Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25870 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSCS600
• Dimensions: 1.50" h x 2.00" w x 4.00" l, .30 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• 6-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
• Includes Cyber-shot Viewer software to organize and browse through photos on your PC
• Powered by AA-size batteries (two single-use alkaline batteries included); stores images on Memory Stick DUO or MS PRO DUO memory cards (32 MB internal memory included)

From the Manufacturer
Sony technology makes it easy for everyone to get great results in digital photography right from the start, with superb imaging, advanced optics, high-stamina battery power and exciting features that make shooting and sharing more fun than ever. The Sony DSC-S600 includes top-quality Carl Zeiss lens design and 32 MB internal memory for capturing images without using a memory card.

A Great Value in Digital Photography
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 puts everything you need in one compact, high-performance model that's perfect for entry-level or second-camera buyers. With super-sharp 6.0-megapixel resolution, you'll have more detail for large prints and viewing photos on websites or as e-mail attachments--and a big 2.0-inch LCD screen makes it easy to read menus, set up shots, and share results.

Snapshots with Superb Image Quality
The DSC-S600 has a top-quality Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens that handles everything from distant subjects to closeups and wide-angle shots. High sensitivity gives you brighter photos in low-light conditions--and strong flash lights up your subject more effectively even up to 10 feet away. With Stamina battery performance, you'll get up to 440 shots using optional NiMH rechargeable batteries--enough for an entire vacation.

More Ways to Shoot and Share
With 32 MB internal memory, the DSC-S600 lets you capture shots in-camera for later transfer to computer or PictBridge-compatible printer. A built-in slot for optional Memory Stick DUO media gives you another way to store your images--and using supplied Cyber-shot Viewer software, you can import and organize photos for PC viewing and browsing with fast, smooth scrolling of thumbnail images.

Feature highlights include:

6.0-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels mean more detail and definition in digital photos. Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

Carl Zeiss Wide-Angle Lens
The DSC-S600 has a new Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens design with great wide-angle shooting capabilities, making it easier to take indoor photos and capture group shots without leaving people out of the picture.

3x Optical/2x Digital Zoom
3x optical zoom helps the DSC-S600 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots for better composition; Sony's precision 2x digital zoom provides an additional 2x magnification to zoom in close without jagged edges.

High Sensitivity, Strong Flash
The DSC-S600 offers a high-sensitivity shooting mode (ISO 1000), for brighter pictures in low light. And with strong flash, you can light up subjects more effectively--a real advantage when shooting interior scenes and group shots.

Stamina Battery Performance
With standard AA alkaline batteries, the DSC-S600 can capture up to 160 shots--and when you use optional Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries, you can capture up to an amazing 440 shots. That's enough shooting capacity for an entire vacation.

Capture Images In-Camera
With 32 MB internal memory, the DSC-S600 allows you to shoot without using a memory card--then easily transfer your images to optional Memory Stick DUO media, upload photos to your computer or make prints on your digital printer.

Large 2.0-Inch LCD Screen
In addition to its optical viewfinder, the DSC-S600 gives you a big, bright screen for composing images, checking results and sharing your photos on location.

Cyber-shot Viewer Software
Sony's new software that makes it easy to import images via camera or Memory Stick media--then organize and browse through photos on your PC with simple scrolling through thumbnail images.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-S600 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Real Imaging Processor LSI
To capture the moment before it gets away, the DSC-S600 has Sony's Real Imaging Processor LSI (Large Scale Integrated) circuit that improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, improves picture quality and clarity, and increase battery stamina.

13x Smart Zoom Feature
At VGA resolution, Sony's Smart Zoom feature lets you magnify your subject by intelligently cropping into the central portion of interest in your photo without sacrificing full CCD resolution--avoiding the jagged-edge image distortion of other digital zooms.

Memory Stick DUO Media Convenience
The DSC-S600 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick DUO or higher-capacity Memory Stick DUO PRO media that expands your shooting capacity up to 2 GB.

Customer Reviews

So Far, It's Great
I just got my camera a few days ago. After days of research, I chose the DSC-S600 because:

1. It was under 200 bucks.
2. It is incredibly easy to use.
3. It has a very bright flash.
4. It has AF illuminator so it focuses well.
5. It sings a little song when it turns on.
6. It takes pictures without me having to do anything.
7. 3X optical is standard, and good enough for me.
8. 6MP is really all a regular guy/girl needs...
9. Carl Zeiss Lens. I don't know what that means, but cool.
10. You can quickly and easily access your files without installing their software if you want...unlike many Kodak cameras.

I am disappointed that:

1. The camera runs on AA batteries, but this is kind of an advantage if you were to run out on vacation...plus you can get 4 NiMH batteries and a charger for 25 bucks.

