The seven megapixel four times zoom DSC-V3 was announced on 30th August 2004. It's the first 'prosumer' level compact digital camera from Sony since 24th February 2003 when they announced the five megapixel four times zoom DSC-V1. Despite carrying the V nomenclature and in fact having the same lens as the DSC-V1 the V3 is quite a different beast. It's larger and heavier, has a more comfortable deep rubber hand grip, a better control layout and a huge 2.5" LCD monitor. In fact it's more like a follow-up to 2001's four megapixel DSC-S85 (and there were plenty who loved that camera).
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 vs. Cyber-shot DSC-V1 (differences)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1 |
|
---|---|---|
Body color | Black | Silver |
Effective pixels | 7.1 million | 5.0 million |
Image sizes | • 3072 x 2304 • 3072 x 2048 (3:2) • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 |
2592 x 1944 2592 x 1728 (3:2) • 2048 x 1536 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 |
Movie clips | • 640 x 480, 30 fps, unlimited * • 640 x 480, 16 fps, unlimited • 160 x 112, 8 fps, unlimited • All with audio * Memory Stick Pro only |
• 640 x 480, 16 fps, unlimited • 160 x 112, 8 fps, unlimited • All with audio |
Image formats | • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • RAW • TIFF |
• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • TIFF |
Image processor | "Real Image Processor" | Unknown |
Continuous | • Burst, 0.9 fps (15 frames) • Speed Burst, 2.5 fps (8 frames) • Multi Burst • Exposure Bracketing |
• Burst, 2.0 fps (3 frames) • Multi Burst • Clip Motion • Exposure Bracketing |
Picture effect | • B&W • Sepia |
• Solarize • Sepia • Negative Art |
LCD monitor | • 2.5" TFT LCD • 123,000 pixels |
• 1.5" TFT LCD • 123,000 pixels |
Storage | • Memory Stick / Memory Stick Pro • Compact Flash Type I |
• Memory Stick / Memory Stick Pro |
Power | • Lithium-Ion NP-FR1 rechargeable • 3.6 V, 1222 mAh (4.4 Wh) |
• Lithium-Ion NP-FC11 rechargeable • 3.6 V, 777 mAh (2.8 Wh) |
Others | • Enlarged display icons • Auto review on/off • PictBridge |
|
Dimensions | 120 x 57 x 69 mm (4.7 x 2.2 x 2.7 in) | 99 x 65 x 57 mm (3.9 x 2.6 x 2.2 in) |
Weight (inc batt) | 390 g (13.8 oz) | 291 g (10.3 oz) |
Design & size comparison
Place your mouse cursor over the image below to compare the design and size of the DSC-V3 to the DSC-V1.
Five $700 seven megapixel digital cameras
This review was produced as part of a group test of five seven megapixel digital cameras, all of which offer similar features and all of which cost (at the time of posting these reviews; 2nd Dec 2004) around $700. The 'Compared to...' section of this review is shared with the other reviews. The five reviews (in alphabetical order):
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