Sony DSCU30/L Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Blue)

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [2.14mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 3.4 x 1.6 inches ; 4.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 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: B00009XELJ
• Item model number: B00009XELJ
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,382 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 18, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Cybershot DSC-U30 digital camera is small and light enough to slip in your pocket to snap photos wherever you roam. It features a 2-megapixel resolution, fast start-up to capture shots almost instantaneously, and a movie mode. It comes in two other colors: silver and dark gray.

Optics and Resolution
The Cybershot U30 features a 2-megapixel Super HAD (hole accumulation diod) CCD that captures excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing image noise. It has two resolution modes: high (1632 x 1224) for prints up to 8 x 10 inches, and low (640 x 480) for e-mailing to friends and family. A fixed focus camera, the Cybershot U30 has no optical or digital zoom.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Cybershot U30 can also record up to 15 seconds of 160 x 112 MPEG video (without audio). The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features
The Cybershot U30 has a fast start-up time of 0.9 seconds, enabling you to capture those important shots that other cameras might miss. The camera includes 5 scene modes (soft snap, illumination snap, twilight, active outdoor, and vivid nature) and pre-flash metering, which illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate calculation for a flash-lit shot.

Other features include:

• 1.0-inch LCD for reviewing shots
• VGA burst mode captures five 640 x 480 frames
• Built-in flash with auto, forced on, forced off, and red-eye reduction modes
• Shutter speed: 1/8 - 1/2000 seconds
• Picture effects: solarize, black and white, sepia, and negative art
• Automatic ISO and white balance settings

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored on the included 8 MB Memory Stick, which can store approximately 15 images at 1632 x 1224 pixels. The Cyber-shot DSC-P92 is also compatible with optional Memory Stick PRO media, which can extend data capacity up to 1 GB.

Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via ultrafast USB 2.0, which means it can be connected to any USB-compatible Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. When used with USB 1.1 connection, transfer will slow to USB 1.1 rate.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 2 AAA batteries (rechargeable NiMH batteries included). It measures 3.3 by 1.6 by 1.1 inches and weighs 4.3 ounces (including batteries).

What's In The Box
This package includes the Cybershot DSC-U30 digital camera, 8 MB Memory Stick, neck strap, 2 AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries, battery charger (BC-CS2), and USB cable. The included CD-ROM features Pixela Image Mixer for Sony v1.5 and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

From the Manufacturer

Capturing summer memories on the beach or at a nightclub just got more fun with the new Cyber-shot U-series digital cameras from Sony. The Cyber-shot U30 model has a compact, fashionable design that turns it into an attention-grabbing, wearable accessory that is light enough to hook to a belt loop, drape around the neck or carry in a pocket.

Small enough to wear and hip enough to flaunt, the Cyber-shot U30 comes in three different colors (blue, silver and charcoal grey) to match any outfit or mood. And because of its size, users will find that they will always have a camera on-hand to capture spontaneous and candid moments. For those instances when the user wants to be a part of the picture, the Cyber-shot U30 model features a circular mirror on the sliding lens cover to ensure that the picture is properly framed. The Cyber-shot U30 camera is designed with a simple-to-use interface, but behind-the-scenes, advanced photographic features work to ensure the user to concentrate on capturing the moment without being distracted by camera settings.

• Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots.
• MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn't capture the entire mood, both new digital cameras capture up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends.
• Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors.
• Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: Both units come supplied with Sony's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries with external charger.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent little point-and-shoot camera, August 7, 2003

By 

T. Haynes (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony DSCU30/H Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Dark Gray) (Electronics)

I purchased this camera so I would always have a camera with me. This is smaller than my cell phone (a Kyocera 2255), and fits beautifully in a pocket or around the neck with the provided strap. The camera also uses standard AAA batteries (2 rechargable batteries and a charger come with the camera), which is great in a pinch. The use of standard batteries is why I chose this over the Casio Exlim S2 model, which is similar in actual size and features (though the sony feels smaller because it isn't as tall).

I've used numerous other digicams (some I've owned, some I've borrowed from friends for short trips): Canon A10, Fuji 2800Z, Minolta S404, Kyocera S2, Canon S110, Canon S230, Canon S200, Sony DSC-U53, Canon S30, Sony DSC-U20, Nikon 885, Nikon 4500, Nikon 775... and this Sony U30 ranks somewhere in the middle as far as image quality. It (like most Sony digicams) leans towards oversaturating images, particularly outdoor shots, and the jpeg compression is more extreme than it should be (image sizes are around 500k for 2.0mp images in best quality) which robs the camera of detail, but it is fine for 4x6 prints, which is all you are likely to be using a camera like this for. I do have hope that Sony will offer a higher-quality jpeg option someday with a firmware upgrade (are you reading this, Sony?).

