Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T10 (silver)
Cameras Buying Guide
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October 22, 2006 08:22
3.0/5
I purchased Sony T10, silver body, camera as a progression from DSC 10, followed by DSC 100, DSC 200 and now T10. Each of the referrenced cameras lasted about one year.
I welcomed T10 because it had zoom that didn't slide out of the camera body when ON button pressed. ( My previous 3 Sony's died with identical problem: zoom refused to zoom out all the way during initial power up ).
I like the style of the camera, however, I find out there are few major problems I have never expected to encounter with T10. They are:
1. Too small for confort. Its size makes it hard to hold in hand when taking photos. In fact, camera has to be held by both hands.
2. There is a quite a delay before photo is taken - something I was not used to from the previous, older, DCS models.
3. As a result, many images come out fuzzy when enlarged at 100%.
4. What bothers me the most is the noise that T10 produces at low ISO's and at 100% enlargement. Forget using ISO 800 or 1000. It is a useless option. I wrongly assumed that this will be the least of a problem from Sony and the $399.00 T10's purchase price.
5. Next problem is that when in low light situation, you don't see anything on the screen ( unlike on comparable Olympus digi-cameras that illuminate the scene on your screen for as long as you keep the shutter button pressed half way ). You just have to guess, shoot, and see who is in the picture and who was left out.
6. You will feel like King Kong with T10 in your hand. Any finger that will operate this camera will feel way too big for its buttons.
7. Last but not the least: I cannot comprehand why is the anti-shake button not built-in and on all the time. Instead, you have to manually activate it if you wish for "less fuzzy" images
I must conclude that the best, and the sharpest images I have ever gotten from my Sonys DCS cameras were from the old Sony Cybershot DSC 10 and than DSC 100 models. I have a feeling that T10 will be quickly replaced with its newer version.Updated
After using my new T10 for few weeks, I found few other details that should be shared with you, the potential T10 buyer:
1. Camera has F3.5 lens. This lens is too slow. It is part of the "fuzzy" photos problem. Question to Sony: Why such a cheap lens ?? Pehaps, they thought the "anti-shake" option will somewhat compensate for the 1 stop slower lens. Well, it does not do the job. I even got majority of my photos taken with "anti-shake" option activated - fuzzy. Next time I purchase new digital camera, I'll certainly look for an unit with F2.8 lens
2. I am pleasantly supprised by its battery life. I managed to shoot 153 images, all with flash, on one charge. I think that is a remarkable impprovement from previous models.
3. Quality of photos continues to be a problem - a very supprising and unusual from company like Sony.
4. I don't know under what conditions CNet tested their T10 camera, but I am getting different results. My camera continues to take way too long to focus, shoot, and process the image.Updated
After using my new T10 for few weeks, I found few other details that should be shared with you, the potential T10 buyer:
1. Camera has F3.5 lens. This lens is too slow. It is part of the "fuzzy" photos problem. Question to Sony: Why such a cheap lens ?? Pehaps, they thought the "anti-shake" option will somewhat compensate for the 1 stop slower lens. Well, it does not do the job. I even got majority of my photos taken with "anti-shake" option activated - fuzzy. Next time I purchase new digital camera, I'll certainly look for an unit with F2.8 lens
2. I am pleasantly supprised by its battery life. I managed to shoot 153 images, all with flash, on one charge. I think that is a remarkable impprovement from previous models.
3. Quality of photos continues to be a problem - a very supprising and unusual from company like Sony.
4. I don't know under what conditions CNet tested their T10 camera, but I am getting different results. My camera continues to take way too long to focus, shoot, and process the image.Updated
It is January 2007. I have used my T10 for some time now. Problems as listed above in my previous postings continue. One additional, and very important problem has emerged few weeks ago:
I have purchased - SPK-THC underwater housing for my T10. The housing is used not only under water but also to protect camera from dust, rain, and moistures - in an everyday's on-land situations.
Camera fits the housing perfectly and ALL camera functions can be used through the body of the housing. However, the problem is that in video mode, camera records very audible, mechanical / clicking-like sounds and hums that greatly overpower the actual sound being recorded. I have recorded an interview on the beach and while video came out perfect - the audio was illegible. Tried to edit the audio but since the video and audio are "muxed" ( means mixed in single channel with video ), audio cannot separated and edited. Moreover, warning for MAC users: audio from T10 will NOT play in your Quick Time (PRO).
I am presently scannig CNET for new camera to purchase. It appears that my "new/old" Sony T10 will make a nice present to my neighbors 9-year old son.Updated
One year later I have to stand behind my previous comments. The negatives persist. The camera cannot be used in video mode inside the housing. The muxed video/audio in same channel is bad design option that limits editing.
I continue to be pleasantly surprised about its battery life, quality of sound in videos, and quality of videos itself. I personally think that video is the best option T10 has. I don't use it for photos anymore but for videos only. -
December 3, 2006 01:50
Good
1.5/5
I was so excited to get this camera after reading this CNET review. First off, it really has the 'cool factor' design. The sliding lens cover is solid and really compliments the overall design of the camera. The LCD is beautiful and very large. However, once I actually got the camera into my hands...the problems began.
First off, the form factor of the camera is uncomfortable and requires 2 hands for most picture taking. The shutter lag time is unbearable, especially in low light and when requiring the flash. In some instances I had to hold the shutter button down for more than 2 seconds before the picture would capture.
The next MAJOR problem is red eye. I have never experienced such terrible red eye problems on any camera, digital or analog. There is a red eye reduction setting which does ABSOLUTEY NOTHING. I experimented with different setting and brightness controls...all to no avail. With the red eye issue aside, low light photos are very poor with this camera. The flash is weak and seems to be almost out of sync with the capture.
