Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 features:

• 7.2 megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD
• Dynamic range optimization
• High ISO 3200

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Reviewers Conclusions & Verdicts - (updated 04 September’08)

Megapixel
“The Cyber-shot DSC-W120 does a good job of properly exposing shots and maintaining the color fidelity of a scene. Its autofocusing system and image stabilization technologies work well to keep images in focus.”
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GoodGearGuide
“Despite being slightly short of advanced features, the Sony DSC-W120 is a decent choice. Its performance is on par with other cameras in its category, and its wide range of colour choices should suit a fashion-conscious consumer.”
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Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 and they write -
“This is a steady, pocket sized digital camera. It is one of the cheaper small compacts from a leading brand. The camera is easy to use and the emphasis has been placed on point and shoot simplicity rather than more advanced features.”

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CNET - 10 March’08 - reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 and felt it lacked a lot of on board editing options other models have. Review summary follows -
“For a budget digital camera the W120 is a pretty peppy performer and the picture quality is great. In the review the W120 did as good, okay maybe a little worse, but not much than the W130. Images were clean with good color and manageable ISO performance up to around 400. While it does not have the feature set of more expensive cameras at the its price you would not expect it to.”

Bottom line - A good solid budget camera that takes really nice looking photos.

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Steves-Digicams - 24 February’08 - reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 and thought the ISO performance was good, even at 800. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Just because this camera sits at the bottom of the W series line don’t let that scare you off because it has some pretty cool features for an affordable price. Picture quality is good and overall performance is good for its class it even has some gimmicky features like smile shutter to keep the teen crowd happy.”

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Actual Owner Feedback

“I love this camera. It is so easy to use and it is amazing. It takes high quality photos and I love it much more than my Canon PowerShot A400.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“This camera was purchased for my 14 year old daughter. It is very easy to use and takes great pictures!! The quality of the zoom is very good. Super camera for the price and comes in cool colors, great for teens.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“I thought FOR SURE that with the reviews this camera had gotten and the brand name, it would be a fantastic camera. Shortly, day after day, I found out I was completely wrong.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

“Great camera in small package. I am not a prfessional so simple operation is a big plus. Compared to old Nikon Coolpix, a breeze to operate and navigate.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com

Sample Photos

[Sample Test Photos at Megapixel]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at Steves-Digicams]

Specifications

[Official Sony Specifications]

Press Excerpt

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony is introducing a new W-series Cyber-shot® digital camera with new imaging technologies for easier photo capture.

The 7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 units with 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens.

The lineup features a wider range of color choices than previous models – from playful pink and blue to sophisticated champagne gold and red. Newly-available on the W-series cameras is Sony’s “smile shutter” mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles – without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos

Each of the new W series models includes Sony’s improved face detection technology, which, like the smile shutter technology, can now distinguish between the faces of children and adults. You can select “child priority” or “adult priority” and the camera will detect up to eight faces in the camera frame and optimize focus, exposure, white balance, and flash control.

Powerful Features for Outstanding Images

The series features a number of powerful features, including: Sony’s D-Range Optimizer to retrieve picture detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; semi-manual focus that allows you to select the focusing distance based on your subject’s location; an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges; Super SteadyShot image stabilization; high sensitivity settings up to ISO 3200; and in-camera editing functions such as “unsharp mask” to sharpen images. Price and Availability

In pink, blue, black and silver, the DSC-W120 camera will be available for about $200 in March.

The new model can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Jan. 31 at www.sonystyle.com.