The Sony Cyber-shot DSC W830 is a compact mid-range camera with a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor and 8x optical zoom, which was released in early 2014. The camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch display and is capable of recording high-definition video with a resolution 720p Optical image stabilization is provided. There is no manual exposure control, but there is an automatic, as well as a function to detect a smiling face.
The camera appeared simultaneously with the W800 and W810 models, which offer a similar set of features and specifications with 5x and 6x optical zoom, respectively. The WX series features a large increase, the presence of a CMOS sensor, a wider range of functions and Wi-Fi connection. In general, the Sony DSC W830 features match its alluring price of $ 100. But could the camera be even better?
Design
Photo enthusiasts who need a compact camera that can easily fit in a shirt or jeans pocket will not be disappointed with the Sony W830. The camera is very small, several millimeters smaller in width and height (93 x 53 mm) than the COOLPIX S3600, and several grams lighter (122 g). True, its thickness of 23 mm is 3 mm larger than the Nikon camera, but this is due to the protruding lens, and the Sony DSC W830 body itself is even a little thinner. The model is not so round. It has a flat top panel, which in combination with a protruding lens does not seem very modern and stylish.
In addition, the camera is not too multifunctional. At the top is a silver power switch that goes well with a silver strip along the top panel. Next is the shutter release. There is no zoom control ring. This can be done using the switch on the rear panel. The shutter button is made in the form of an oval and, like a switch, does not protrude beyond the body. According to user reviews, this is a source of problems. Firstly, the button is not so easy to find if you do not look at it, and secondly, the half-press distance, which activates autofocus and metering, is very small. For this reason, it is too easy to accidentally take a picture when you only need to determine the exposure or focus on the subject.
In the upper right corner is the aforementioned zoom switch. Below is a 4-way control panel, around which there are menu, play and delete buttons. On the right is a black plastic slider for switching modes. It has 3 positions, the highest of which corresponds to the current menu settings. In the middle position, the panoramic shooting mode is turned on, and in the lower position - video recording, which you can start and end with the shutter button.
Display
To the right of the controls, the rear panel space is occupied by a 2.7-inch display with a resolution of 230 thousand pixels. Indoors and on cloudy days, it provides enough room for composing and playing back photographs, but the image is not very bright. The relatively low screen resolution of the Sony DSC W830 is not called user reviews too problematic, since the menu has the option to choose a better display, although it is much less contrast and therefore makes viewing difficult in bright conditions. The advantage is not so big as to sacrifice the battery charge.
Battery life
With standard resolution, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W830 allows you to take 210 shots. The COOLPIX S3600 does not look much better with 230 frames - this is a rather mediocre indicator for an economical compact. The battery is charged in the camera either using the supplied charger, or by connecting to a laptop or other suitable power source using the supplied USB cable. It's nice to see that Sony is moving away from its proprietary connectors, as this means that you can use any Micro B cable. The serial port and AV output are located at the bottom, which is a bit unusual.
Flash
Sony DSC W830 is equipped with a built-in flash, which is located just above and to the right of the lens. Its maximum range with a wide-angle lens position is 3.2 m, which is 30 cm inferior to the COOLPIX S3600, but the difference is quite small. The indicated distances are calculated at a sensitivity of ISO 1600. If it is reduced, then the working distance will be much shorter - less than 1 m at ISO 100. Nevertheless, the flash provides enough light for close objects and can be used as a fill.
Conclusion
Sony DSC W830 is a simple camera. It is an ultracompact with 8x zoom. There are models with a large increase, but they usually have a larger case and a higher cost. Cameras with a wide range of functionality are also available, but they do not have 8x optics. Although the camera does not have high characteristics, it copes exactly where it is needed. Image quality is provided by a 20-megapixel sensor, which is very good for its price range.
If you want to have a larger and clearer screen, Wi-Fi, faster burst speed, 1080p video and more effects, then you will have to increase the budget. But for those who clearly understand that they are getting a compact with 8x magnification and a basic set of functions, the Sony DSC W830 camera will provide everything that it promises, and this, of course, makes it worthy of recommendation.