it competes, however, Sony's DSC-s730 Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera is easily the best choice you could make. The starting price of $129.99 delivers a host of high-end digital camera functionality, and the quality you would expect from Sony. Sony's Cyber-shot camera features a 7.2 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.4" LCD color screen. The camera also features a 22 MB internal memory, allowing you to shoot pictures and download to your computer even without the use of a Memory Stick Duo.

One of the biggest problems with digital cameras these days is the level of confusion that they can sometimes inspire. Not so with this Sony camera. On the control dial are clear indications of what mode you're in. The modes include Twilight, Landscape, Soft Snap, Snow, High Sensitivity, and Beach, and all other buttons on the camera are clearly marked, including delete, power, capture, etc.

The Sony DSC-s730 Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera is also easy to carry in either your pocket or purse, weighing an unobtrusive but solid feeling 6.2 ounces with batteries and memory stick. A solid, high-quality camera, this Sony digital still camera also has video capability. Other features include:

1 / 2.5" Super HAD CCD imaging device

2.4" 115k Pixels TFT LCD Screen

6 element, 5 group Lens construction

Microphone/ mono speaker

JPEG Still image mode

5.8 - 17.4mm Focal Length

2" minimum focus distance

6x total zoom

Smart Zoom Technology

Auto macro mode

0 - 2.0x digital zoom

ISO Auto, 100, 200,400, 800, 1250

F2.8(w) -f4.8(t) aperture

Multi point AF Focus

Auto and programmed shutter speed

Inspiration can come in many forms, and photography is perhaps the easiest way to express your inspiration. With this camera, you'll find that wherever your inspiration strikes, you'll be ready to give it the attention it deserves. If you're a diehard 35mm fan, you might find yourself swaying a bit under what is becoming a world dominated by digital photography. While the picture quality itself is still just a little less than what can be had with film photography, the technology is quickly surpassing the eye's ability to tell the difference. At the upper end of the spectrum, you'll find digital cameras with every bit of the picture quality you'll find in a film SLR, but at a price you'll probably wonder at whether anyone actually buys the things. For less than a hundred and thirty dollars, though, this Sony Digital camera has everything the amateur photographer could want in a compact, portable package.