Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0007CZ7AO
• Item model number: DSCT33
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,203 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 15, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Sony's easy to use Cyber-shot DSCT33 has something to offer all levels of user with its 5.1 effective megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch Clear Photo Hybrid LCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens, advanced camera features, and super-slim robust metal body.

Little Marvel
You can be sure of a perfect picture with the Sony Cyber-shot T33. Though amazingly slim (about the size of a pack of cards), it's packed with features to make life easier for both basic and advanced users. With a 5.1 effective megapixel CCD and the special Sony Real Imaging Processor providing the quality control, your colors will be richer, the detail finer, and your resulting prints larger than ever. It's easier to shoot photos as well. The monitor on the back is comprised of a very substantial 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD with Clear Photo technology, which means that you can view your subject, frame your shot, or review your pictures on a clear, bright screen--even in strong the sunlight.

Precision Engineering
The slim profile of the Sony Cyber-shot T33 hasn't stopped Sony from incorporating a very high quality zoom lens, folded within the metal body to keep the exterior as thin as possible. Carl Zeiss the Vario-Tessar 3x Optical Zoom guarantees that your images will be crystal clear, no matter how much you zoom in. If you need a little extra help, the 6x Digital Zoom, 14x Smart Zoom facility, and 1-centimeter Macro in Magnifying Glass modes are on hand for subjects near and far.

Photos to Go
Small enough for a handbag or shirt pocket, you can take this camera anywhere. If you're at the beach or on the ski slopes, at a fireworks display or at a child's birthday, there's a setting for you among the nine Scene Selection modes. No need to worry about exposure or shutter speed--it's all been pre-set. Just choose the mode to fit and shoot away. Using Sony Memory Stick for storage means you can share your pictures just as easily, or print them out by connecting the camera directly to a PictBridge-compatible printer.

While you can take the fully automatic route with this compact camera, not everyone wants to just point and shoot when faced with a good photo opportunity; sometimes you'd like to be a bit more creative. Sony has the answer with the many advanced photographic features on the Cyber-shot T33. Easily adjust the colour saturation, sharpness, and contrast--all this and more is capable with this marvelously thin camera.

Powered Up
Battery performance isn't a problem either as you can fire off up to 180 shots on a single charge of the battery--you won't miss the action because the Real Imaging Processor provides a very quick camera response time. If you do run out of juice, just charge it up again with the power adaptor or dock the camera in the Cyber-shot Station. This companion cradle for the Cyber-shot T33 starts charging the battery as soon as you dock the camera. While it's there, you can view a slideshow or high-resolution MPEG video on the big LCD (the Cyber-shot Station angles the screen perfectly) or on the even bigger TV screen. You can even choose to edit or print your photos while the battery charges. All the connectivity you'll need is on the Cyber-shot station.

About Stamina and Ease of Use
The camera would be nowhere without power, and for this the Cyber-shot T33 makes use of a rechargeable InfoLithium battery that, combined with Sony's Stamina power management, can provide 180 shots on one charge.

For viewing your images and framing your shots on the sizeable 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD monitor, the Cyber-shot T33 makes use of Sony's Clear Photo LCD anti-reflective technology for higher contrast, resolution, and brightness, as well as an enlarged color range. Thanks to Sony's Hybrid technology, the LCD is able to present your subject, menu, and images clearly in bright, outdoor conditions, such as at the ski resort or on the beach, where contrast can often cause viewing problems. The panel protects the LCD and the menu has also been enhanced for ease of use, activating a new animated and enlarged icon feature whenever the user changes the Flash, Macro, or Self-Timer setting.

Ease of use is also behind the provision of the nine Scene Selection modes offered by the Cyber-shot T33. As well as setting automatic exposure, aperture, and shutter speed for a variety of conditions and environments (such as twilight portrait, landscape, or fireworks), there is a high-speed shutter mode and a Magnifying Glass mode. This latter mode works well in conjunction with the large LCD, presenting macro images magnified up to 3.3 times and allowing close shooting down to a distance of 1 centimeter.

The camera has several advanced focussing options including Multi-point and Spot Auto Focus (AF) as well as options for saturation, contrast, and sharpness. There is an exposure bracketing setting and noise reduction options include Clear Color NR and Clear Luminance NR to produce images with finer detail and less noise.

Compact storage is provided by Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo, connectivity options include Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and an enhanced version of the PictBridge interface provides a way for the Cyber-shot T33 to connect directly to a compatible printer without the need for a PC.

About the Real Imaging Processor
The Real Imaging Processor was designed by Sony to provide a faster start-up time, enhanced color reproduction, and an improved signal to noise ratio, resulting in greatly improved picture quality and camera operation. Considerable multi-burst shooting is possible thanks to the Real Imaging Processor as well as a beneficial effect on the battery performance of the Cyber-shot T33. It also makes high-resolution video possible with this digital still camera, recording footage in MPEG Movie VX Fine (480 x 460, 30 frames per second) format--the recording time is only limited by the capacity of your Memory Stick PRO Duo media (optional).

