Digital Trends

 

With the battery charged and the camera--with optical image stabilization engaged—set to high-sensitivity mode (no flash with auto adjustment of shutter speed and ISO to a maximum of 1000), it was time to take a tour of the Met. We found the camera’s response to be quite good while taking 7.2MP Fine images. The camera handled shooting objects through glass cases like a charm. Focus was quick and accurate, thanks to the AF Assist lamp and Sony’s latest imaging processor. After enjoying some really fine art, it was time to take shots outdoors. As you’d expect, the camera is even speedier in sunshine; the bright light did not impact the screen whatsoever and it was easy to frame shots in direct sunlight.

 

Changing from the initial high-sensitivity setting was child’s play. After hitting the menu key, you tap the menu icon that appears on the screen, ISO appears, tap that then all of your other options are on display including Auto, Program, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Hi-Speed Shutter, Beach, Snow and Fireworks. When you choose the one you want, any option for that setting is available, so in the case of High Sensitivity you can adjust exposure compensation and focus (Multi AF, Center AF, Spot AF and others). There are also icons for flash, self-timer, macro and resolution with options under each. I’ve had my issues with Sony in the past regarding its software but with the T50, the engineers really did an excellent job.

 

The playback mode offers some fun as well. You can set it run a variety of slide shows with the supplied background music. You choose the effects as well. You can even paint your images with a rudimentary graphics program. And when you’re in playback mode, lighted icons appear under the wide/tele zoom toggle, letting you know you can blow up your displayed images to check on the focus and quality, another nice plus. Even with the big screen, the battery held its own and the helpful onscreen display shows how much juice you have to the minute.

 

All is not perfect with the DSC-T50. Like so many other point-and-shoot compact digicams, images are subject to digital noise. And in the High Sensitivity mode you cannot control the specific ISO setting—you get what the camera gives you. For most casual photographers this is no big deal but several of the taken museum shots couldn’t go beyond a 5x7 due to noise. I took a shot of the classic “Aristotle With The Bust of Homer” and it had so many dots, it appeared to be a Pointillist work rather one of the Dutch master’s best paintings. Shots with good light were another story. Colors were accurate with very nice contrast. You’d be very pleased with them as 8x10s or even larger prints.

 

 


Images Courtesy of Sony