Imaging Resource has reviewed the 6 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 and notes it’s a a very responsive camera. “If you’re looking for a good “take anywhere” camera with great versatility and good color and tonality, the Sony DSC-W50 deserves a close look. (And if you feel you can get by with a 2.0-inch LCD instead of the 2.5-inch one the W50 sports, the Sony DSC-W30 will save you $20 - $30 at retail.) We suggest that you ignore the ISO 800 and 1000 settings on the camera, as the image quality there is really marginal even for snapshot-size prints, but if you look at the Sony W50 as an ISO 400 camera, it competes very strongly.”

[Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 Review Roundup and View Sample Photos]

Pros: * Fast, excellent shutter response, excellent shot to shot speed * Fast startup/shutdown time * Good color accuracy * Very capable movie mode * Very fast multi-burst (reduced resolution) mode, great for analyzing golf/tennis swings * LCD is usable in very bright light * Bright AF-assist light * Design is compact but usable, fits the hand well * Very good battery life * Extremely fast file downloads via high-speed USB 2.0 port * Wide range of accessories available, including underwater case, conversion lenses, and filters

Cons: * Macro mode shows severe curvature of field/blurry corners * So-so handling of household incandescent lighting * A tendency toward slight warm casts in many shots * No custom/manual white balance option * Slightly limited low-light capability * Very high noise at high sensitivity settings * Rather contrasty default tone curve * Anti-noise processing trades away a fair bit of subtle subject detail to hold the noise in check at high ISOs