Sony Cybershot DSCT7 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [2.07mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 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: B0007XY6QY
• Item model number: DSCT7
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,314 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 9, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony's DSCT7 5.1-megapixel camera brings super-compact size to a new level. The camera is 3/8 inches thin at its narrowest point and 5/8 inches thin at its widest. Despite its small size, the camera still includes the quality features you've come to expect from Sony digital cameras, including a large, 2.5-inch LCD display, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom, and enough megapixels to help you capture detail for photo-quality prints up to 13 x 17 inches.

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.

The T7's super-size 2.5-inch display is much larger than the 1.5-inch displays common to ultra-compact cameras.

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 DSCT7 includes Clear Photo LCD technology which provides higher resolution, contrast ratio and brightness. Images in the LCD will have up to a 40% improvement in color reproduction than previous models.

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.

The Sony DSCT7 is a mere 5/8 inches thin.

Super Compact Slim Body
The ultra-compact and thin size (9.8 millimeters) of the DSCT7 makes it the perfect camera to tuck in a pocket or purse for high-quality, high resolution photos almost anywhere.

Real Imaging Processor Technology
The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSCT7 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, and improves battery stamina.

This compact body contains Sony's Real Imaging Processor, a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens, a 5.1 MP CCD, and more.

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 12x 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.

Magnifying Glass Mode
With its extraordinarily close focusing capability (1 centimeter) and oversized LCD, the DSCT7'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 Autofocus
By evaluating 5 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 (Autofocus) Illuminator
Briefly illuminating the subject, in low or no-light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.

Multi-Pattern Measuring
Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.

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 10 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter, Candle, and Magnifying Glass.

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, and 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
Supplied NP-FE1 InfoLithium battery; Provides reliable power for continuous shooting, without memory effect of other battery types.

Camera Desktop Stand Supplied
Placing the DSC-T7 on the Camera Desktop Stand and using the supplied multi-connector 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.

Product Description

Sony DSC-T7 5.1-megapixel camera brings super-compact size to a new level. The camera is 3/8 inches thin at its narrowest point and 5/8 inches thin at its widest. That's a stark contrast to its integrated 2.5-inch LCD display (that's among the largest size screens in this class). Images are sharp because Sony uses a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom. The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-T7 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, and improves battery stamina. With still and movie modes, and a special docking station to make charging and transferring images easier, this digital-camera is perfect for you and your family. 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. Multi-mode electronic-flash Stores all images on Memory Stick(R) Duo media; captures VGA audio-video clips (length limited only by media) - Tested to support up to 1GB capacity Can transfer images to a Windows PC and/or a Macintosh computer Dimensions - 3 5/8 x 2 3/8 x 5/8 w/LCD Cover; 4.1 Ounces

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

262 of 271 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect second camera for hobbyists, May 22, 2005

By 

James F. Strasma "strasma" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT7 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I've already been the happy owner of a Sony DSC-F828 "big" camera for over a year, and still consider it perfect for my serious photographic needs.

However, precisely _because_ it is so big, it can be very inconvenient to bring along, and also very intimidating to potential picture subjects.

Enter the new Sony DSC-T7. I didn't realize just how _much_ smaller, or more precisely, how much thinner it is than all other digital cameras until I saw it in person. It not only fits in a shirt pocket, it fits in a shirt pocket _along_with_ a Treo or an iPod. Because its 3x zoom lens is folded, it does not protrude at all when taking pictures, meaning most subjects won't even realize a camera is pointed at them, let alone that it is zoomed in and high resolution. This greatly easy getting natural expressions in informal photos.

Next, the specifications of the T7 are better than those of other similar Sony cameras such as the T1 and T33 in ways I care about, such as doubling the number of pixels in the 2.5" LCD screen, including an auto-focus assist lamp, and USB 2.0 support without needing driver software when used with Windows XP.

One of my pet peeves about digital cameras is that they are not protected from the elements. The T7 helps this in two ways. First, its on/off switch is a solid lens cover. Second, the camera fits easily in the smallest size zip-loc sandwich bag, and can easily be operated while in the bag, providing serious dust and splash protection.

One further protection is needed, but easily handled. The LCD needs protection, which I provided by covering it with a sheet of screen protector plastic left over from an old PDA.

As you might expect from such a thin device, battery life is somewhat limited (about an hour of continuous use, set up for maximum brightness, continuous focus adjustment, and automatic flash. For that reason, I bought a spare battery, and since the charger is bigger than the camera, suggest other buyers do the same.

Similarly, plan on getting more memory immediately. The supplied 32M is good for only 14 pictures at top resolution. I settled for 512M, the largest I could actually buy at time of purchase, but would recommend the new 1GB size if available to you as you buy. The memory door appears a bit flimsy, so it seems best not to need to open it too often.

I bought this for my point and shoot wife to take on a week-long trip, and thereafter to have it with us whenever a shot might present itself, but not surely enough to carry the large camera, or in situations where keeping the large camera clean and dry might be an issue.

