Camera Test: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC N1

The DSC-N1 gives you a lot of creative control. There are three metering patterns: Multi, Center, and Spot. It also offers full manual control of aperture, shutter, and even manual focusing. Exposure can be bracketed to +/-3, +/-7, or +/-1. There is a flash compensation available as Flash Plus and Flash Minus, which is not adjustable beyond that. There are saturation and sharpness adjustments available as well. Noticeably missing, however, is a manual white balance setting. When flash is activated, the only white balance options are Auto and Flash.

When clean, the self-adjusting LCD handles most lighting conditions--including bright sun--very well. After a few on-screen menu selections, finger smudges and grease marks can be an issue, especially outdoors. It might be a good idea to carry a small microfiber cloth in your bag, or to utilize the stylus religiously.

On the playback side, the Sony DSC-N1 has features such as DPOF for printing directly from the camera, resizing of files, and image rotation. There is also a "Paint" option that lets you draw directly on your photo, or add patterns like snowflakes or hearts to the image. Additionally, the DSC-N1 has an advanced slideshow function, which has four transition effects, and four built-in musical selections. You may also add your own music play during an in-camera slideshow.

With its combination of high megapixels, various slideshow features, and sensitive touch-screen, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-N1 will have people talking whenever you take a photo.

What's Hot:

Touch-screen interface on large LCD means fewer tiny buttons

In-camera slideshow options makes sharing photos fun

Lots of creative control

What's Not:

No manual white balance setting

Color accuracy could be better

Touch-screen gets smudgy after a few on-screen adjustments

Certified Test Results

Color Accuracy: High (Average Delta E: 10.54, Auto White Balance, ISO 64)

Resolution (VxHxD): Extremely High at ISO 64 to ISO 400 (1647, 1657, 1522, 1515), Very High at ISO 800 (1392)

Noise: Very Low at ISO 64 (1.4), Low at ISO 100 (1.75), Moderately Low at ISO 200 (2.37) Moderate at ISO 400 (2.66), Moderately Low at ISO 800 (2.35)

Lens Distortion: Visible Barrel at 38mm (.39%), Imperceptible Pincushion at 76mm (.09%), Slight Pincushion at 114mm (.13%)

Dimensions: 2.4" x 3.8" x 0.9", 6.5 oz with battery and Memory Stick Duo Pro card.

In the Box: Camera, NP-BG1 rechargeable battery, BC-CS3 battery charger, A/V/USB multi-connector cable, wrist strap, stylus, software CD-ROM (Picture package for Sony v1.6.1 Pixela, ImageMixer VCD2, USB driver, ImageMixer VCD2 and music transfer), user's guide, 1-Year U.S.A. limited warranty

Street Price: $450