Reviews for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: Small and convenient size, large 2.5 inch LCD display, automatic lens cover, included camera dock, relatively good 5.1 megapixel picture quality, easy to use

Weakness: Expensive Memory Stick Duo media, no tripod mount on camera, weak flash, flimsy battery/memory card door

First of all, I have owned quite a few digital cameras, but they have all been too large to carry around comfortably. Not only have they been too large to carry around, they have been expensive enough that I always had to carry them around in a heavy camera case. As a result, those cameras were not used very often. It is true, many of the larger digital cameras take better pictures, since they have better optics, but it doesn't matter how well the camera takes pictures if I never take it with me.

When I first saw the Sony DSC-T3, I knew that it would be my next camera. First of all, Sony resolved most of the problems with the previous generation DSC-T1. The new DSC-T3 doesn't have that annoying and failure prone sliding front cover; instead it has a automatic lens cover that also makes the camera slimmer than the previous generation. In addition, it also has a slightly better LCD display that allows for more comfortable usage in the sunlight.

Of course, the DSC-T3's size can also sometimes work against it. There is no handgrip, so it might be hard for some to hold it steady. And the flash mounted on the unit is not only close to the lens, but also very weak. The location of the flash causes more red-eye than flashes mounted far from the lens, but I guess this is a trade-off for such a small camera. The camera also isn't the best for those dim-lit situation since the flash can't exactly light up the room. That being said, when I want to take pictures in those poor-lit rooms, I get out my full-sized D-SLR with an external flash.

I don't think this should be your only digital camera because of the shortfalls listed above, but the size of the camera is really its advantage. It is so small that I can keep it in my pocket and take it out to capture whatever I see. I can't say the same about my other cameras, which require deliberate planning if I want to take a picture. I can't tell about all of those times that I wished that I had a camera with me, but now I have a camera for those moments as well.

Operation-wise, the camera is pretty easy to use. If you have used a Sony digital camera in the past, you should feel right at home. The menus are pretty nice looking, quick, and easy to understand. In addition, the menus also come in a few languages. The button on the back of the camera are pretty small, but again that is probably because the camera is so small as well. Sometimes, I have accidently put my fingers over the lens, but the manual has information on how you should hold the camera to avoid that problem.

The camera has quite a few modes, but there is not a mode dial. Again, that can be attributed to the camera's size. Don't expect the manual controls that your D-SLR has, this camera is best used as a point and shoot digital camera. The video function is also quite slick, it can take 640 x 480 videos for any number of seconds limited only by the memory card. Remember though, you will need to use a Memory Stick Pro Duo card in order to use that function, the normal Memory Stick Duos cannot use the full video feature.

And that brings me to my biggest disappointment with this camera. As with the older DSC-T1, the DSC-T3 uses the Sony Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo memory format. These memory cards are pretty expensive compared to SD memory. If you already have an investment in SD memory, then you will have to buy all new memory cards. And the maximum size that I could find in the stores at the time of purchase was 1 gb which cost about a whopping $350! Fortunately, the 512 mb cards are a little more reasonable.

The batteries for this camera, like the memory cards are also pretty pricy. However, all cameras this sizes use expensive batteries, so I can't really complain. Unlike other rechargable batteries that only tell you the charge level in cryptic fractional parts, the Sony InfoLithium batteries tell you how many minutes you have left. When I come home, I just drop the camera into the dock and let it recharge. But you don't need the dock to recharge, just take the included power adapter, unplug it from the dock, and directly connect it to the camera. The dock is required however, if you want to download pictures to your computer (if you have a Memory Stick PRO reader, then use the included Duo adapter to make the MS Duo/PRO Duo memory card full-size) or if you want to use the video-out connection.

You might wonder why I gave this camera a five-star rating when I found so many short comings. Well, this camera is probably one of the best ones on the market today. Compared to everything else, the DSC-T3 is faster, smaller, and easier to use. The DSC-T3 is almost devoid of plastic with exception to the flimsy plastic memory card and battery cover. And I can't stress enough now valuable it is to have a camera that you can use whereever you go. There are advantages and disadvantages with each camera, and I believe that this camera is a good balance of each.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: 1. easy to carry in pocket everyday; 2.cute shape for both boys and girls; 3.movie quality is good, can play mpg files; 4.fast on startup; 5.cradle is convenient to use

Weakness: 1.noisy in dim light(even at near dawn/dusk out door enviroment) 2.photo is warm colored 3.flash is weak

pro:
The ideal thing is to own 2 digital camera: one is high-end quality and the other is for everyday usage which you can put into your pocket. SONY DSC-T3 is the choice of latter one. It's an ultra compact designed, light weight camera with acceptable picture quality. That's enough for daily use. At least for me, it's a pain to carry a heavy powerful camera, say Canon 20D, hanging on my neck every minute. Beside, the camera's body shape is really smart.

T3's power-on time and focus time are both short which is important to catch sudden events. And it's movie quality is good, which is the advantage of SONY, IMO. I tested T3 with other mpeg file samples download from the internet. T3 can play them with correct adjustment to the files if needed. This is amazing, for T3 has a good quality and large size LCD display. To some extend, it's similar to PSP.

The cradle is convenient to use, better than plugging cable all the time.

Besides, T3's short distance focusing is precise and the photo quality is good.


con:
I have used several digital cameras for a long time: Nikon 990 , Canon PowerShot-G2, Canon PowerShot-G5, Canon 300D. Compared with these, T3's behavior in dim light is not good, even at near dawn/dusk our door environment, the flash light is weak so almost be of no use. The photo is tuned to warmer color always.


In all, T3 is one camera I'd like to bring it everyday to take outdoor pictures. We should not expect too much for such a small size aperture camera.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: Small Size, quick start-up, fast refresh rate, large and clear screen,

Weakness: Battery life, not enough scene modes.

