The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S50 is a little marvel that copes well with still Images, MPEG video and sound, and completely does away with conventions like viewfinders and thumbwheel controls.
The squat device uses a rear-mounted LCD viewfinder panel which can swivel 3606 vertically and horizontally, allowing overhead and reverse shots to be taken with ease. The top panel features two controls: the shutter and the play/record switch. A microphone and a speaker also sit on the top. The back panel houses a power switch, a toggle control that works in conjunction with the onscreen menus, and a set of dedicated buttons for focus, flash, and exposure program. These are much better placed than on most of the other cameras, but, like the Canon Digital IXUS, are a bit small.
The camera outputs through USB and AV sockets in the base, and the huge battery which powers the screen for well over one hour fits under the right panel. A 4M Memory Stick is fitted as standard, and it limits images to about three high-res shots, which is pathetic.
The extra-wide-range zoom works smoothly and produces good quality, even when in the 3x digital range. A good range of shooting options is available, and it’s easy to make changes to the program, aperture, speed, sharpness, negative. monochrome and so on.
The S50 powered up and ran very rapidly, taking 3.5 seconds to get going, and only 1.7 seconds to refresh between shots. The package comes with the simplest USB driver utility of the bunch; it installed faultlessly and dropped a camera drive icon into Windows Explorer. It’s a shame the USB cable is ridiculously short. MGI PhotoSuite is also included, providing solid Imaging capability.
The S50 images were extremely good for a two megapixel unit, and had warm colours, good shadow detail and only a little blocking on solid tones. The indoor flash was excellent, and enlargement of up to 200% was easily achieved with very neutral tones al) round. Add to this the short MPEG movie capability, which was adequote, and you get good value and quality for money. If it had a decent-sized memory to match the maximum 1,600 by 1,200 resolution, it would be perfect.

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