2. The software is good...it organizes pictures but has absolutely no editing features. This is okay, because I have access to PhotoShop CS2 at school, but for you it might be important to know.

3. The camera doesn't have many scene modes--just the standard 6 or 7 rather than the 16 that the Olympus cameras have.

So, I'd say buy it. Other cameras I considered:

1. Nikon Coolpix L1 (overpriced)
2. Panasonic DMC-LZ2 (no AF illuminator lamp)

Remember to buy:

1. At least a 512 MB Memory Stick Pro Duo to take 160 or so pictures in one go (50 bucks or so).

2. Rechargeable AA batteries and a charger (25 bucks or so).

3. Case (10-15 bucks or so).

Great camera for the price..
I still cannot believe a 6M camera at $200.00! I've been using Sony cameras for some time and this was an upgrade from my older 4M. Similar features, but I recall I bought my old one at $400.00! Expect to get nice large prints (>16X20) from this 6M if you're into printing posters or large photographs. (If you don't care about larger prints, a 4M is plenty!)

I didn't give it 5 stars for 3 reasons:
1. The camera is a bit heavier than others in the 6M range (non-SLR of course). Nonetheless, comfortably fits in your pocket.
2. It may prove challenging for some with larger hands as the size is smaller than others.
3. No rechareable batteries included.. Plan on buying some. Keep regular ones for emergencies only!

Highly recommend a 512M memory stick (or two 256Ms). I would also turn off the digital zoom.

A bientot.

P.S... don't expect WiFi for $200.00 price!

Meets my needs
Update 6/9/2006:

I have had the camera now for a few weeks and have taken several hundred pictures. I am still very happy with it. A few things to add:

- The wide-angle lens is even more of a benefit than I originally thought. It makes a difference at, say, a restaurant table, where you can get everyone in the picture without having to go to the other side of the room. And the corresponding lack of long-range zoom hasn't bothered me at all.

- I hadn't expected to make much use of the video capability, but the quality is so good that I'm using it instead of my camcorder for brief action shots of my toddler. Make sure you get the faster Pro version of Memory Stick Duo in order to be able to use the highest video resolution.

- Some users report the camera shutting down with the lens sticking out after only a few shots. I had this issue too, but it was due to nothing more than dead batteries. Alkaline batteries get used up very quickly in digital cameras, and tend to die suddenly, leaving too little power even to withdraw the lens. Sony should reconsider their decision to ship alkalines with the camera as this has led many people to have a poor first experience with thic product.


Original review posted in April 2006:

Here are the features of this camera that are most important to me as a casual snapper, based on my frustrations with a 4-year-old Nikon E775:

- It takes AA batteries, which are available everywhere so you're never stuck with a dead rechargeable.
- Small size, pocketable, despite taking AA batteries (Canon A series cameras are huge compared to this).
- Robust: see the reviews of Canon SD series cameras complaining about easily breakable LCD. Lens retracts completely.
- Sensitivity: ISO 1000. There's some noise at that setting, but I'll take noise rather than underexposure or blur.
- Wide setting of lens is wider angle than most (31mm equivalent). Good for group shots or landscapes.
- Powerful flash - some cameras have less than 10 feet range. This has over 20 feet.
- Quick start up and no shutter lag. Search Google for sites that compare shutter lag and next-shot delay on current model cameras.
- Camera connects directly to computer via cable, doesn't require a special "dock" that I would probably forget to pack on a trip, or I might lose it or break it.
- Standard mini-USB connector on camera, not a proprietary one, so if I lose the cable it is easy and cheap to replace.

Things that are less important to me:

- Display size. 2 inch is plenty for me.
- Megapixels: I am happy with my current 2MP camera. Nothing less than 4MP is available from any vendor, so this wasn't a factor. 6MP on this camera is more than enough. I'm considering setting it to capture 3MP images for smaller file size.

Downside:
- It's slightly fatter than I would like, but still pocketable. For a camera that's similar but thinner, consider the Sony DSC-P200, but that has a proprietary rechargeable battery and a weak flash.
- It uses Memory Stick Duo, so figure in an extra twenty bucks or so compared to the cost of SD memory for competitors' cameras, depending on how much capacity you buy.
- No macro mode, but who uses this anyway on a point and shoot?
- Wide angle lens with 3x zoom means that the telephoto end of the range is only 93mm. Would benefit from 4x optical zoom.

Rechargeable batteries are essential for everyday use, as they both outperform and outlast alkalines. I purchased the Sony BCG-34HE4 battery charger which includes 4 AA NiMH 2500mAh batteries. I chose this charger for price and small packing size as well as its smart charging features.


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