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.Adding to the overall value of the line, two of the models include the benefit of large LCDs for simple image inspection and sharing right on the camera. The optional Cyber-shot Station charging cradle offers additional convenience and utility to the DSC-S60 model.This 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.This new model in the S-series lets 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-S60 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-S60 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.You won't need reading glasses to set up the perfect shot on this camera. The DSC-S60 model has a crowd-pleasing 2-inch LCD.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32663 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSC-S60
• Dimensions: 4.20" h x 5.90" w x 7.80" l,
• Display size: 2

Features

• 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens; 2.0-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 (alkaline batteries supplied); up to 500+ shots per charge with NiMH batteries (not included)

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer Sony's Cybershot DSCS60 provides 4.1-megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom in a compact body. From its Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens to its Real Imaging Processor, its AF (Autofocus) Illuminator to its 7 Scene Modes, the camera is engineered to be sleek, fast, and versatile, getting you the photo you want right when you want it. 1/2.7-Inch 4.1-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCDs provide excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

3x Optical/2x Digital/6x Total Zoom
3x Optical Zoom helps you frame your shots for better digital pictures. And Sony's Precision Digital Zoom provides an additional 2x magnification without the jagged edges of other designs, resulting in smoother images.

0 to 10x Smart Zoom Feature (at VGA Resolution)
The Smart Zoom feature intelligently uses the full CCD to let you zoom into the portion of interest by cropping the image size, thus avoiding the image degradation of Digital Zooms.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
The Vario-Tessar lens is specially produced for very compact cameras. This specialized design allows quick auto-focus, appealing zoom range while still maintaining a compact design.

Real Imaging Processor Technology
The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-S60 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag and improves battery stamina.

The Sony Cybershot DSCS60's relatively large 2.0-inch LCD is accompanied by an optical viewfinder, expanding your composition options.

Optical Viewfinder
Provides accurate framing at eye level, great for added stability and following fast moving subjects.

2.0-Inch LCD Monitor
The 2.0-inch 115K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.

14-Bit DXP A/D Conversion
Sony's 14-bit Digital EXtended Processor captures the range between highlight and shadow with up to 16,384 values, for extended dynamic contrast and detail.

5-Area Multi-Point Autofocus
By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable shutter speed (30 seconds to 1/1000 second), and two-step aperture control.

AF (Autofocus) Illuminator
An amber light briefly illuminates the subject, in low- or no-light conditions, helping to establish a positive focus lock.

Selectable Focus Mode
Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.

Multi-Pattern Measuring
Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.

Scene Selection Mode
With 7 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, and Candle.

Pre-Flash Metering
With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.

Slow Shutter Noise Reduction
During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.

Memory Stick Media and Memory Stick PRO Media
Digital. Powerful. Transportable. Memory Stick media is compact, portable, and rugged, connecting a variety of hardware and software applications.

32MB Internal Memory Included
Shoot without a flash memory card with 32MB internal memory; slot for optional Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO media. Full 32MB of internal memory can be copied to optional Memory Stick media.

4 Shot Burst Mode
Capture up to 4 shots at full 4MP resolution at 0.7 frames per second. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports or small children.

MPEG Movie VX Standard/Fine Mode with Audio
Captures VGA (640 x 480) high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second) audio/video clips with length limited only by the capacity of the media. Video mail mode captures smaller file sizes suitable for e-mail.

Conversion Lens Compatible
Conversion lens compatible with VAD-PEB adaptor, you can add tele- or wide- conversion lenses for greater magnification or wider field of view, as well as protective and special effect filters.

Cyber-shot Station Dock Compatible
Make transferring images and recharging the DSC-S60's battery easier with the optional CSS-SA Cyber-shot Station camera dock. Just place the camera on the cradle for instantaneous power and computer connections.

