Sony DSC-W35 Review

The 7.2 megapixel Sony DSC-W35 is very similar to its higher priced sibling, the W55. The main difference between the two models is the size of the LCD display -- the W35 display is smaller at 2.0" with only 85,000 pixels. For an extra $20, the Sony W55 increases the LCD size to 2.5" with 115,000 pixels.

As with the W55, the W35 features a 3x optical zoom lens with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branding, an optical viewfinder, and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 1,000 equivalent. Auto and Programmed Auto exposure modes are offered, as well as seven scene modes (Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap).

Other Sony W35 features include 2x "Precision" (interpolating) digital zoom, up to 14x "Smart zoom" (which simply crops to achieve the zoom effect, resulting in lower resolution images), three metering modes (multi-pattern, center-weighted or spot), +/- 2.0EV exposure compensation and a 2 or 10 second self-timer. The DSC-W35 captures movies in MPEG1 format with audio at resolutions up to 640x480 pixels, at a rate of up to 30 frames per second.

Like other recent Sony models, the W35 uses Memory Stick Duo memory cards and comes with a fairly generous 56MB of internal memory available for image storage. Sony DSC-W35 interfaces include USB 2.0 (high-speed) and A/V (NTSC or PAL). Power is provided to the Sony W35 via a Sony NP-BG1 Li-Ion rechargeable battery.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 will reach market February 2007 priced at US$180, and is available direct from Sony at www.sonystyle.com.