In addition, the physical controls of the camera are awkward. The buttons are very small and not placed in a user friendly position.
I REALLY wanted to love this camera and I tried for 2 weeks of constant use and tweaking...but this really is a case of style of substance.
I am generally very pleased with Sony products. My last Sony digicam was a P100 and I cannot say enough good things about it. I would still use it if it weren't for the small LCD and low megapixel capability.
CNET really needs to re-evaluate this review as this rating is FAR, FAR too generous. -
November 29, 2006 09:03
Excellent
2.0/5
I bought this camera because of 1. good reviews 2. sony quality 3. ultra tiny design 4. ease to turn on and off 5. video function 6. large LCD 7. high megapixals 8. ease of switching from camera mode to video to view 9. anti-blur/ISO technology 10. non protruding lense. All of these things seemed to point to a good purchase. However, this is not a quick and easy "point and click" camera. First of all, the instruction manual is completely inadequate. It describes what things are but does not tell you why the feature is relevant or how to choose an appropriate setting. I bought this camera so I would have great shots after standing in line for 21 hours to get a CD signed by Paul McCartney (my favorite artist of all time) I was mortified at the pictures I got. Keep in mind I had 21 hours to play with this camera in an attempt to find the "right" settings prior to the "big moment" of meeting him. All of my pictures were blurry, grainy or horrible when cropped. I could not get decent pictures from a distance period. Once I got home, I played with it more and finally my husband returned it thinking it must be a defective one. However, the second turned out to be a little better but still not what we paid for. I downloaded a more detailed manual from the sony sight and spend hours (again) playing with it to get decent pictures. Yes, I was able to get fabulous pictures after reading the manual. However, the problem was that I had to change settings so often to get them and auto was just useless. This camera was a horrible mistake and I would not tell anyone to get it. The images were worse than my old camera that didn't have all of the ISO/anti blur or high mp. I don't know what I will get now but from what I have read Canon seems to ALWAYS get rated in the top, particularly the powershot digital elph series. In addition, I have read good reviews on the Casio Exilim series, Panasonic Lumix series and Olympus Stylus series. The Sony Cypershot W50 and W70 have also gotten good reviews but I am hesitant to get another Sony. Also, the Nikon Coolpix have gotten good reviews but I am just not sure this "internal lens" is perfected yet. I love the size but I am not willing to sacrifice my picture quality. Overall, I was very disappointed and tried SOO hard to make this camera work right. It just wouldn't cooperate!! My advice....look elsewhere. -
December 5, 2006 07:17
Mediocre
1.0/5
The camera left 'flash' (faded white circle) spots in various locations on most of my pictures. The spots did not appear if the flash is not on, but you need the flash most of the time you take indoor pictures. The 'flash spots' continued in a variety of settings and lighting. I called sony and they told me that this happens on the t series cameras due to dust particles in the air? -
January 1, 2007 12:44
Good
1.5/5
Im very dissapointed with this cam. The style of the camera is great (thats what sold me) and the video quality in FINE mode is wonderful but the picture quality even at 7.2 MP indoors is a joke.
I lost my receipt for this camera, if i still had the receipt I would have returned it by now. For now it just sits in my closet till I have enough extra cash to buy a new one. Very disappointed in Sony... -
September 11, 2006 12:18
4.5/5
I upgraded from a Sony Cybershot DSC-T1 to this camera, because I was tired of getting blurry photos as well as low light photos not turning out. The new increased ISO options, as well as the SuperSteadyshot of this camera were excellent additions to the line and photos taken on the T10 have richer colors and cleaner pictures than the DSC-T1.
The camera size is perfect to slip in a shirt or jean pocket. The design is easy to hold and while the camera is only big enough to hold between your index finger and thumb of each hand, shots don't come out blurred because of the Steadyshot technology.
The 2.5" LCD screen is very clean and easy to see with indoors or out and has very rich colors. The menus are easy to navigate and while the number of on-screen icons has increased, the in-screen description of icons helps to easily identify them.
The only reason this camera is not a 10 is because it still only has a 3x optical zoom. -
January 1, 2007 06:49
Excellent
2.0/5
After owning 2 generations of P series point and shoots to go with my D-SLR Nikon, I can't believe Sony put this on market as a new generation to replace the P's. Sure the P's were slow to shutter, slow to recharge on flash, and a brick to handle...but they sure took sweet indoor shots and even at 4 MP's, had much sharper images, even in a 4X6! So, is it the glass-reducing non-retractable lens to blame or has Mr Zeiss lost his zest? I dont know, but thank God for extended holiday return privilege at BBuy 'cause I'm getting a Canon Elph...So long Sony..this camera quality will ruin you. -
December 14, 2006 02:08
3.0/5
We bought this camera for its lens and nice form factor. We are not at all impressed with the image quality, particularly for pictures taken inside or in other non-sunlight conditions. For some reason, almost every picture results in red-eye.
We bought this camera to replace a Canon point and shoot (S400). In my opinion, the Canon provided much better image quality. -
December 31, 2006 07:28
Spectacular
2.5/5
Actually I brought T50, not T10. But they are almost the same! The cons pointed out by milansabata1958, gunisugen etc. exist in Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T50 as well. It improved a lot from my previous DSC-P* mode. But still not good enough to buy or recommend. I'm ready to return it to Fry.Updated
T50 have a bigger LCD than T10. -
December 29, 2006 06:35
Excellent
2.0/5
I've had this camera for a week now and I am not satisfied. The camera has extremely dark shadows behind objects. The white spots appear on everything that is under incandescent lighting and every eye is red. It does have good macro shots though. The flash is very unreliable once every two shots a dark picture shows up, it is very annoying to have to go and shoot something again.overall this Camera is not worth it's price tag unless you want something stylish without the features. Spend your money on something better.