Stamina Battery Life
Incredible battery life compared to previous cameras. Capture approximately 110 shots with supplied alkalines; approximately 550 shots with optional NiMH rechargeables.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Digital Photo Quality
This camera seems to be a solid performer for the few days that I have owned it. I have taken many types of pictures with this camera. The digital quality is impressive. To begin, the LCD screen is very, very sharp. Viewing shots taken are easily and clearly seen on the 2.0" screen. This camera has an excellent flash for taking pictures in low light and other various conditions. The optical zoom feature at 3X is adequate for this size camera. Viewing the pictures taken on your PC or TV is where the quality of this camera comes into play. The pictures are very sharp. Distortion and blurred images are almost a rarity with this camera. I have made photo prints of some of these pictures and have enlarged them to 8" x 10". The quality of the pictures were impressive. I could not believe how clear and crisp these pictures came out. I have tested many digital cameras in the past, and this one by far is the best camera I've seen to date. Sony has marketed a great product with the release of this camera. This one is sure to be a great seller and will give other manufacturers great competition.

As stated by many others, digital cameras use a lot of energy to process a picture. When you add up all of the features this camera has and enable every option there is, battery life will be shortened. Purchasing rechargeable batteries with a charger is a wise investment. I have taken over 200 pictures, with many of them using the flash feature, and battery life is still nearly a full charge. I highly recommend Duracell or Energizer rechargeables with a minimum battery charge capacity of at least 2050 mAh. The higher the rating, the longer the batteries will last in the camera before a charge is needed. The reason I state this is because I initially purchased a generic charge kit with batteries, charged the batteries and the batteries lasted no longer than a standard alkaline battery. With the name brands listed above, a difference was seen immediately in the length of battery life.

Great features - poor pictures
I did months worth of research before purchasing a camera. I was excitied when the S60 model came out last month because it had all the features I was looking for at just the right price. However, after a week of using it I am not so happy with the quality of the pictures and video it takes. To help you decide here are my main likes and dislikes:
Likes
- Video limited only by memory size
- Carl Zeiss lens
- In-camera photo editing (what a great idea! in theory you don't even need a computer; just edit, save, and print in store from memory stick)
- 2" screen
- Viewfinder (for bright settings when you can't use the screen)
- Easy to hold (my 4 yr old had no problems holding this camera
- Uses AA bateries
- Fast, fast, fast (no problems catching the kids running around)
- Built-in lens cap
Dislikes
- Weight (heavier than my 35mm point and shoot)
- Red-eye (even with the red-eye feature just about everyone had red eyes)
- Picture quality (the skin tones just don't look right and many of the picutres look washed out)
- Video quality (I used this feature to capture my daughters open house and the quality is very grainy and blurry, even at the 640 standard mode.)

Even with all the features I like, I'm returning this camera because of the poor picture and video quality. Back to more researching.

very good pictures and great value
I got this camera for around 163 at dell's site on the summer of 2005, a few months back, a time when it was goin' for a good 230 elsewhere, so i see it as a bargain deal.
summary:
-The resolution is okay and although its not an 8.0 megapixel one, its decent and sufficient for the light users like myself. The Carl Zeis lens are great and the pictures come out clear, although leaves and greenlife seem a bit darker and more shady.
-I like the flash which beats every camera ive ever owned and its sensors for light detection are top notch.
-It has good focus and macro mode is good.
-I experienced the malfunctioning problem as well at least 2 or 3 times, but this was all fixed in a matter of seconds.
-the battery life is excellent, especially with my 2300 mah nimh batteries and it seems to go on literally forever! I can easily shoot at least 200 photos and probably 300 continuous ones, which is pretty impressive.
-It seemingly has no lag and is very speedy.
Overall it is a great camera but my only complaint is the fact that sony only supports memory stick as its memory storage card. These are noticeable more expensive than sd cards, and I will have to spend around 50 percent more to buy them. With this in mind, I would recommend the canon a520 which is going around for the same price and virtually has all the same specs, the most importance difference being its support for sd. If I had waited for another month I could have gotten the a520 for 159, but its okay since both are great entry to mid level cameras and you can't go wrong with either companies.