I've probably read every review about this camera out there before making the purchase. Because my first choice is not available in the US, I chose to settle for this camera. I am glad with my choice because I've had this camera for over a week and have taken over 200 pictures with all great results.
I was looking for a ultra-compact camera that would take clear pictures that I could use for personal reasons and for my business.

As soon as you remove the camera from the box, you will notice the clean cut design and the 2.5" view screen. It sure looks bigger than 2.5". I have to admit, the front of the camera is a bit plain looking but I'm fine with it because the color and texture of the exterior matches my Powerbook!
Unless your hands are the size of a giant, the control buttons are easy to reach and press. I am usually against using the wrist strap that comes with the camera, but since the camera is very small (and slightly heavier than it looks) it might slip out of your hands.

The menu is not very complicated and is easy to get used to. You will have to memorize some of the icons within the menu and what they do. People who don't bother reading the manual can still get around the menu easily.

The picture quality is great and so is the movie feature. The mic is located on top of the camera, right next to the shutter button so be careful not to cover it with you index finger. I usually take hundreds of pictures in macro mode for my business and this camera delivers nice, crisp, clear pictures.

Many people complain about the red-eye in the pictures. From the many pictures I've taken and test shots I've done, red-eye is hardly ever a problem. I believe, with the right settings, you can greatly minimize this problem. I have taken numerous pictures in different settings, local, lighting, background, distance, and angles. Red-eye has occurred in only a fraction of my pictures. Usually, using the red-eye reduction flash is good enough to avoid red-eye.

The flash is a bit on the weak side, so make sure you are not too far away from the object that you are shooting. Most ultra-compact digital cameras do not have a strong flash so you can't complain too much. There is an option in the menu to increase/decrease the power of the flash. Obviously, at full power, the flash will be brighter but will drain the batteries more quickly.
The battery life is a slight problem. Depending on the circumstances, it can last as short as 90min and as long as 180min at constant use.

You will get mixed results in dim lit surroundings. Sometimes my pictures will come out fine and other times, too dark. If you have surgical steady hands, the night scene mode helps when shooting in dim lit surroundings. Having a tripod or standing the camera on a stable surface will help when shooting in night scene mode. One of the weaknesses I believe is that Sony doesn't give you enough scene modes.

Others have complained about blurry shots even with a very slight camera movement. This has not occurred even once, and I have tested it many times. I have taken shots while panning the camera and have even shaken the camera and the pictures came out clear. Maybe those people who complained, didn't have the right camera settings.

It is true that Sony's memory stick is over priced, so I get around this problem by using sandisk memory stick which works just as well but less expensive. I currently use a 1GB sandisk memory stick pro duo with no problem at all. If you take many videos like I do, I recommend buying the "pro duo" instead of just the "duo". The "pro duo" allows you to take video on the "fine" setting.

This camera doesn't have a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera but the dock that is supplied has a mount on the bottom. You can mount the dock to the tripod and mount the camera to the dock. There is also an inexpensive camera cover that fits like a second skin that has a tripod mount on the bottom.

Before you just stick this slim camera into your pocket, I recommend carrying the camera in a soft pouch (either silk or suede) to protect the view screen from scratches and to keep dust from getting inside the iris lens cover.

I have an older camera that's completely manual that takes excellent pictures, but its bulky and weighs about 10lbs. The reason why digital camera phones are convenient is because you carry it around all the time and can use it instantly on those cool or hilarious events. Doesn't matter how awesome your camera is, if its too bothersome to carry around, you would never be able to capture those great moments.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: As promised, this camera is small, light and fast. The 2.5" screen is great. It really helps you set up the shot and take great photos.

Weakness: If you plan to take numerous pictures, you may want an extra battery. You will also want a memory stick with greater capacity than the 32MB included.

I bought this camera with some trepidation, since it is not available in US retail stores but am thrilled that I did. As promised, it is small and light and takes great photos. You can take multiple shots quickly (approx every 2 seconds without the flash). The mpeg movies are very high quality and a great, easy way to capture a few seconds of video.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: Design, Build Quality, Slim body, Imporved Picture Quality over T1, Improved 2.5" LCD Screen over T1, Faster Start Up, Good Video Function and Easy to Use Interface.

Weakness: Flash and Red Eye.

I used to own a T1 and I can honestly tell you T3 is such an improvement over it. Picture quality for T3 is better. Color is more true to real thing and not as yellowish compare to T1. This camera is also lighter and slimmer. LCD screen now has more pixels and cleaner color compare to already excellent T1. Overall is a great and fun camera to have. Highly recommended !

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: Small in size, Big screen, light weight, feature rich

Weakness: Bad in low or poor light condition

I have bought this camera some 3 months ago and have took plenty of photo with it.
Bascially the feature of the cameras are good.
The cameras is bad during low or poor light condition, I supposed that the small camera has low shutter speed and small aperture.
The quality of the photo is real bad in low light condition and also in night scene.
Also, the colour on camera screen differs to the actual environment condtion and its photo too.
The Auto Mode in the camera is not actually fully automatic as one perceive, as in certain condition one has to set to different mode to achieve the result.
In summary, this camera is not a good camera especially in low, poor light and night scene condition the result is bad, is either too dark or blurr and color is not original.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 5.1 Megapixel Compact Camera

Strengths: 1. Tiny size 2. Packed with features 3. Nice, large LCD screen 4. Sony quality

Weakness: 1. Memory stick provided doesn't have enough memory for lots of photos.

This digital camera is the smallest that I have seen currently being offered yet it is able to deliver 5.1 megapixels. The large LCD screen is great for reviewing photos.

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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC T3

A very stylish camera that will suit someone who loves gadgets but is not too serious about photography as a hobby

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