Sony DSC-V3 review updated to full production status
By
Dave Etchells
(Thursday, December 2, 2004 - 12:51 EST)
Having now worked and lived with a production sample for a couple of weeks, I can say that the Sony DSC-V3 digital camera is a very compelling/appealing entrant in the high-end digicam derby.
It's exceptionally responsive, in terms of both shutter lag and shot to shot cycle times. Image quality is very good, with good color (if a little bright on highly-saturated colors), and its images are sharp from corner to corner. It does have a tendency to use a too-small aperture when shooting in bright conditions (eg, outdoors in full daylight), with the result that using it in Program or Auto mode can result in lost detail relative to the camera's true capabilities.
While the need to watch the lens aperture does introduce a minor additional hassle-factor in your shooting, the V3 offers some pretty compelling advantages of its own. Two of those "compelling advantages" have to do with after-dark shooting: The Sony V3's unique Night Shot and Night Framing modes work together with its (also unique) Hologram AF-Assist feature to provide truly unparalleled capability for low- and no-light photography. Battery life is also really excellent, with a worst-case run time of just under three hours.
Wrap all this capability up in an attractive all-black body with plenty of metal panels and very high build quality, slap a beautiful 2.5" LCD screen on the back, and you've got a really compelling entrant at the high end of the prosumer digicam market. Highly recommended, and an easy Dave's Pick as one of the best digital cameras on the market. Read the updated Sony DSC-V3 review for all the details!
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