| The Good |
|---|
| Small/Lightweight, 12.1 Megapixel Sensor, ISO Speeds up to 3200, 30 FPS Standard Resolution Video, 3” LCD. |
| The Bad |
| Loud, Few Features, Digital Image Stabilization Only, Difficult to Navigate, Few Compatible Accessories. |
| Yay or Nay |
| As a point and shoot camera for someone on a budget or as a first camera for a kid, this is an inexpensive digital that will meet your needs. However, you should remember that there are many out there that only cost a little bit, but offer extra features and more control over shots. |
Overview
The DSC-S2100 was designed with simplicity and usability in mind, and for the most part, it has met these goals. It is ideal for younger people, or those who are new to using digital cameras. This camera has no trouble producing reasonable quality images thanks to its 12.1 megapixel sensor and ISO speeds up to 3200. Overall, this camera is extremely small and is not something that will be usable for everyone, but because it is very portable and offers automatic functions, it is a good deal for those who just want to take quick pictures.
Snapshots
Snapshots taken in lower quality situations will produce lower quality images. Because the ISO isn’t operating as quickly, there will be more chance for movement in picture, which will be more noticeable because of the lack of a non-digital image stabilization system. Nevertheless, the quality of images that this camera produces will be more than adequate for Internet sites and any personal uses. The continuous shooting on this camera is low at one frame per second, but it is as good as or better than many others that are in the same size and user classes.
Video
When the continuous shooting fails, there is the possibility to take video and then use editing tools to freeze frame and edit for photographic use. Unfortunately, the quality of the video is only standard resolutions at 640×480 and 320×240. Another drawback is the lack of image stabilization, which can produce poor quality video when there’s too much movement in the shot. However, this doesn’t seem to be a problem for most users of this camera.
Photo Quality and Extras
Most people tend to judge compact cameras before ever even using one. This has led many to believe that the image quality is automatically going to be reduced from a larger, more professional model. However, with this camera’s impressive ISO speeds and fairly large 12.1 megapixel sensor, it can produce quality images in most situations, though it would be prudent to avoid low light and other difficult situations.
There aren’t many features with this camera and all of those that it does have are automatic presets. Nevertheless, there are some that use different, predefined specifications to produce higher quality photos. Truly a point and shoot, there isn’t even a way to edit photos on-screen, and you will be hard pressed to learn the options to adjust colors and white balance.
Downside
The major limitations of this camera are the lack of ability to manually control it in various situations. However, there are other setbacks to buying this camera, not the least of which is the noise it produces. For a camera this size, most would think it would be nearly silent. However, at speeds over 400, it is quite loud. Another drawback is because the camera is so small, it feels cheap. The size also limits button size, which can create problems resulting from the wrong buttons being accidentally pushed.
Conclusion
This camera is hard pressed to be beat out for the price. With quality photos possible in most situations, it is a great camera for the beginner or for someone young. The S2100 comes in various colors, and can generally be had for less than $120 after tax, which makes it affordable for anyone. There are better cameras available, and some people may want to save for them, but there is no reason someone who can’t afford more shouldn’t buy this Sony.