About the Cyber-shot Station and Accessories
Supplied with the Cyber-shot T33, the Cyber-shot Station is a powered cradle that allows the camera to be docked when not being used for shooting. The Cyber-shot station begins charging the battery as soon as the camera is docked and tilted at an ideal angle the camera can provide a slideshow on its large 2.5-inch LCD monitor. It also provides USB, printer, and AV connectivity, so viewing images on a TV or working with them on a PC is simply done.

Sony also includes a variety of accessories with the Cyber-shot T33. These include a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo and adaptor, an AC adaptor, wrist strap, camera holder for tripod, a CD containing software (including Picture Package, Image Mixer) and a USB driver, as well as AV and USB cables. Other optional accessories include an NP-FT1 InfoLithium Battery, several stylish carrying cases as well as underwater housing (MPK-THB) which allows diving with your camera to a depth of 40 meters. (Optional accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.)

Features

• 1/2.4-inch 5.1 Megapixel Effective Super HAD CCD
  Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCDs provide excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
  The Vario-Tessar lens is specially produced for compact cameras and provides rapid auto focus with appealing zoom range. Utilizing a highly transmissive optical grade prism, the lens is housed entirely inside the camera body, and does not need to extend for use.
• Compact Slim Body
  The ultra-compact and thin size (17.3 millimeters) of the DSC-T33 makes it the perfect camera to tuck in a pocket or purse for high-quality, high resolution photos almost anywhere.
• Real Imaging Processor
  The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-T33 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, and improves battery stamina.
• 3x Optical/2x Digital/6x Total Zoom
  3x Optical Zoom helps you frame your shots for better digital pictures. And Sony's Precision Digital Zoom provides an additional 2x magnification without the jagged edges of other designs, resulting in smoother images.
• 0 to 4x Smart Zoom Feature (Up to 12x at VGA Resolution)
  Smart Zoom intelligently uses the full CCD to let you zoom into the portion of interest by cropping the image size--thus avoiding the image degradation of Digital Zooms.
• 14-Bit DXP A/D Conversion
  Sony's 14-bit Digital EXtended Processor captures the range between highlight and shadow with up to 16,384 values, for extended dynamic contrast and detail.
• 2.5-Inch Hybrid LCD Monitor
  The enormous 2.5-inch LCD provides a high resolution view while shooting, with transmissive/reflective Hybrid design for extraordinary brightness in direct sunlight and large, easy-to-read menus. Unique in such a compact camera, this large screen makes it easy to share image playback with friends.
• Clear Photo LCD
  The DSC-T33 includes the new Clear Photo LCD which provides higher resolution, contrast ratio and brightness. Images in the LCD will have up to a 40% improvement in color reproduction.
• Magnifying Glass Mode
  With its extraordinarily close focusing capability (1 centimeter) and oversized LCD, the DSC-T33's Magnifying Glass mode can display images at over 3x actual size. This powerful capability opens up new possibilities in Macro photography.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus
  By evaluating five separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator
  Briefly illuminating the subject, in low or no-light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Continuous Auto Focus
  To maintain accurate focus lock with fast moving subjects, Continuous AF keeps focusing from the time the camera is turned on until the moment of exposure, providing properly focused images even when your subject is moving.
• Memory Stick Duo Media
  Digital. Powerful. Transportable. Memory Stick Duo media is compact, portable, and rugged--connecting a variety of hardware and software applications.
• Scene Selection Mode
  With 9 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, High Speed Shutter, Fireworks, Magnifying Glass, and Candle.
• Multi-Burst Mode
  Captures 16 consecutive 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera or as a single image on your computer. Selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second frame intervals provide convenient motion analysis.
• MPEG Movie VX Fine Modes
  Captures VGA (640 x 480) high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second) audio/video clips with length limited only by the capacity of the media. Video mail mode captures smaller file sizes suitable for email.
• Pre-Flash Metering
  With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• Rechargeable InfoLithium Battery
  Provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, without memory effect. The supplied AC-LM5 adapter/charger provides stable power for USB transfer.
• Cyber-shot Station Supplied
  Placing the DSC-T33 on the supplied Cyber-shot Station provides a quick and easy connection between the camera and a TV for easy viewing, or a USB supported computer for MPEG video and still image transfer. It also supplies power to the camera for charging the battery.

Product Description

MD) CL) SONY DSC-T33 DIGITAL CAMERA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly nice, April 13, 2005

By 

EgusHdus (Hua Hin, Thailand USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) (Electronics)

I own the DSC-F828 (8 megapixel) Sony...and do a lot of varied work, usually taking it everywhere. But it's a bit slow out of the bag sometimes, for a simple snapshot. Therefore I purchased this camera (the T-3 Euro version) as an adjunct to the big brother.

Frankly, 5 Megapixel appears a bit less sharp now that I'm used to 8 Megapixel ....and the lens CAN be a tiny bit soft focus in low light. Yes, there's relativly few manual adjustments, too.

Flash is not bad, works well as a fill in sunlight, a bit harsh indoors. But then I shot a lot of no-flash, as slow as an 1/8, handheld. It works well. Nice colors, too,

However, this little devil powers up FAST as I draw it from the Sony leather belt holster. Red Eye reduction, 3x zoom, *HUGE* view screen (really impressive for showing off to your friends what you just shot...), neat carry strap.

