Sony DSC-W560 Review

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DSC-W560 Overview

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DSC-W560 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560
Resolution:	14.10 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	4.00x zoom (26-105mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	80 - 3200
Shutter:	1/1600 - 2 sec
Max Aperture:	2.7
Dimensions:	3.7 x 2.2 x 0.8 in. (94 x 56 x 19 mm)
Weight:	4.4 oz (126 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$160
Availability:	02/2011
Manufacturer:	Sony
Full specs:	Sony DSC-W560 specifications

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14.10 Megapixels	4.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 Overview

Posted: 01/05/2011

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 digital camera is based around a 1/2.3"-type, 14.1 effective megapixel Sony SuperHAD CCD image sensor with RGB color filter array, coupled to a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branded 4x optical zoom lens. For 4:3 aspect-ratio still image shooting, the Sony W560's lens offers a 35mm-equivalent range from a generous 26mm wide angle to a moderate 105mm telephoto, while 16:9 still shooting yields a sensor crop and 28 - 114mm equivalent focal range. For movie shooting, the crop factors are higher, providing an equivalent 30 - 122mm at 16:9 aspect, and 37 - 149mm at 4:3 aspect. The lens has a two-step aperture with ND filter, which offers either F2.7 or F8.0 at wide angle; at telephoto the maximum aperture is F5.7, and the minimum aperture isn't stated. Autofocusing is possible to a minimum of just four centimeters at wide angle, or 60 centimeters at telephoto. The camera can capture 4:3 aspect ratio images at up to 4,320 x 3,240 pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio images at up to 4,320 x 2,432 pixels, or 30 frames-per-second MPEG-4 video at 720p (1,280 x 720 pixel) resolution or below, with monaural audio.

On the rear panel of the Sony Cyber-shot W560 is a 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD panel with a resolution of 230,400 dots. This serves as the only method of framing and reviewing images, since the Sony W560 doesn't feature an optical or electronic viewfinder. The Sony DSC-W560 has a 9-point autofocus system, and includes both an AF assist lamp, and a face detection system, capable of detecting up to eight faces in a scene, and of differentiating between child and adult faces. The face detection function is also used to provide a Smile Shutter function that automatically triggers the shutter when your subject is smiling, as well as a blink detection feature. The W560 offers three methods for determining exposures - multi-pattern, center-weighted or spot metering. Shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1,600 second are possible under automatic control, and sensitivities ranging from ISO 80 to 3,200 equivalents are on offer. 2.0EV of exposure compensation is available, in 1/3 EV steps. The DSC-W560 also offer's Sony's SteadShot optical image stabilization, helping to fight the effects of blur from camera shake.

Nine white balance settings are available, including auto, seven presets, and a manual white balance setting. As well as Intelligent Auto and Program modes, the W560 offers a selection of eleven scene modes -- High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Beach, Snow, Gourmet, Pet, Soft Skin, and Underwater -- which offer a modicum of control over the look of images. The Sony W560 includes a four-mode flash strobe with red-eye reduction capability. Flash range is stated as 0.3 to 3.8 meters at wide angle, or 0.6 to 1.9 meters at telephoto, when using automatic ISO sensitivity. A two- or ten-second self timer allows the photographer to get in the picture themselves, or to avoid camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button when shooting on a tripod.

Images and movies can be recorded on Secure Digital, SDHC, and the latest SDXC card types. The W560 is also compatible with Sony's own proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. No information was available at press time regarding internal memory, if included. The Sony W560 includes standard definition and Type-3 component high definition video output connectivity, as well as USB data connectivity. Power comes courtesy of a proprietary NP-BN1 Infolithium battery pack, rated as good for 230 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards.

The Sony W560 digital camera is available from February 2011, priced at around US$160. Four body colors will be available -- silver, black, red, or blue.