Sony Cybershot DSCL1 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• 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: B0004HPV58
• Item model number: DSC-L1
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,381 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 26, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The DSC-L1 is the full-featured Cybershot digital camera that is small enough to take anywhere. With a 4.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom and Sony's own Real Imaging Processor, the DSC-L1 features image capture quality on par with a camera twice its size. Other features include PictBridge compatibility for easy printing without a personal computer and MPEG Movie VX Fine video recording when used with Memory Stick PRO Duo media (not included). The Sony DSC-L1 also comes in four colors: silver, blue matte, black, and red.

At only 3 11/15 by 1 3/4 by 1 inches, the DSC-L1 is small enough to be carried easily in your pocket or purse and, at only 5.0 ounces with body, battery, and Memory Stick Duo media, lightweight enough to be worn comfortably with the included neck strap. It is perfect for snap photography wherever you are, so you will always be able to capture life as it happens.

0-10x Smart Zoom feature (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.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
The Vario-Tessar lens is specially produced for very compact cameras. This specialized design allows quick auto-focus, appealing zoom range while still maintaining a compact design.

Real Imaging Processor
The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-T3 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, and improves battery stamina.

14-bit DXP A/D conversion
Sony's 14-bit Digital EXtended Processor (DXP) captures the range between highlight and shadow with up to 16,384 values for extended dynamic contrast and detail.

Five-area Multi-Point Autofocus
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 (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.

Scene Selection mode
With seven Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, or Beach

Slow Shutter Noise Reduction
During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.

Memory Stick Duo media
Digital. Powerful. Transportable. Memory Stick Duo media is compact, portable, and rugged--connecting a variety of hardware and software applications.

MPEG Movie VX Standard/Fine Mode with audio
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.

PictBridge compatibility
Connect to any PictBridge compatible printer with the supplied USB cable and print directly from the camera. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

1/2.7-inch 4.1-megapixel 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.

3x optical/2x digital/6x total zoom
Optical zoom helps you fill the frame with your subject for better pictures. And Sony's Precision Digital Zoom helps bring your subject closer with an extra 2x magnification.

Live Histogram display
Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.

Selectable focus mode
Monitoring AF (autofocus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.

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.

Four-Shot Burst mode
Capture up to four shots at full resolution at 1.1 frames per seconf. Perfect for high-speed subjects or fast-moving action such as sports.

Multi-Burst mode
Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image, which plays back sequentially in the camera. Selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second.

Super compact design
The DSC-L1/R is super compact (less than 100 cubic centimeters) and easy to use, helping you capture life as it happens. Small enough to wear, with colors to complement any fashion.

Rechargeable InfoLithium battery
Provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting without "memory effect." The supplied AC-LS5 adapter/charger provides stable power for USB transfer.

What's in the box:
DSC-L1 camera, NP-FT1 rechargeable InfoLithium battery, AC-LS5 battery charger, tripod adaptor, USB cable, neck strap, MSAM16A Memory Stick media, Memory Stick DUO adaptor, software CD-ROM

Product Description

MD) CL) U) SONY DSC-L1 DIGITAL CAM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Size matters, November 23, 2004

By 

J. Leigh "jleigh7" (chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCL1 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

Many times what determines whether you will use the technology alot is whether you have it readily available when you need it. This is particularly true for cameras, especially if you want to capture all those spontaneous moments in life. Size therefore plays a major factor.

In this camera, Sony proves that size doesn't mean less capability. To be able to pack a 4M pixel camera with 3X optical zoom, and NTSC resolution full motion audio/video capture (with no time limit) in a form factor the size of a candy bar is pure genius.

The interface is easy to use. I picked up the camera and started using it without having to read the manual.

There are only 3 weaknesses with the camera:

1. the microphone is positioned on the top left hand side of the unit so it is easy to cover it up when you are holding the camera to take videos.

2. when in video shooting mode, zoom is fixed but autofocus continues to operate.

3. flash pictures in dark environments can sometimes yield lens flaring.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Little Camera, January 25, 2005

By 

Mauricio (Monterrey, Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCL1 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

I just bought this camera and am extremely happy with it. I have already had the chance to use it under different lighting and it works great with the preset functions. I also bought the sports pack and am absolutely thrilled with it. I took it skiing on the weekend and the camera was perfectly safe. In summer I can take it to the beach and not worry about getting sand or water in it.

When I used it in the snow I used the preset "Snow Function" and the pictures were amazing. It really contrasts the individuals from the extremely bright backgound.

In all, a great camera the size of a candy bar.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Erratic performance, December 27, 2004

By 

Dr. DR "Bronx shrink" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot DSCL1 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

The good: This camera is very attractive: compact and sleek. Pretty easy menu system and the most important functions are readily accessible. When conditions are right, it takes clear, beautiful photos. Rechargeable internal battery means you don't spend a fortune in double A's. LCD screen is a good size.

The bad: Focus problems!! In certain lighting conditions (e.g. fluorescent lights) you cannot take an in focus picture using the automatic setting. I missed so many potentially great holiday pics of my kids due to fiddling around with the settings. Mostly, I simply gave up trying to get a clear pic. I finally contacted Sony tech support and they acknowledged the focus problems under certain lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. They suggested changing the white balance and shutter speed- but when you're a novice photographer, changing these settings is not so intuitive!

Bottom line: Buy a Canon elph. I wish I had. It would have been worth the extra money!