Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Well, this is my 3rd digital camera, and my second Sony. I recently sold my Canon SD110, which was an excellent camera but I needed the $$$. This camera I wanted it to be an upgrade, so I went from a 3.2 to a 4 megapixel camera. I am very happy so far.

Probably the biggest selling point is the SIZE, Wow! My Canon was a bit thinner, but this is smaller and with more megapixels for 25$ less than my Canon when I bought it new.

For me, Canon and Sony are in a dead heat when it comes to consumer friendly/amateur/high resolution/amazingly compact cameras. Canon has a bit of a technical edge because they seem to have more features and better photo quality (probably not discernable to the naked eye). But Sony has the technical edge on simplicity and size. You decide which is best, but both brands are excellent.

I am happy so far, and I highly recommend this camera. If you want great, high resolution photos, with a metal encased camera the size of a chubby snickers bar(just shorter) for about two-fifty$, then this is the camera for you.

After loyally toting around my first Sony digital camera for over 6 years, I decided that I needed a smaller one. I have had this the L1 for over 6 months. It is so easy to use, and the pictures are magnificent. The camera was worth every penny. I think that you really pay for the camera's design as the specs are quite average compared to other cameras of the same price. I am a Sony girl, though, and am willing to pay the extra cash for a high quality product.
My only mishap with the camera was with the flash. I set the flash to SL (Slow synchro) not knowing that this setting is for low light which slows the shutter speed. All of my pictures were horribly blurry! Thank goodness I dug up the manual and read up on camera's settings. While I was able to use the camera immediatly after bringing it home, I highly recommend that you take a few moments to look over the advanced settings and the LCD icons in the manual... You never know, it may save you a few moments of confusion someday!
I highly recommend this camera. It is easy to use and tiny enough to carry in your pocket or purse - perfect for those impromptu pics. Whether you print at home or professionally, you will be 100% pleased with the quality of your prints.

Overall, I'd have to say that I love this camera. The only reason why I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the flash is weak. Unless you're standing very close to your subject in dark environments, your picture will come out dark.

However, the other positive features of this camera outweigh that one negative.

Because of its size, I can take this camera anywhere. I've owned cameras before, but since they were larger, I'd never take it with me and thus miss photo opportunities. I barely notice this one is in my bag.

Second, contrary to other reviews, I feel that this camera is fairly durable. I bought the Sony LCS-LA leather carrying case, which is hard, not soft (as described in Amazon), and I've dropped this camera a few times in this case with no problems.

Third, this camera takes BEAUTIFUL daytime pictures. The colors come out so rich and vibrant.

This camera is well worth it for the point-and-shoot consumer.
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Update: I've had this camera for almost two years now, and it's still working great. I bought the underwater case on Ebay at a discount, tried it in the ocean, and the camera still works fine. Also, I found a way to strengthen the flash in dark environments. In the menu, change the environment setting to Program, and then before you take a picture, point the control knob up to change the flash setting until it shows the lightning bolt with the "+" sign next to it. Hope that helps.

Wanted a small, but good camera. Went with Sony due to their reputation for good products. We have only had this for a year and it already broke. There seems to be a steady humming coming from it as if a fan is stuck on. When you make a movie with it, that is all you hear. Picture quality is awful. Not impressed at all!!!

This is an okay digital camera, but I was expecting better quality, especially with it being a Sony. I was disappointed with the flash- it does not illuminate as well as my other Sony cybershot (DSC-U20), which was surprising. Some of the pictures also come out more blurry as well- the reason I purchased it was for the zoom and was expecting it to be at least of the quality that I get with my U20 (which does not have a zoom feature). The accessories are nice- I also purchased the waterproof case and it works well with it, but it was almost half the price of the camera itself.

i've had this camera for about a year, and had no problems at all until recently when the control knob broke. that one button basically renders the whole camera useless because you cant control any of the functions whatsoever. and since sony only covers the product for a year, i cant get it fixed. the battery is drained even though its not on too. and you have to buy larger memory card otherwise its useless to buy a 4.1 megapixel camera since the one they give you only holds 9 pictures. night pictures come out in a blur too. and the lcd screen could be a bit bigger, but its good if you just want to see how the picture came out without any crazy zooming.

The camera is compact and easy to use.
Takes really good day time pictures and video options is nice.
I no-longer need to carry my video camera on vacation for those simple quick video shots.
The only problem with the camera is the night time shooting.
Most of the time the pictures come out blurry. The resason is the camera shutter opens so long to capture light that you can't hold it still enough to get a good picture. The flash is also weak and doesn't work beyond 6 or 8 feet.