Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 Review at Cameratown.com

The Sony Cybershot S90 is a compactly designed digital camera with a huge size LCD monitor on the back panel of the camera. The 2.5 inch sized monitor is a perfect replacement for the 'old fashioned' optical viewfinder. The Sony S90 aims at the crowd and therefore carries an affordable and attractive price tag. But that doesn't mean we are dealing with a stripped down digital camera, on the contrary. The Sony Cybershot DSC-S90 is equipped with various setting possibilities, such as seven pre-set scene shooting modes, and together with the 4 Megapixels of resolution, a Carl Zeiss lens, 3x optical zoom and a movie function (VGA with 30 fps) the camera contains sufficient features to be able to compete with its competitors.

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DPReview

9.67

05-18-05

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Despite some speculation when announced in February 2005, the S90 is not the successor to the highly-rated S85, but is one of two near-identical entry-level four million pixel cameras from Sony (the other being the S60; the main difference is that the S90 has a 2.5-inch screen and ships with rechargeable batteries). Although ostensibly a budget camera (with a street price of around $290) the S90 has more than its fair share of features, including seven scene modes, Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x zoom, full manual exposure mode, VGA/30fps MPEG movie mode and a claimed 420-shot maximum battery life (using the CIPA standard).

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Imaging-Resource

8.00

06-08-05

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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S90 is one of the latest in the long (and incredibly broad) line of digital cameras that reflects Sony's commanding position in the digital camera marketplace. Like members of the slightly more upscale "W" series, the Sony S90 has a more rangefinder-style than other Cyber-shots, with a compact size for easy travel. In addition to the range of preset scene shooting modes, 3x zoom lens, and a Manual exposure mode, the camera also offers a generous 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. A 4.1-megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images, and 32 megabytes of internal memory lets you capture a handful of images without a memory card. Small-but-not-tiny, full-featured digital cameras seem to be a particularly popular category with Imaging Resource readers, and the Sony DSC-S90 fits squarely in that "sweet spot" of the market. Small and solidly built, the Sony S90 stops short of being too small for people with larger hands and fingers. All in all, a nice little package of photo capability, in a just-right-sized case. Read on for all the details!

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Digital Camera Info

7.42

03-15-05

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Sony announced the Cyber-shot DSC-S90 as part of the new Stamina series at the Photo Marketing Association Trade Show in February. With 4.1 megapixels, the compact digital camera can shoot about 580 shots on its AA batteries before needing a recharge. The S90 can last longer with its 1/2.7-inch Super HAD CCD and updated Real Imaging Processor. The S90 is the flagship model of the new line, which upgrades each model with a larger LCD screen instead of increasing the megapixel count. The Sony Cyber-shot S90 has a large 2.5-inch LCD screen on its 4.75 x 2.5 x 1.6-inch plastic camera body. A 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens also adds a nice touch to the point-and-shoot. The S90 has seven preset scene modes along with a full manual and program automatic mode, making this a great digital camera for beginners whose skills are still blossoming. With 32 MB of internal memory among its long list of malleable features, the Sony S90 should have some stamina in the point-and-shoot market when the camera debuts in mid-March at $299.95.

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Megapixel

7.00

07-15-05

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 with its 2.5-inch LCD monitor and optical viewfinder is currently the high-end model of the Cyber-shot series which includes the S60 and S80 models. Designed primarily as a point and shoot camera, the S90 still provides a Manual mode, that includes user selectable apertures and shutter speeds.

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CNET Reviews

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07-08-05

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The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S90 shows that you can expect a lot these days from an inexpensive camera. Equipping this model with the 4-megapixel sensor and 3X optical zoom that are now typical of entry-level models, Sony heats up the competition by adding a large LCD screen, fast response times, superior low-light performance, and above-average image quality. A few weaknesses make the S90 less suited for advanced users. They include limited manual settings and less than optimal close-up capabilities.

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DCResource

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05-09-05

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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 is a very nice midrange camera that compares nicely with the Canon PowerShot A520, a camera which I consider the best-in-class. The S90 features a 4.1 Megapixel CCD which takes good quality pictures, with accurate color and reasonable noise and purple fringing levels. Images are slightly grainy, but this did not concern me. Camera performance is very good, though not quite as good as the DSC-W7 which I just reviewed. Most people will find the camera responsive and easy-to-use. Battery life is exceptional, especially given the fact that the S90 only uses two AA batteries.

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Digital Camera Review

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09-07-05

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he S90 is a solid 4 megapixel camera with a nice 2.5 inch LCD. The camera won't win any cutting edge design awards, but it takes good pictures. Users who shoot a lot indoors will be pleased, especially in the sub-$300 price range. Although the camera is a bit slow to turn on and off, the shutter lag is minimal, so capturing a child splashing in water will be a cinch.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 Review

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