Sony Cybershot DSCW170/B 10.1MP Digital Camera Review (Black)

I bought this camera because the consumer reviews were excellent, and my first impression of the camera was very good also, based on size, handling characteristics, and the way photos displayed on the 2.7" screen on the back of the camera. However I had business distractions and didn't display my photos on a full-size screen until after the Amazon return time expired. The image quality of my camera (perhaps I have a lemon) is very poor when compared to my three year old Olympus point-and-shoot. I was shocked at how "soft" the images were when viewed on a 15" computer screen. I took identical comparison shots using a tripod and self-timer to verify that I wasn't seeing motion, but in sunlight or low light, the images are visibly and objectionably soft. Around bright patches, such as sky showing through the leaves a tree in the foreground, there is heavy blue fringing, and some sections of the photos are "foggy" as though a fingerprint was on the lens, but there were no fingerprints or debris on the lens. There are noticeable blotches of off-color (like "noise," but bigger) in shadow areas, even at low ISO. I should have tested the camera better, sooner, and I blame myself and my schedule for not doing that.

Here is the lesson:(1) Don't buy a camera unless you can thoroughly test it immediately, including judging the image quality on a large screen, not the screen on the camera. (2) Order the correct memory chip the first time, so you don't get delayed waiting for the correct chip to arrive. This Sony is not compatible with all SD memory chips. (3) Compare the camera against another camera of known qualities, but do in time to take advantage of Amazon's return option.I've shipped my camera to the repair center in Texas and it hasn't returned yet.If they fix it satisfactorily, I'll amend this evaluation to say so.
OCTOBER 17, 2008 UPDATE:The camera was promptly returned from Sony service in Texas with no notation or explanation regarding what repair, if any, was done. The post-return images seem very much like the former ones I complained about. However, I have softened my criticism a bit because I think my original expectations were too high. This is a quite small, light, easily carried and concealed camera with intuitive controls and it has a reasonable optical viewfinder. For it's size, it does the job well enough, so, in retrospect, I think I was expecting a bigger camera's performance from an instrument I purchased on account of it's very small size. That expectation might have been unreasonable in some degree. I also have a Canon G10, which costs twice as much and is two and a half times heavier. The Canon takes lovely pictures, but I find myself carrying around the Sony most often because it is so small and so light (6 oz. with battery), which is a compelling argument in its favor.
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