Sony Cybershot DSC-T200 Digital

The T200 has camera with an 8.0 MP sensor and a 5x zoom, 35-175mm film. The optics are folded within the body. Only external controls are power switch, image view and zoom button. All controls are reached through the touch screen. The screen is 8.8cm with a ratio of 16:9. High definition mode can be set in camera and the unit connected to TV for image playback. Face & smile shutter. You can press the shutter button but nothing happens until it says “Cheese!” Images can store in internal memory or on Memory Stick. there is a choice of many colours – black, silver and red etc. The Sony T200 is a perplexing camera. Those who buy it as a fashion accessory with the latest in gimmickry will probably love it. For less money you can buy the Sony DSCW80 (RRP $350) which is a better camera. Mind you, it looks like a camera, so it won’t impress anyone at a party. It’s as boring as bat’s manure – but it works extremely well. It doesn’t recognise a smile when it sees one – can you live with that? there are not that many – are easily accessible. Used with care picture quality is acceptable, if a bit hit and miss. No doubt the intended customer is a person who will leave the mode set to Auto and the flash to on and will be happy with the resultant party shots.