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Details at a glance
Megapixels: 6
Zoom: 3x (opt), 6x (dig)
LCD screen: 2 inch
Storage: MS [PRO] Duo (32mb int)
Size: 99 x 52 x 36.8mm
Weight: 181g
(full details at the bottom of the page)
We clicked with
Extra long flash throw, lightweight and fast, good all round automatic picture performance.
Shots in the dark
Lack of AV socket, few manual options
Links
More
Sony information
www.sony.co.uk
Price Comparison:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600
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Although not as slim as some current cameras, the DSC-S600 is significantly cheaper, and you get Sony quality and features. For many people the size is much better as it's easier to hold and there's space to set the controls out in a more intuitive layout. You also get an optical viewfinder, which many people still find is a more natural way to take photos, and a decent tripod socket.
Cut your cloth
Sony's price is £159.00 at the time of writing but you should be able to find it on the web at £125 without effort and £150 or less in shops. So what do you miss out on compared to the more expensive compact cameras? The LCD is smaller than some at 2in and the resolution isn't that great. The lens won't accept any filters or other add-on accessories and the case is plastic rather than alloy; so although it's lighter, it feels less substantial. There's no AV-out port for displaying pictures on a TV screen, and it's not compatible with the Cyber-shot docking station.
In terms of shot selection, there's no manual setting for aperture or shutter priority and no manual focus. The usual Sony 'mode' dial has also gone, with all those functions controlled from the menu system instead. That's not going to be a problem for someone who hasn't used a mode dial before, but anyone looking for more than point-and-shoot is probably going to want to look elsewhere.
Good news
All of those price-trimming omissions are not necessarily going to be bad for the S600's target market though, and there are some impressive features on this camera. You're getting 6 megapixels for a start, a very clear Carl Zeiss 31—93mm zoom lens, and a surprising range of ISO settings, up to 1000, though noise is noticeable at that level.
The camera is starts up quickly and is fast between shots, and the flash has a very good range for a camera of this size. With 7 scene modes there is enough controllability to satisfy beginners and non-hobbyists.
Power up
One advantage of a slightly larger camera is that it takes standard AA batteries, whereas ultra-slim cameras have rechargeable batteries that are specific to a make, or sometimes even a model. That means that if you want a spare to avoid being caught out, they are more expensive, and you also have to lug the charger around with you. With the S600 you know that you will be able to buy batteries almost anywhere in the world, and you can choose to take rechargeable AA's and a charger with you if that's what you prefer.
Taking its Place in the Sun
The more you use the S600 the more it makes sense as a holiday camera. For a start, because it's plastic, it's lighter than some smaller cameras and will take a battering in a suitcase. The unusually long and wide flash coverage is a boon for those night club or beach bonfire shots. There's good internal storage (32Mb) and if you're away for an extended period, you can buy a Sony Memory card and post your snaps back home. Alternatively use the USB cable to upload photos to a web-based photo-sharing facility from an Internet café: no need to cart a bulky docking station around.
The zoom lens has a good wide angle at 31mm which lends itself well to landscapes and groups scenes. The corollary of that is that the telephoto end of the scale, at 93mm, doesn't bring things as close, but you're on holiday, you've got the time to take a few steps forward. Sony also say a key selling point of the S600 is its anti-blur technology. Allowing you to shoot, for example, a stationary object from a moving car, the anti-blur is software-based rather than an image stabiliser; and it does seem to work. That said, at high ISO's you'll still see some noise as we noted above.
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Ease of use 
Functions 
Value for Money
Overall 
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The Sony DSC-S600 is a good value, all-round entry-level camera, though because it's been built down to a price it's unlikely to satisfy experienced photographers. But the well-chosen blend of features makes it an extremely good choice for general use and particularly while travelling and on holiday.
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 specification
| Mega-pixels: |
6 |
Photo: |
JPEG |
| Optical Zoom: |
3x |
RAW: |
No |
| Digital Zoom: |
6x |
Aperture: |
f/2.8-5.1 |
| LCD: |
2.0 inch |
Focal Length: |
equiv. 31-93mm |
| Dimensions: |
99 x 52 x 36.8mm |
Shutter speed: |
1/8 sec to 1/2000 |
| Weight: |
181g |
Exposure: |
ISO 80 to 1000 |
| Storage: |
MS [PRO] Duo (32mb int) |
Movie: |
AVI (640x480@30fps) |
| Battery: |
2 AA |
Microphone: |
Yes |
| Interface: |
USB 2.0, AV |
PictBridge: |
No |
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Included accessories: AA Alkaline Batteries 2x, USB Cable, Wrist Strap, Software CD-ROM(Cyber-shot Viewer, USB Driver) |
