Bought this for my girlfriend to replace her Nikon Coolpix because sand & digital cameras don't mix. She took the Nikon to the beach & got sand in the lens mechanism & it never recovered from that indecent exposure...
Back to the Sony. It's a good point & shoot camera. Not too fancy & very easy to use. I have the DSC-S650 (older model) & like it a lot. The S950 is very much the same with a higher mega pixel rating. Shots are crisp & clear with auto adjustment, which I use almost exclusively, so this setting "should" consistently produce good results. Can't always say that about the subject matter though...
The video mode is always a nice feature but it does have its limitations. You can't zoom in or out while you are in this setting. You can, however, zoom in while in the still photo mode & then switch to video afterwords using that last zoom setting. Most people don't know this little trick.
Probably the only downside is the battery. The S950 uses Sony's proprietary (expensive) battery. You'll need to purchase an extra Sony battery for the S950 if you use it a lot & don't have the charger, or don't have time to charge the one battery. Remember to check the charge status so you don't end up with a dead battery when you need your camera the most for that graduation, wedding or bachelorette party, right girls?
Last comment is you should get at least a 2G memory stick at time of purchase. Just like with computers, you can never have too much memory for your camera, especially if you get hooked on taking videos...
Average Rating:
Brand: Sony
Color: Black
Model: DSC-S950/B
Product Description:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 brings you a variety of intelligent features in a compact, easy-to-use design. Face Detection technology automatically detects up to eight faces and optimizes focus and exposure settings, while a 4x optical zoom lens and 10.1 megapixel resolution deliver crisp, clear images.
Features:
- 10.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor
- 4x optical zoom; SteadyShot digital image stabilization
- 2.7-inch LCD screen
- Face Detection; in-camera retouching tools
- 12MB built-in memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo Media (not included)
Available at Amazon
Lowest Used Price: USD 129.99
Lowest New Price: USD 199.95
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 119.99
Customer Reviews
Good pics, subpar video, terrible audio.
I decided to buy this camera after having a bad experience with the Kodak EasyShare M1033 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Bronze). I figured Sony wouldn't dissapoint. I mean, they make very good products. Anyway, this camera impressed me with how it looked. It had a nice silver, shiny, metal-like finish.
I turned it on and it had a nice picture, especially on the "Easy Mode". The flash is excellent and can light up a subject in even a gloomy room. The camera even has special effects, such being able to takes pictures in black and white. The camera is easy to use. The dials are idiot proof because it indicates each mode. You don't have to go through a ton of menus to figure out the feature. It wouldn't matter to me, but for some, that could be an issue. Everything seemed to be great. This camera seemed to be a keeper.
I then decided to record video. The resolution on the camera was OK. I also don't like the fact the movie resolution is fixed. You cannot change it. What made things worse is I recorded a video onto YouTube and couldn't hear very much, despite turning the camera's volume to the max. How does it sound? Picture trying to watch your TV with the volume on very low! That is what it was like. I also seen some YouTube videos on this camera. One person mentioned this same issue. For some, that wouldn't be a big deal. For me, it was a major issue. Can't shoot video with no sound.
Due to the video issues, I took the camera back for a Fujifilm Finepix J38 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD. Overall, if you are not big on video, this camera is excellent. If you want good video, this camera is definitely not for you.
Happy with the product
Small and easy to carry. Picture quality good. The only problem is that the display on the screen is very dark(i guess i need to adjust the settings) but when transferred to laptop the pictures come out very nicely.
PIctures at night also very good and clear.
Video is of good quality. I was able to capture fireworks at night through video.
Zoom is not that high but its ok for personal use.
it's okay so far...
I just got this camera today and so far it is is an okay camera. I've been feeling camera-handicapped these past few weeks so when there was a sale at staples offering this camera at i decided, why not? I had been meaning to get one because i broke my other camera, which was a samsung s600. ALso, take note that i am not really a professional photographer. More like a point and shoot sort of gal. Although i will in the future invest in an slr of some sort.
ANYWAYS, I will be updating this post over the time i have it and if after two days i find it adequate, i'll keep it. Otherwise it goes back to the store.
NOTE: i also have yet to try this out in natural lighting.
PROS:
*Clarity; this camera, with its 10.1mp is quite nice in comparison to my previous camera, a samsung s600 (@6.1mp). I immediately noticed how much more brighter and clear and defined my pictures came out to be. With flash anyways.
*i'm finding the macro option helpful, as well as the steady focus feature.
CONS:
*Without flash and in lowlight situations, it takes, realllly terrible pictures, with lots of noise, and plenty of blur.
*When viewing pictures on it, they take a lot longer to load then they did on my samsung.
*I tried out the video recording feature, and unlike my samsung, the mic is absollutely dreadful at picking up sounds. Even if you put it up to a speaker, it's just a faint hint of noise in the background when you play it back.
That's it so far...i will update more soon.
Cheaper at Walmart
I was at walmart this morning and saw this same camera for 9.00. I haven't bought this camera so I don't know how it operates but if you intend to buy it check out your local Wally World first.