If you too are a serious hobbyist, do be aware of unavoidable limitations: 1) 5MP is good, but not as good as the 7MP of a few also (barely) pocketable cameras. I decided smaller size outweighed higher resolution, but you may feel differently. 2) F4 is 2 full stops dimmer than the F2 of my other camera, which matters quite a bit when the light is low, as does 3) the ASA maximum of 400, rather than 800. There's also 4) no place to attach a filter. For a second camera, these are all perfectly acceptable compromises, in my opinion.

Highly recommended as a second camera for hobbyists, or as a first camera for folks who want a very convenient and very high quality point and shoot camera.

121 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joggably tiny and great camera!, May 30, 2005

By 

Steve M. Potter (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT7 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

My main criterion for my 2nd digital camera was: can I jog with it in my pocket? Of all the 5mp+ I looked at, this is the only one that really won't be annoying. And has now been tested on several jogs with great success. It is very solid, sturdy, and dense. It really is as wide and high as a credit card, and LESS than a cm thick, not counting the sturdy lens cover. That cover was a big selling feature for me, as I am afraid of those flimsy metal leaves that close to 'protect' some lenses, while in my pocket. Although it has slid open by itself in my pocket, but the auto-off protected its battery.

After 3 weeks, I have taken many great photos with it. It has an amazing macro capability: better than 1:1! It really is like a magnifier, the icon they use for that mode.
I miss the time-lapse feature of my Canon S50 ("intervalometer") and hope Sony gets a firmware upgrade to include that. Although this is not a full 'manual' camera, it has many adjustable features, and seems to choose well when you let its AI do the adjusting. The video is awesome, esp. at full res (640x480) as is the sound. In fact, you could set it to low res, just to use it as a sound recorder-- well over an hour on my 512M stick. At high res, you get only ~10 min on a gig stick, but considering this is not a camcorder, that is fine for capturing many moving 'images'.

I LOVE the very fast start-up, well less than 1 sec. Great for catching those spontaneous shots while riding in a car. And it is quiet: no motors whining to give away your photographic intensions. (The zoom motor is virutally inaudible).

I was very pleasantly surprised how intuitive all the buttons are laid out, and menus too. Sony did a lot of usability testing. Much better than my Canon. And the buttons are the sturdiest of its class of tiny cams.

It has a tiny tripod hole, so needs their adaptor/desk-stand to mount (included). Battery is tiny but not as feeble as some reviews reported. I love Sony's 'infolithium' that tell you how many minutes you have left. Get an extra, tho. The screen is awesome, and can be booped up for easy view in broad daylight. Who needs a viewfinder?

Sensitivity and noise are pretty good-night images possible. Image colors are over the top, so I turned down the 'saturation' setting.

It is so tiny, you better use that long neck strap so you don't lose it. I keep it tied to my belt loop and forget I have it with me at all times now.

If you want the best really small digital camera out now (May 2005) then this is the one.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressed by image quality, and great indoor outdoor images., August 18, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCT7 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I am utterly impressed by this camera. Ill explain this review in 3 parts, the overall quality, and its uses.

Indoor Images
Many people complain about indoor images and I must admit i at first when purchasd this camera was very dissappointed at the orange brownish tinge from this camera, but i also discovered something new after a few days of owning this digital camera. Well the thing that really causees the brownish tinge in this camera is the type of flash thingy. If you are using this camera in low light conditions indoor, try using auto flash, as and it will have no brownish tinge, i have tested this many times and can confirm this, and when taking images in a fully lit area, use SLOW SYNCRO FLASH, this flash makes the color so accurate that you can't possibly see any oragne tinge. i compared it with auto flash and what a difference it made. When i mean dark areas for auto flash also I don't mean like complete black. Ill show you an example. Lets say ur in a room and half of it is lit, or the light source doesnt reach the whole room, like half the room is darker, than on the darker side use auto flash, and on the brighter side use slow syncro flash. It has high color accuracy, u just have to be steady. When taking pictures in complete darkness, the flash shows no significant difference. Also with the flash indoors, the book does show the distance, i know tons of people have not followed the distance and get overexposed pictures and complain its the cameras fault when its not. I think the distance for flash on the W side, normal is 3 and a half feet up to 8 feet something.
After i followed these simple rules, i never had a brownish tinge in my images, and some of these pictures i tested were used using floursecent lighting, and some with natural light.

Outdoor
Outdoor images turn great in auto mode, no really need to set anything unless you want to take landscapes, they have settings for those already. Amazing quality, and if your taking pictures of people being being lighted from behind, try raising the ev a little higher, and use force flash.

Overall
Great, compact camera. The images is what a 5 megapixel camera should have, i don't see why people complain about is to much. Sure its fine to complain to sony that the manual didn't show them how to take indoor images and how to use the slow syncro options. All my tests were done in the auto setting with only changes in flash, because the auto wb are already good. This camera is simply amazing, and is good for students/adults that just take pictures for family vacations, school projects. The price is also perfect for a camera this small and i do not complain about the battery life. And easy to use for just a point and shoot as you dont really need to change the settings. Hope this helps those that are deciding to get this camera or having trouble taking indoor images.