Product Description

The DSC-S650 camera features 7.2-megapixel imager and shines in classic silver. It also houses a two-inch LCD screen wrapped in a metal body. This model features 3x optical zoom capability, blur-reduction technology (ISO), and substantial internal memory for shooting without a media card. Its storage capacity can be expanded further with optional media card.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4460 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSCS650
• Released on: 2007-02-13
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.50" w x 4.00" l, 1.00 pounds
• Memory: 24MB
• Display size: 2

Features

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• 2.0-inch LCD display; 3x optical zoom
• High-sensitivity shooting mode increases ISO to maximum of 1000
• Capture 320 x 240 video at 30 fps
• Stores images on Memory Stick DUO or MS Pro DUO memory cards (24 MB internal memory included)

From the Manufacturer
With 7.2-megapixel imaging, high sensitivity, and up to 460-shot Stamina battery power, the Cyber-shot DSC-S650 is an ideal camera for starting out, stepping up, or making the switch from film to digital. Its 3x optical zoom lens, 24 MB internal memory capacity, and bright 2.0-inch LCD screen add up to a great combination of high-value features for first-time users--and its compact design and affordable price fit into any travel plans or budgets.

7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition when you make big prints or crop in tight on your subject. The advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

3x Optical Zoom Lens
A 3x optical zoom helps the DSC-S650 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots quickly for better composition--a real advantage for family sports, outdoor fun, and travel photos.

High Sensitivity
With high sensitivity of ISO 1000, the DSC-S650 gives you better shots in low light so you can shoot without flash to preserve the mood--great for birthday parties, indoor gatherings, and candid portraits.

Stamina Battery Power
With optional Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries, you can capture up to an amazing 460 shots--shooting capacity that's about the equivalent of 13 rolls of 35mm film. With supplied AA alkaline batteries, the DSC-S650 can capture up to 100 shots.

24 MB internal memory
You don't need a flash memory card, because the DSC-S650 allows you to capture images with in-camera convenience--then easily transfer your shots to optional Memory Stick Duo media, upload photos to your computer or make prints on your Sony Picture Station digital printer.

Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience
The DSC-S650 also has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media--the compact, high-capacity storage media that are compatible with millions of devices worldwide.

Bright 2.0-Inch LCD Screen
The DSC-S650 provides a bright LCD screen composing shots, checking results, sharing your photos on location and reading camera setup menus even in full sunlight.

Convenient Photo Modes
To adjust quickly for specific shooting situations, the DSC-S650 lets you choose from several convenient photo modes: Auto, P-Auto, and Scene Selections for Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Snow, High Sensitivity, and Beach environments.

QVGA Movie Mode
The DSC-S650 can capture 320 x 240 audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second3), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Burst Mode
You can fire off three shots automatically at 1-second intervals (VGA standard mode) or 2-second intervals (7.2 MP mode)--a great way to capture a child's first steps or a pet's best tricks.

Cyber-shot Viewer Software
New Sony software that makes it easier to upload images from camera or Memory Stick Duo media--then organize and browse through photos on your PC screen by simply scrolling through thumbnail images.

What's in the box
Sony Cybershot S650 digital camera, "AA" type one-use alkaline batteries (x 2), AV cable, USB cable, wrist strap, software CD-ROM (NOTE: No Memory Stick Duo media or adaptors are included.)

Customer Reviews

Good Price but No Features & Mediocre Lens
[ Revised July 14th. I would now rate this camera at 2 stars given other cameras have had price drops, making them relatively much better. ]

This is the 5th digital camera I've owned and the one I've found to be the most "lacking." If you are simply looking for a point/shoot with no additional features and okay pictures (why a 7 MP then?), this will work. However, I was looking for something that was a little more than point/shoot (ie, some basic control features which seem to be the baseline of Canon cameras). I would rather take pictures with my previous Canon A85 (4 MP but better quality images).

