Sony 18.2 Megapixels Cyber-Shot DSC-WX150 Review by CNET US With Rating 4/5

 

On February 27 2012, Sony announced four new Cyber-Shot models include the DSC-WX150, DSC-W690, DSC-TX66 and the waterproof DSC-TX20 cameras. The WX150 and W690 are the world's thinnest 10x optical zoom cameras with the new AA (Advanced Aspherical) lens element which is drastically smaller than those in previous 10x zoom Cyber-shots. The TX66 and TX20 feature an ultra-slim, front-sliding design and measures about 12.2 mm thick. The TX20 is also waterproof up to 5m (16 feet), dustproof, shockproof up to 1.5m (5 feet) and freezeproof up to 14 degrees F. 

The DSC-WX150 and DSC-TX66 features a 18.2 Megapixels Exmor R CMOS sensor with fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.20 seconds in low-light. The DSC-WX150 comes with 3.0-inch 460k dot LCD screen and 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens (25-250mm in 35mm format) with 20x digital Clear Image Zoom at full resolution, while the DSC-TX66 comes with 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens (26-130mm in 35mm format) and 3.3-inch Xtra Fine OLED touch-screen. Both models have Extra High Sensitivity technology to enhance low-light shooting, Full HD Movie Shooting at 1920x1080/60i, Enhanced Optical SteadyShot and 9 Picture Effect options. 

The DSC-WX150 is listed for $250 in silver, black, red and blue colors. Here's the summary of review by CNET US, giving the camera a rating of 4 out of 5:"Overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 produces very good photos both indoors and out. At lower ISOs, you can definitely get shots that look good printed up to 10x13 and they stand up to a little enlarging and cropping. That's probably more than most people need, but it also means that the occasional 8x10 isn't out of the question. Subjects do get visibly softer above ISO 400, but shots are usable at small sizes up to ISO 1600. Sony's Handheld Twilight mode can help out here, though, as the results are not quite as soft and noisy when shooting in low light. 

I wouldn't bother using the two highest ISOs, though, as they look more like artist renderings than photos and have off colors. The WX150 produces bright and vivid colors that most point-and-shoot users should find pleasing. However, they aren't always accurate, especially when it comes to blues. Neutrals, reds, and greens were truer, though. As for the lens quality, there is a little bit of barrel distortion present at the camera's wide end, but no pincushioning at the telephoto end. Center sharpness is very good, but the lens does get softer out to the sides and in the corners. My test camera was particularly soft in the top left and right corners. Purple fringing is visible in high-contrast areas, but generally only when photos are viewed at larger sizes. Movies captured by the WX150 are very good as well, on par with an entry-level video camera. The 60i frame rate and image stabilization make for some smooth movement, too. You may see some ghosting with fast-moving subjects, though, especially if you view them on a larger HDTV. 

If you'd like a single device for capturing good photos and videos, this is one of the better options available. For the best results you'll want to record in AVCHD, but for Web sharing there is the option to record in MP4 format. The optical zoom does work while recording (though you may hear it moving in quiet scenes), and there is a fairly good stereo mic on top.Sony promised fast autofocus speeds for the WX150, and that's what you'll get. Shutter lag -- the time it takes from pressing the shutter release to capture without prefocusing -- took just 0.2 second in bright conditions, so shooting feels near instantaneous. It slows down some in low light and with the lens extended, but it's still good at 0.6 second. 

From off to first shot is a quick 1.3 seconds, though it did drop to 1.7 seconds from shot to shot. It feels faster than that time suggests, though. The only time it really lagged was when using the flash. That drove the shot-to-shot time up to an average of 4.3 seconds. The camera's burst shooting mode is capable of up to 10fps, but in our more demanding test it averaged 7.2fps, which is still very good. However, this burst shooting sets focus and exposure with the first shot, and once you've fired, you're stuck waiting for the camera to save the photos, generally a second or two per photo. 

Though its speed is excellent for a point-and-shoot, that doesn't mean it's going to be perfect for shooting active kids and pets, especially since its many multishot modes require still subjects. Overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 is an excellent camera for its size, price, and capabilities. My issues with it are relatively minor, such as its lack of a regular continuous shooting option or its tiny buttons. Snapshooters should be happy with its photo and movie quality (unless you're after really accurate colors across the board) and its fast autofocus makes it easy to get that quick one-off shot."

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