Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530 Overview

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530 digital camera is based around a 1/2.3"-type, 14.1 effective megapixel Sony SuperHAD CCD image sensor with RGB color filter array, coupled to a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branded 4x optical zoom lens. For 4:3 aspect-ratio shooting, the Sony W530's lens offers a 35mm-equivalent range from a generous 26mm wide angle to a moderate 105mm telephoto, while 16:9 shooting yields a sensor crop and 28 - 114mm equivalent focal range. The lens has a two-step aperture with ND filter, which offers either F2.7 or F8.0 at wide angle; at telephoto the maximum aperture is F5.7, and the minimum aperture isn't stated. Autofocusing is possible to a minimum of just four centimeters at wide angle, or 60 centimeters at telephoto. The camera can capture 4:3 aspect ratio images at up to 4,320 x 3,240 pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio images at up to 4,320 x 2,432 pixels, or 30 frames-per-second video at VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution or below with monaural audio.

On the rear panel of the Sony Cyber-shot W530 is a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD panel with a resolution of 230,400 dots. This serves as the only method of framing and reviewing images, since the Sony W530 doesn't feature an optical or electronic viewfinder. The Sony DSC-W530 has a 9-point autofocus system, and includes a face detection system, capable of detecting up to eight faces in a scene. The face detection function is also used to provide a Smile Shutter function that automatically triggers the shutter when your subject is smiling. There's no blink detection feature in the W530, however. The W530 offers three methods for determining exposures - multi-pattern, center-weighted or spot metering. Shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1,600 second are possible under automatic control, and sensitivities ranging from ISO 80 to 3,200 equivalents are on offer. 2.0EV of exposure compensation is available, in 1/3 EV steps. The DSC-W530 doesn't offer any form of optical image stabilization.

Eight white balance settings are available, including auto and seven presets, but there's no manual white balance setting in the Sony W530. As well as Intelligent Auto and Program modes, the W530 offers a selection of nine scene modes -- High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Beach, Snow, Gourmet, and Pet -- which offer a modicum of control over the look of images. The Sony W530 includes a four-mode flash strobe with red-eye reduction capability. Flash range is stated as 0.3 to 3.5 meters at wide angle, or 0.6 to 1.8 meters at telephoto, when using automatic ISO sensitivity. A two- or ten-second self timer allows the photographer to get in the picture themselves, or to avoid camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button when shooting on a tripod.

Images and movies can be recorded on Secure Digital, SDHC, and the latest SDXC card types. The W530 is also compatible with Sony's own proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. No information was available at press time regarding internal memory, if included. The Sony W530 includes standard definition video output connectivity, as well as USB data connectivity. Power comes courtesy of a proprietary NP-BN1 Infolithium battery pack, rated as good for 250 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards.

The Sony W530 digital camera is available from February 2011, priced at around US$130. Five body colors will be available -- silver, black, pink, green, or blue.

Basic Specifications
Resolution:	14.10 Megapixels
Lens:	4.00x zoom (26-105mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
LCD Size:	2.7 inch
ISO:	80-3200
Shutter:	2-1/1600
Max Aperture:	2.7
Mem Type:	MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
Battery:	Custom LiIon
Dimensions:	3.7 x 2.1 x 0.8 in. (93 x 52 x 19 mm)
Weight:	4.0 oz (113 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$130