Pros:
- 7.2 MP (although I think this is kind of silly... the number of pixels may be high but a 4 MP camera with higher quality would produce better pictures/prints)
- mostly easy to navigate around the menus (just not much to navigate)
- small/compact
- cheap (price), although now the same price as cameras with significantly more features

Cons:
- no viewfinder, which is a pain when it is sunny
- pictures are mediocre
- colors aren't as vibrant as I hoped they'd be
- many of the pictures are grainy, even in full sunlight
- battery/memory card door opens very easily (too easily... opens up accidentally a lot)
- lens distortion is pretty bad and makes panoramas a bust
- only advantage over other introductory digital cameras is the size

I hesitate to recommend this camera to anyone, however, if you are simply looking for a digital camera with ONLY point and shoot options AND that is compact, this will probably work out. Sony is looking for that niche with this camera. If you want a few more options besides point/shoot, look elsewhere.

The quality isn't that of Canon -- the only advantage of this camera over a Canon A550 is that it is smaller. This camera and the Canon are, as of the review revision, the same price plus/minus a couple bucks. Advantages of the Canon include
- creative flexibility (ie, opportunities to become a better photographer and take better pictures via mild manipulation of camera settings)
- 4x optical zoom relative to the 3x of the Sony
- includes a view finder (no longer standard on point and shoot cameras)
- superior software, including "Photostitch" (phenomenal for making panoramas)
- allows for easy point/shoot on top of the features listed above (ie, ease of use for a point/shoot is comparable with the Sony)

Having owned 3 Canon A-series cameras, I would not hesitate to recommend them. They range from the price of this camera up to a few hundred for additional features/resolution... if I was buying one now I would probably just go with the A550 since 7MP and 4x optical zoom is more than enough for a point/shoot. If you have money to blow on additional features beyond what the A550 offers than I don't know why you are even considering this camera :) Other camera brands may also be good, although I am not very familiar with their offerings... I looked around briefly for some comparable cameras and I only found one non-Canon that I would consider if I was again in the market for a point/shoot: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70S.

Sony Cybershot S650 - great buy
I bought this camera to take with me to Disney World. I have a digital SLR but didn't want to use it on this trip as it is a little heavy for carrying all day - just wanted a small camera which would go in my pocket. I am certainly not disappointed with my purchase - I took over 400 photos and have only deleted 20 of them. The majority of the pictures were sharp with excellent color. I used the optical zoom quite a lot - and this worked really well. I disabled the digital zoom. All the pictures were taken at the highest quality so I could edit later if necessary. I took a lot of night shots of firework displays - some of the pics weren't so great - but others were very good. I would certainly recommend this to anyone wanting a convenient, easy to use camera. The menu is easy to navigate and I found the batteries lasted a long time. It's nice to be able to buy regular AA batteries to use as an emergency. I spent a lot of time in the evenings scrolling through all my pictures, so the batteries were really put to the test! I do like a viewfinder and this camera does not have one - but it really wasn't a problem and even the shots I took when I couldn't really compose the image worked well.

Great camera except a few details...
I bought this camera a few days ago. We had a Sony Cybershot for 3 years before this one and loved it. The S650 is a great camera, especially for the price. Takes amazing pictures and I love how it has 7mp, my old one was only 3.2mp.

One downfall for the camera is that is will not imprint the date on the pictures (which is important to me, may not be to others), unless you upload them to your computer and use the Sony program and manually add the date on each picture.

2nd complaint: it takes great movies with sound, but the sound can not be played back on the camera, only when it is connected to a TV or after you upload them. I like to hear the sound because I am not always around a TV to plug it into. I have little kids and I love to take videos with it and they like to watch them afterwards, but now we can't hear them.

3rd complaint: when in low light situations, my old cybershot shined an orange light so you can see the subject or area you are trying to take the pic of, this one does not. You just have to shoot blindly and hope you aimed at the subject.

I just don't understand why an upgraded camera would have downgraded features.

All in all, I love this camera with a few minor complaints, I recommend this camera for the quality of the shots.