Sony DSC W830 camera: description, specifications

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 resolution 720p. Optical image stabilization is provided. There is no manual exposure control, but there is an automatic, as well as a smile detection function.

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 capabilities of Sony DSC W830 correspond to its tempting price, equal to $ 100. But could the camera be even better?

Design

Amateur photographers who need a compact camera that can easily fit in the pocket of a shirt or jeans will not be disappointed in the Sony W830. The camera is very small, several millimeters smaller in width and height (93 x 53 mm) than the COOLPIX S3600, and a few grams lighter (122 g). True, its thickness, equal to 23 mm, is 3 mm larger than the Nikon camera, but this is due to the protruding lens, and the Sony DSC W830 body is even slightly thinner. The model is not so round. It has a flat top panel, which, in combination with the protruding lens, does not seem very modern and stylish.

In addition, the camera is not too multifunctional. On top is a silver power switch that fits well with a silvery strip along the top panel. Then the shutter is released. There is no zoom control ring. This can be done with the switch on the rear panel. The shutter release button is in the form of an oval and, like a switch, does not protrude from the housing. According to user feedback, 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 distance of the half-pressing, which activates autofocusing and exposure 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.

At the back in the upper right corner is the aforementioned zoom switch. Below is a 4-way control panel, around which are placed the menu buttons, playback and delete. On the right is a black plastic mode slider. It has 3 positions, the uppermost of which corresponds to the current menu settings. In the middle position, panorama mode is activated, and at the bottom - video recording, you can start and end with the shutter button.

Display

To the right of the controls, the back panel space is occupied by a 2.7-inch display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. Indoors and on cloudy days, it provides enough opportunities for composing and playing photos, but the image is not very bright. The relatively low screen resolution of the Sony DSC W830 reviews users too problematic not called, because the menu has the ability to choose a better display, although it is much less contrast and, therefore, makes it difficult to view in bright conditions. The advantage is not so great as to sacrifice the battery charge.

Duration of autonomous work

With the standard Sony Cyber-shot resolution, the DSC W830 allows 210 shots to be taken. 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 or 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 any Micro B cable can be used. 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 at the wide-angle position of the lens is 3.2 m, which is 30 cm inferior to the COOLPIX S3600, but the difference is rather insignificant. These distances are calculated at an ISO 1600 sensitivity. If it is reduced, the working distance will become much shorter - less than 1 m at ISO 100. However, the flash provides enough light for nearby objects and can be used as a filler.

Conclusion

Sony DSC W830 is a simple camera. It's an ultra-compact with 8x zoom. There are models and with a large increase, but they tend to have a larger body and a higher cost. Also available cameras with a large set of functionality, but they do not have 8x optics. Although the camera does not have high performance, it copes exactly where it is needed. The image quality is provided by a 20-megapixel sensor, which is very good for its price range.

If there is a desire to have a larger and sharper screen, Wi-Fi, higher speed of serial shooting, video resolution 1080p and more effects, the budget will have to be increased. But for someone who clearly understands that he receives a compact 8x magnification and basic set of functions, the Sony DSC W830 will provide everything that promises, and this certainly makes it worth recommending.