Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W7 August 1st, 2005 | by David J Elrich

Conclusions

Casual photographers looking for a high-quality point-and-shoot camera should give this 2005 digicam a long look.  It feels substantial, is easy to operate and takes very good images.  As noted, focusing can be a bit squirrelly in certain lighting conditions, but it's just a slight annoyance, not something that would make me feel negative about it. 

I will continue to nag Sony for the really poor Picture Package software and forcing consumers to use the higher-priced Memory Stick Pro media.  It's really insulting that this software is anywhere near a camera of this quality.  Even third-tier companies like Vivitar give you more.  Hopefully, you have a software suite from an older camera, but if not, pick up Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for around $90 and you'll be set for years.  And again, a Memory Stick costs more than the more ubiquitous SD cards.  Other than these issues, the DSC-W7 is a winner.  And spend the extra 50 bucks for the 7MP imager if you're considering the DSC-W5.  The picture quality is well worth it.

Pros

• Effortless, fast operation with little shutter lag
• Excellent 7MP picture quality with very accurate colors
• Large, 2.5-inch LCD screen
• 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
• Long battery life from two AA NiMH batteries
• AF Assist lamp for well-exposed flash photos
• 32MB of internal memory

Cons

• Auto focus tends to "grab" with certain subjects
• Terrible Picture Package software
• Requires expensive Memory Stick Pro for best movie mode
• No RAW or TIFF option