The camera focuses fairly quickly by digicam standards (about 1/2 - 2/3 seconds), and the shot to shot time seems excellent. Movie mode is poor at 160x120 resolution, but its better than nothing. You're not getting a camera like this for movies, so it's something I look at as more of an unexpected perk than a drawback.

The biggest drawbacks, of course, are the lack of zoom and a somewhat weak flash (though the flash isn't useless, it's not as robust as a full digicam)... these are acceptable tradeoffs, considering the image quality is quite good and the ease-of-use is exemplary.

The differences between this and the previous generation Cybershot (the U20) are minor, but are nice to have. The U30 seems to have slightly faster electronics (focusing, shot-to-shot, saving, etc...), the U30 supports Memory Stick Pro (memory sticks above 128mb), and the U30 has a small mirror on the front that makes it easy to frame up self-portraits. Like I said, none of these are features worth upgrading for if you already have a U20, but if you don't have either camera, they are nice perks, since the two cameras are both selling at the same price right now.

I plan to get a second, prosumer grade digicam (probably a Fuji S5000 or S7000) when the next generation arrives on the market this fall, but this camera will probably still get the lion's share of my time because it will ALWAYS be with me. No camera--no matter how expensive or how many bells and whistles it has--does you any good if it's on the shelf at home when you are out in the world and come across a good photo op. With this sony, I never have to worry about missing a shot I want.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent point-and-shoot camera, August 4, 2003

By 

T. Haynes (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony DSCU30/H Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Dark Gray) (Electronics)

I purchased this camera so I would always have a camera with me. This is smaller than my cell phone (a Kyocera 2255), and fits beautifully in a pocket or around the neck with the provided strap. The camera also uses standard AAA batteries (2 rechargable batteries and a charger come with the camera), which is great in a pinch. The use of standard batteries is why I chose this over the Casio Exlim S2 model, which is similar in actual size and features (though the sony feels smaller because it isn't as tall).

I've used numerous other digicams (some I've owned, some I've borrowed from friends for short trips): Canon A10, Fuji 2800Z, Minolta S404, Kyocera S2, Canon S110, Canon S230, Canon S200, Sony DSC-U53, Canon S30, Sony DSC-U20, Nikon 885, Nikon 4500, Nikon 775... and this Sony U30 ranks somewhere in the middle as far as image quality. It (like most Sony digicams) leans towards oversaturating images, particularly outdoor shots, and the jpeg compression is more extreme than it should be (image sizes are around 500k for 2.0mp images in best quality) which robs the camera of detail, but it is fine for 4x6 prints, which is all you are likely to be using a camera like this for. I do have hope that Sony will offer a higher-quality jpeg option someday with a firmware upgrade (are you reading this, Sony?).

The camera focuses fairly quickly by digicam standards (about 1/2 - 2/3 seconds), and the shot to shot time seems excellent. Movie mode is poor at 160x120 resolution, but its better than nothing. You're not getting a camera like this for movies, so it's something I look at as more of an unexpected perk than a drawback.

The biggest drawbacks, of course, are the lack of zoom and a somewhat weak flash (though the flash isn't useless, it's not as robust as a full digicam)... these are acceptable tradeoffs, considering the image quality is quite good and the ease-of-use is exemplary.

The differences between this and the previous generation Cybershot (the U20) are minor, but are nice to have. The U30 seems to have slightly faster electronics (focusing, shot-to-shot, saving, etc...), the U30 supports Memory Stick Pro (memory sticks above 128mb), and the U30 has a small mirror on the front that makes it easy to frame up self-portraits. Like I said, none of these are features worth upgrading for if you already have a U20, but if you don't have either camera, they are nice perks, since the two cameras are both selling at the same price right now.

I plan to get a second, prosumer grade digicam (probably a Fuji S5000 or S7000) when the next generation arrives on the market this fall, but this camera will probably still get the lion's share of my time because it will ALWAYS be with me. No camera--no matter how expensive or how many bells and whistles it has--does you any good if it's on the shelf at home when you are out in the world and come across a good photo op. With this sony, I never have to worry about missing a shot I want.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sony DSC U-30, August 31, 2003

By 

willo "wks3" (Somewhere in CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony DSCU30/L Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Blue) (Electronics)

Bought it for its portability/size since I take most of the pictures when I ride my motorcycle. I do not take a backpack with me (on local canyon roads), and the camera is small enough to fit in the pocket of my riding suit. Have to be careful and not to open the cover accidentally in the pocket. Ok, here they are:

The positives: 1. size 2. well finished 3. fast start up 4. short intervals between pictures 5. create multiple folders for different occasions 6. controls are easy to use 7. option to turn off/on the "beeps" 8. 2.0 MegaPixels is good enough

The negatives: 1. no zoom (except afterwards) 2. LCD could be bigger (re-arrange the buttons) 3. Infolithium Battery?

Size is the main feature, and very satisfied with its performance and picture quality. Worth my $200.00... =)

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