Latest - Review and Sample Photos by DigitalCameraReview (added 06 October’08)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 is a 13.6 megapixel optically image stabilization point-and-shoot digital camera that features a 3x optical zoom, 2.7 inch LCD, and an ISO range from 80 to 3200.
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Read More Reviews - (updated 28 August’08)
“Lots of user input into the exposure process and features like full manual exposure and in-camera editing (cropping, fisheye lens and unsharp mask filters, and a Real color mode), this camera also features plenty of auto mode picture making options that will appeal to neophytes and casual photographers.”
CNET.co.uk
“Some of Sony’s gimmicky features have more value as talking points than aids to photography, but the Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is nevertheless a very smart, elegant and responsive compact camera that delivers good results.”
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PhotographyBlog
“Noise is handled very well and shots do require a minimal amount of post processing out of the camera, so in that respect the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 could be said to be ideally suited to its target market of the undemanding snapper who requires visual aide memoirs delivered with the minimum of fuss.”
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ImagingResource
“There are really only two significant shortcomings. The first is the 3x optical zoom lens, far shorter than the 5x zoom on the W170. The second is the inexplicable failure of the W-Series in general to provide any kind of zoom in Movie mode.”
DigitalTrends has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 is bound to be attractive to a broad range of consumers. It can be used by the novice who requires a fully automatic camera, while more experienced users will appreciate the options of manual control over exposure and other settings.”
Overall, Review was Favorable: 
DigitalTrends has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“When shooting in available light without the flash, there’s a bit of a lag saving files to the card but nothing too terrible. The LCD screen works well but has problems with direct sunlight; fortunately the viewfinder saves the day in those instances.”
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StevesDigicams has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“I was a bit disappointed to see that the W300 didn’t get the nicer 5x optical zoom that is found on the W150 and W170. However, I still feel the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W300 is an awesome ultra-compact model that features unrivaled resolution capabilities.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
CNET Asia has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“We are hesitant to fork out (US$525.66) for the W300 because there are other similar options available for less. Maybe it is the additional titanium coating that pushed up the price, or the premium that comes with a Sony product, but we feel that this shooter is a bit pricey for its specifications, despite its high-resolution sensor.”
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DCExpert has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that as the pixel density increases on a sensor so the noise goes up, ruining images with ugly grain-like spots. So why doesn’t a camera with an absurdly high pixel density produce awful pictures? We have taken photos of plain skies and there is no mottling. We have taken portraits and there is no noise in the shadows alongside noses and under eyes. We have photographed old cars with shiny, brightly coloured bodies and there is no fudging of detail. At 100 per cent enlargement there is some evidence of noise reduction blurring of fine detail, but it is so well done that it is comparable with the best after-camera noise reduction software. OK, let’s go out on a limb here – this is the best compact that we have tested. The Sony W series has always been good, but this one is amazing.”
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LuminousLandscape has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“Joy of joys, the W300 has an optical viewfinder. Yes, it’s small, and only shows about 80% of the taken frame. But it’s there, it zooms with the lens, and it means that one doesn’t have to shoot with the camera at arm’s length the way middle aged people have to read menus in restaurants when they’ve forgotten to bring along their glasses.
Unlike the Samsung NV24 the little Sony has a live histogram, and allows locking of infinity focus. Add to this the ability to set the camera at up to ISO 3200 (with acceptable quality at all speeds except the latter), a decent built-in flash, self capping lens, smart lithium battery, a stand-alone battery charger, lucid user interface, and very nice large LCD screen. Quite a package given its size and price.”
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Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W300 and they write -
“There are plenty of megapixels and also extra features compared to other similar digital cameras. Picture quality just falls short of being top drawer, but if you are looking for megapixels and features to play with this is well worth closer inspection.”
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Actual Owner Feedback
“People that downgrade this camera don’t know how to use it. Read the manual -it may take a few hours of your time,but it is worth it.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I would rec this to anyone who takes photos seriously. I would say though that it is at the higher end and the cost shows that. Maybe this IS NOT the camera for you if you just need something for your family shots and a few days outside every other week.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Now the output of the pictures I’ve taken so far have been phenomenal! Like I said I’m not too keen on photography related terminology but I know what my eyes tell me and when I load these pictures onto my Macbook Pro they look fabulous!”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I compared both the Canon SD 870IS and the Sony DSCW300. I chose the Sony over the Canon primarily based on Sony’s SUPERIOR image quality.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“DSCW300 is just a Sony! If somebody wants something better… hmm… may be needs to try on a different planet. :)”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at ImagingResource]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at CNET Asia]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
Specifications & Camera Profile
Owners Manual
Press Release
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony’s new Cyber-shot® DSC-W300 digital camera is expected to be among the industry’s most pocket-able, high-resolution point-and-shoot digital cameras featuring niche performance options.
The camera announced today integrates an ultra-high 13.6-megapixel CCD imager along with a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder in a compact size. With its ultra-hard titanium coating, the model offers a premium look and finish that is highly-resistant to scratches and messy fingerprints.
Enhanced Operation for Better Performance The W300 camera newly features an “extra high-speed” burst mode that can shoot three-megapixel photos at five frames per second, ideal for fast-action shooting of sports, pets or children.
In addition to the blur-reducing effects of Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization, the camera also has a new “extra high sensitivity” mode (up to ISO 6400 in this mode only) to help minimize blurry photos when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as indoors or at twilight, even without a flash.
Noise reduction is now a user-selectable option, with high, low and standard settings, for greater control over the final look of images. For example, a low setting can help reduce noise without sacrificing resolution, making it ideal for landscapes and detailed subjects.
Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos Automatically As the top-of-the-line model in the series, the W300 camera integrates the latest “intelligent” features that help users take better pictures more easily.
Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology prioritizes the faces of children or adults so that the camera takes the photo at the moment the intended subject smiles. Improved face detection technology can also prioritize child or adult faces as the basis for the camera to apply focus, exposure, white balance and flash color controls for up to eight faces in the camera’s frame.
The model’s intelligent scene recognition technology automatically can detect five different types of scenes and optimize the camera settings for those conditions for a better photo. And advanced mode can take two shots almost immediately – one with standard automatic settings and the other with optimized settings.
Powerful Features for Outstanding Images The W300 model has a number of features to maximize picture quality. Among them are five color modes, including “real” for less in-camera processing and more faithful color reproduction; 12 scene selection modes with a new “underwater” mode that adjusts white balance for more natural-looking photos; Sony’s new D-Range Optimizer Plus that process picture to improve detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; and an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges.
Viewing and image management has also been enhanced with helpful date and calendar views, in-camera search by face or date, slide show with longer music files, and high-definition component output for viewing photos on a compatible HDTV set.
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