Latest – Service Notice Issued (added 21 August’09)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 is a 10.1 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera that features a 5x optical zoom, 2.7 inch LCD, and optical image stabilization.
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Review Index – (updated 21 August’09)
Service Notice Issued
“Sony has issued a service notice for the DSC-W170 camera. Small particles of metal plating peel off from the casing around the lens, which can cause splinters. Sony is offering a free service to replace the front panel, including the bezel, on units within the identified serial number range.”
TechRadar
“Photos taken towards the sun suffered from lens ?are, which is something we used to expect and which you can usually avoid, but it isn’t present with many rival cameras, so we have to consider it to be a problem.”
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PCWorld
“Overall, the Sony DSC-W170 has several very appealing features that may win over some people, but its image quality doesn’t overwhelm. I expected better performance from its 5X optical Carl Zeiss lens. Nevertheless, this camera’s interesting features are definitely a draw.”
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LetsGoDigital
“The Sony Cybershot W170 is a pleasant camera to work with. It’s a pity that the image quality did not appear clearly from a technical point of view in a number of situations.”
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DigitalCameraReview
“Although it remains an excellent performer and one of the most well-rounded cameras we’ve had the pleasure of testing, the W170 is actually undermined by its successful and equally competent little brother. In light of the fact that the W150 does basically everything the W170 does (and even does a few things, like continuous shooting, better), and all at a slightly cheaper price, the upgraded camera is hard to justify.”
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CNET.co.uk has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 and they write -
“We really weren’t expecting much from the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 because of its unprepossessing looks, cluttered controls and the usual proprietary memory bugbear. But the graphical user interface is a joy and pictures aren’t bad either.”
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Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 and they write -
“This is a decent camera and I am sure the wide angle lens will come in handy for many people. It is easy to use and has the added attraction of a viewfinder. You can also slip this camera into most pockets without a problem.”
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StevesDigicams has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 and they write -
“Bottom line – while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 shares almost all of it’s features with the less expensive W150, the higher resolution 10-megapixel imager and wider view of the 5x zoom justify the extra $50 you’ll spend. This is a very capable consumer point-n-shoot, with robust performance, plenty of exposure options, great image quality, and loads of useful and “cool” technologies. With a street price of $299 or less, the Cyber-Shot DSC-W170 offers a good value.”
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ImagingResource has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 and they write -
“The Sony W170 maintains the W-series tradition of wrapping hot technology in a compact bargain. With its Bionz processor contributing sophisticated dynamic range optimization options and its clever Smile Shutter mode, it makes shooting easier than it has been. But it still includes Super SteadyShot, High ISO, in-camera editing and an HD output signal. You won’t get tired of the Sony W170 very quickly.”
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Actual Owner Feedback
“I highly recommend this camera to everyone, specially to those willing to start in photography. This camera has a perfect resolution, bright-beautiful colors.”
“If you are considering a camera that is above a entry level camera but not quite a SLR but is capable of producing “WOW” photographs, go to an electronic store and give this one a try, you probably will not be disappointed.”
“Interface takes time to get used to for all the fetures this camera packs (But isn’t really that bad, just takes time). I wish that this camera was able to zoom during video recording.”
“What a great, small camera. The pictures are so clear. Easy to use in light and dark conditions. Very happy with it.
“
Sample Photos
[Sample Test Photos at LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Test Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Test Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Test Photos at ImagingResource]
Press Excerpt
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony is introducing a line of colorful W-series Cyber-shot® digital cameras with new imaging technologies for easier photo capture.
The 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm – 140 mm and 30 mm – 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level viewfinders. Rounding out the series are the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 models and 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.
The W170 and W150 cameras feature new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) technology, which allows the camera to automatically select the optimal scene mode for a variety shooting situations. In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will take a photo based on the user’s settings. If the camera determines that another setting would yield better exposure, it will automatically take a second photo with that setting. The user ultimately has two images to choose from.
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.
Enhanced Playback Options
The W170 and W150 units are equipped with advanced image management functionality. Filtering options allow you to search for photos by date and smile. Images can be viewed by date or in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the cameras’ “favorites” folder for quick retrieval of beloved images.
The slideshow function of W170 and W150 has also been upgraded. Photos can be selected using the same advanced filtering options available in playback mode and transitions have been improved through the application of face detection technology. Now your subjects can take center stage as the slideshow moves through sophisticated pans, fades and wipes. Improvements to the background music function include a choice of more tracks, longer tracks, and multiple tracks for longer slideshows.
To view your images in 1080 high-definition resolution, you can connect each of the cameras to a compatible HDTV sets via HD component cable or Sony’s HD Cyber-shot Station® cradle (both sold separately).
Price and Availability
In pink, blue, black and silver, the DSC-W120 camera will be available for about $200 in March. The DSC-W130 model will be offered in pink, black and silver for about $230 that same month. The DSC-W150 model will hit retail in sophisticated champagne, red, black and silver for about $250 in April. The DSC-W170 model will also be available then in those same colors for about $300.
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