Sony Cyber-shot DSC W830 is a mid-range compact camera with 20.1 MP CCD sensor and 8x optical zoom, which was released in early 2014. The camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch display and is capable of recording 720p high definition video. Optical image stabilization is provided. There is no manual exposure control, but there is an automatic one, as well as a function for detecting a smiling face.
The camera was released at the same time as the W800 and W810 models, which offer a similar set of features and specifications with 5x and 6x optical zoom respectively. The WX series features higher magnification, CMOS sensor, more features and Wi-Fi connectivity. All in all, the Sony DSC W830's capabilities are in line with its tempting $100 price tag. But could the camera be even better?
Design
Photo enthusiasts looking for a compact camera that can easily fit into a shirt or jeans pocket will not be disappointed with the Sony W830. The camera is very small, a few millimeters smaller in width and height (93 x 53 mm) than the COOLPIX S3600, anda few grams lighter (122 g). True, its thickness, equal to 23 mm, is 3 mm larger than the Nikon camera, but this is due to the protruding lens, and the body of the Sony DSC W830 is even a little thinner. The model is not as round. It has a flat top panel, which, combined with the protruding lens, does not seem very modern or stylish.
Besides, the camera is not very versatile. On top is a silver power switch that matches well with the silver strip along the top panel. Next is the shutter release. There is no zoom ring. This can be done with a switch on the rear panel. The release button is made in the form of an oval and, like a switch, does not protrude beyond the body. According to user feedback, this is a source of problems. Firstly, the button is not so easy to find if you are not looking at it, and secondly, the half-press distance that activates autofocus and metering is very small. For this reason, it is all too easy to accidentally take a picture when you just need to determine the exposure or focus on the subject.
The aforementioned zoom switch is located in the upper right corner of the back. Below is a 4-way control panel, around which are the menu, playback and delete buttons. On the right is a black plastic mode switch. It has 3 positions, the topmost of which corresponds to the current menu settings. In the middle position, the panoramic shooting mode is activated, and in the lower position, video recording, which can be started and ended with the shutter buttonshutter.
Display
To the right of the controls, the rear panel space is occupied by a 2.7-inch 230K-dot display. Indoors and on cloudy days, it provides plenty of room for composition and photo playback, but the image isn't very bright. The relatively low screen resolution of the Sony DSC W830 is not too problematic in user reviews, as there is an option in the menu to select a higher quality display, although it is much less contrast and therefore difficult to view in bright conditions. The benefit is not big enough to sacrifice battery life.
Battery life
At standard resolution, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W830 can take 210 shots. The COOLPIX S3600 doesn't look much better at 230 frames, which is pretty mediocre for a budget compact. The battery is charged in-camera or with the included charger, or by connecting to a laptop or other suitable power source using the included USB cable. It's good to see Sony moving away from its proprietary connectors, as it means any Micro B standard cable can be used. The serial port and AV output are on the bottom, which is a little unusual.
Flash
Sony DSC W830 is equipped with a built-in flash, which is located just above and to the right of the lens. Its maximum range at wide angle is 3.2m, which is 30cm behind the COOLPIX S3600,but the difference is pretty minor. Distances shown are based on ISO 1600. Decreasing this will result in a much shorter working distance of less than 1m at ISO 100. However, the flash provides enough light for close subjects and can be used as a fill flash.
Conclusion
Sony DSC W830 is a simple camera. This is an ultra-compact with 8x zoom. There are models with higher magnification, but they usually have a larger body and a higher cost. Cameras with more features are also available, but they don't have 8x optics. Although the camera does not have high performance, it copes exactly where it is needed. The image quality is provided by a 20MP sensor, which is very good for its price range.
If you want a bigger and sharper screen, Wi-Fi, faster burst speeds, 1080p video and more effects, then your budget will have to go up. But for those who clearly understand that they are getting a compact with 8x zoom and basic features, the Sony DSC W830 delivers everything it promises, and this certainly makes it worthy of a recommendation.