This thing is really HANDY....not as your ONLY camera but as the all-day, EVERY-DAY camera. It fits on your belt in as little space as a cell phone with the abilty to shoot all day long....

I bought a travel charger & spare battery (these can charge while I shoot), extra memory (came with a 32mb - I bought a 128, then a 256. You buy a 512.), and the nice Sony leather belt case. Look for a USB memory stick reader, like the wonderful SanDisk MobileMate MS (the size, literally, of a USB flash drive, i.e. keyring-able), and you're ready.

You can afford this. Think about it. Super small, excellent quality, out of the way...but ALWAYS there. Get it. Or, let me put it another way, "Can you afford less?".

PS What I REALLY like about this camera is that my big 828 scares the pants off my subjects because it's seen (to them) as "professional", yet no one runs away when I pull this little guy out. You can see the differences in their attitude right away.

I get more intimate pictures, with minimal quality loss, using this camera far more frequently, now, than the 828.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Compact Camera - The Shape of things to come, April 7, 2005

By 

D. Durnin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) (Electronics)

I bought this camera about a month ago and have been truly impressed. I know a bit about digital cameras having owned a few over the years and this camera presses all the right buttons for me. The camera is small, about the size and weight of a pack of playing cards, smaller even. The styling is great and the build quality is top notch. The camera has many features normally found on larger format cameras. The video quality is superb and nearly does away with the need for a camcorder for those holiday videos, works best out doors and in daylight. There is no set limit to video length except for the capacity of the memory card. A 1 Gig card holds about 13min of highest quality video, long enough for any take I can think of. The general picture quality is very good for a compact and the prints I've made to A4 paper are spot on. It is fast to start up and "reload". The LCD screen quality is the best I've seen on a compact. The macro/magnifying mode is a revelation, allowing for some "microscope" type close-ups. The interface is intuitive and user friendly. In conclusion this camera is perfect for the average user who needs a highly portable quality digital camera. Recommended upgrade would be a 512mb or 1Gig memory card for that high quality video.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good camera, but with a lot of downsides..., September 9, 2005

By 

Mel Blanc - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) (Electronics)

We purchased this camera as a replacement for our bulky Sony DSC-P52, which stopped working after year or so due to a problem with the lens mechanism. Naturally, only time will tell if this is any different, but in the meantime, here's what you need to know about this baby:

The Good:

1) Size and weight - Fits almost comfortably in any pocket. Much thinner and lighter than any previous digital camera I've owned, thus encourages one to carry it most anywhere. The size is also pretty comfortable for one-hand shooting.

2) Big LCD screen - You didn't need me to tell you this, right? Makes previewing images and taking shots much more satisfying, though sometimes it does not appear very clear, especially if the subject is not static. However, it is bright and rich in color.

3) InfoLithium - This is Sony's name for a battery that tells you how much time it has left - only approximately, of course. If use is consistent, will provide you with a good idea. If you use one function then another then another, it tends to vary much more and is not as useful.

4) Integrated charger/USB station - A flimsy plastic cradle takes care of charging the on-board battery as well as providing a USB hookup for downloading images and video into the computer. Minimizes wires and removes the need for a separate charger, though the bright white color is far from a match.

The Bad:

1) Focusing problems - The camera cannot focus on objects that are relatively close to it. I am not speaking about macros, but simply the function - or lack thereof - to focus on small, near objects, such as coins, stamps, or text. Quick focus on objects farther away, though.

2) Integrated Battery - I listed the InfoLithium as a positive, but the fact that you cannot just pop-in a couple of AA batteries means you will always need the station or the plug to charge up if you need some juice. I don't know if the battery is universal, but even if it is, it will cost substantially more to purchase a replacement.

3) Incompatible Memory Sticks - I will not complain about Sony's desire to make consumers pay more for its cards than adopting a standard, but this camera uses the MemoryStick Duo, which is about 1/4 or so smaller than the "regular" MemoryStick. This means that the hundreds you may have invested in memory cards for previous Sony digital cameras are pretty useless, as they do not fit into this or any other device using the smaller cards.

4) Ineffective Flash - The flash is tiny, thus does not provide adequate illumination in the dark. Within a few feet is okay, but farther subjects are not touched.

5) 3x Optical Zoom - C'mon, this is 2005! 3x optical zoom is pretty pathetic for such an expensive camera.

6) Slow Write Speed - There is a decent pause between pictures, meaning you not be able to shoot at a rapid rate. You can certainly take pictures in bursts, but it takes even longer to write to the memory stick. Previewing the images is also slow. This is also disappointing, as it's not faster than my older P52.

7) No Tripod Hookup - If you wish to use a tripod, you have to mount the camera on the plastic station, then connect the tripod to the plastic dock. This is far from ideal.

Well, there you have it. The negatives I listed may be insignificant for you, in which case this could be a great value for you. I am certainly happy with it, but I only wish Sony would stop treating its customers like cash cows with changing standards, compatibilities, and dubious long-term quality.