Product Description

With a focus on performance, Sony's Stamina series of Cyber-shot digital cameras set a new standard for speed, battery life and picture quality in compact cameras.The DSC-S90 easy-to-use, four-megapixel camera is packed with features like Sony's Real Imaging Processor circuitry for better battery efficiency, more responsiveness and high quality movie taking. The Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3X optical zoom lens on the models complements their high resolution for great picture clarity, while 32 MB of internal memory and a Memory Stick media slot provide plenty of storage capacity. The new models in the S-series let you take approximately 110 shots while using two "AA" type batteries and around 550 shots while using a NIMH rechargeable battery.So that pictures are captured in-focus with the proper lighting and exposure, the new cameras offer a smart auto-focusing and exposure system - meaning that even if the subject is off-center and in a difficult lighting situation, the cameras can automatically make the necessary adjustments. The DSC-S90 includes a 3X optical zoom and 2X digital zoom for better looking, properly framed pictures. Additionally, various preset scene modes are available for quickly selecting the best setting for the shooting conditions. Incorporating all the smart features of the DSC-S40 camera, the DSC-S90 model steps up with an elegant new design, larger LCDs, manual exposure control and the added utility of Cyber-shot Station compatibility. This model also offers the option to add tele- or wide- conversion lenses for greater magnification or a wider field of view.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15355 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSC-S90
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.00" l, 5.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens; large 2.5-inch LCD
• Real Imaging Processor LSI allows for fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, plus extended battery stamina
• Stores images on Memory Stick media; features 32MB internal memory
• Powered by AA-size batteries (NiMH rechargeable batteries supplied); up to 400+ shots per charge

Customer Reviews

Excellent if you like large LCDs, otherwise the DSC-S60 is better value
I work in the Camera department at Best Buy. I personally own a Sony camera, last year's DSC-P73, which was the 4-megapixel "little brother" to the 5-megapixel DSC-P93. The P73 and P93 have been replaced with this year's models, the DSC-S60 and DSC-S90. This time around, they're both shooting at a 4-megapixel resolution.

The DSC-S90 offers an excellent starter package, including the rechargable batteries (the midline S60 no longer ships with rechargable batteries like my P73 did).

So if I love this camera so much, what prevents it from getting 5 stars?

It lost one star for the batteries. Sony's higher end models use lithium ion battery packs, which offer longer battery life and allow for a smaller camera. The difference in potential size was most pronounced last year - compare the DSC-P93 and DSC-P100, which were essentially the same camera except for the P100 shipping with a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens and a lithium battery pack. The P100, while the same overall shape, was much slimmer due to the small rectangular battery pack.

The other star? Value. Working in retail, value is a concept you find is very important to customers. The price of the DSC-S90 averages (among several retailers) about $40 to $50 higher than the DSC-S60. The two models differ in only two respects: 1) the larger screen on the DSC-S90 and 2) the inclusion of NiMH AA batteries and a charging unit with the DSC-S90. However, Sony sells an accessory kit which includes the same batteries and charger as the DSC-S90, plus a Sony carrying case, for $40. Due to the smaller size of the DSC-S60's LCD, the same batteries will last longer... so for the same price, you get a camera which doesn't drain batteries as quickly and which comes with a carrying case... as long as you can stand the 2" instead of 2.5" screen. Most people can.

Excellent camera... period.
After much deliberation and research, given I was about to shell out over 300 bucks, I went with the Sony DSC-S90. I won't go on and on about specifications since you can read them for yourselves. But after using this camera for almost one week, I have found it to be very easy to use, it gives you great looking pictures (thanks to Carl Zeiss and 4.1 megapixels), and it even takes MPEG movies. The HUGE 2.5 inch LCD screen is bright and clear, and you're given the option to use the optical viewfinder. A handy feature in bright sunlight.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the lackluster design of the data/video/audio cable. It plugs into the bottom of the camera, which means you have to lay it on it's back (the LCD side, ouch!) or its front (the lens side, double ouch!!). I'd hate to damage or scratch either of these, although in all fairness, the lens is closed during file transfer process.

I'd recommend this beauty, but get yourself at least a 256 Meg Memory Stick Pro, a small carrying case, and add those to the price. ENJOY!!

Great Camera
This Camera is one of the best in its price range. It takes beautiful clear pictures and can be used right out of the box, but its worth learning all its features. The included memory holds about 20-25 pictures so I upgraded to 128mb. I reccomend getting a 128mb card and the Sony camera case. Not only is this one of the best cameras in its class it includes decent software and rechargeable batteries that are at least a 20$ value.
HIGHLY reccomend over canon,kodak, and fuji. One more thing this camera has CARL Zeiss lens (if you dont know, great lens) all the competetors have generic lens.