Features
Like previous T-series cameras, the T7 uses a folded optics zoom lens. The zoom is mounted vertically in the camera, with a prism at the top to turn the light through 90 degrees. This means Sony can provide a 3x optical zoom within the body of the camera, rather than via a protruding lens.
The zoom range of 38 to 114mm (35mm equivalent) means the T7 isn't great for wide-angle shots of interiors or big groups of people, but does let you get close to more distant subjects. If you're interested in close-ups, the macro mode lets you get to within 80mm of small subjects, or you can switch to magnifying glass mode to get as close as 10mm. In this mode, a 5p coin can more than fill the frame.
Given that the T7 has buttons for all the main options (shooting mode, flash, macro, self timer, quick review, image size and delete), we suspect many users will never access the menus. If you get the urge to tinker, you can apply exposure compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps), change the focus mode (multi, centre, spot or a choice of five preset distances), or change the metering (multi, centre or spot). You can adjust white balance, although you can't set it manually, and fine-tune the saturation, contrast, brightness and flash level. On the downside, the menus are cryptic, with small icons that can be difficult to work out. We've seen friendlier efforts elsewhere, notably on the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z57.
Compared to ultracompact cameras such as the EX-Z57 and the Pentax Optio S5n, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7 offers only a handful of scene modes: Twilight, Twilight portrait, Candle, Soft snap, Landscape, High-speed shutter (for sport), Beach, Snow and Fireworks. Considering that four of these modes work best when the camera is mounted on a tripod, which involves having both the stand and a tripod to hand, we doubt you'll use them much. The range of special effects is even more limited: just B&W and Sepia.
Where the T7 does match the competition is with its Burst, Multi Burst and Movie modes. Burst mode records anywhere from 9 to 100 images in succession, depending on the image size, when you hold down the shutter button. Multi Burst records 16 small images in as little as half a second, then tiles them into a single frame. If you time it right, it's useful for analysing motion -- and a fun way to make montages. Finally, in Movie mode you can record VGA (640x480-pixel) video at 30fps. Having the speaker on the back means that if you turn the volume up, you can actually hear your audio.
Performance
We were initially sceptical about the folded optics lens, but images from the T7 were generally sharp and correctly exposed, with accurate colours. It sometimes overexposed brighter subjects and we occasionally felt the need to use exposure compensation. There was some barrel distortion at the wider end of the lens, but that's normal for small cameras, and there was little or no purple fringing on backlit subjects. Skin tones were well-balanced and natural.
The flash reaches 2 to 3m. It's adequate for taking portraits at night, but it won't enable you to light up a large room.
The macro and magnifying glass modes enable you to take interesting close-ups and can be great fun. Being able to use the flash in macro mode is a bonus, although you'll usually get better results with an alternative light source, such as a halogen desk lamp. Holding the camera steady can also be a problem.
Sony claims the battery is good for around 150 still images. We managed to capture over 300 in quick succession, with flash, and still had plenty of juice remaining. In real life you won't do that well, because you'll spend more time framing images and reviewing your shots, with the big screen draining juice out of the battery every minute. Nevertheless, Sony's figures seem credible.
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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User reviews3
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Krishan Swami 12 March 2006
Good: The thin, sexy exterior, great low-light and outdoors shots, excellent picture clarity and the fact you’re crowded by people when you whip the camera
Bad: Relatively short battery life - could be better, prone to tiny scratches on the lens cover, and awkward general handling of the camera
Comment: An excellent camera for the discerning photographer and grabs attention everywhere you go! You'll be the object of lust of all your friends, but try to keep a steady hand while snapping those shots.
Overall, one superb camera that is suitable for any occasion, which is generally user friendly apart from the small quirks. If you want to attract friendly attention and compliments all day long then buy this camera, especially if you’re strutting about taking great snaps!
Andy Pimlett 14 July 2005
Good: Size, Style and Convenience
Bad: Not much!
Comment: A lot of reviews state the image quality, particularly in low light is very bad. I woud have to totally disagree with such a comment. I bought this camera along with a Nikon D70s Digital SLR and Tamron 300mm lens which cost £800. One is for serious picture taking and the other is to go to clubs, pubs, bars, BBQs, nights out, parties and generally anywhere that an enormous digital SLR would be considered thoroughly inappropriate.
On the subject of normal shooting conditions, the quality is astonishing for the size of this thing. I took a picture of my car, plugged the camera into my Canon IP4000 and printed a standard 6x4 glossy print. 99% of people would not know this didn't come from a 35mm film processor. The other 1% might notice the Canon logo on the back of the photo.
In low light, well, show me a camera that loves low light. I have seen low light conditions make a Canon EOS 1D in the wrong hands look pitiful. And I make the point, 'in the wrong hands' because that's what it is all about. And I don't mean coming to terms with manual overide, though this helps. I read somewhere that great photographs are about being there to capture the moment with any camera not about owning the best camera in the world. If that is true, then this really is the camera that can be with you at any time... literally in a shirt or jeans pocket.
To those who naysay the quality I suggest you either do not know what you're doing or you simply expect too much from a lens and sensor of this size.
Andy Pimlett 14 July 2005
Good: Size, Style & Convenience
Bad: Nothing So Far!!
Comment: I bought this camera and a Nikon D70s Digital SLR at the same time. For every great review I read about the T7 there was a negative one complaining about the poor image quality. All I can think is that these people can't use this camera properly or expecting far to much from this beautiful electronic masterpiece. And make no mistake, this is a fantastically constructed piece of kit. The image quality in normal shooting conditions for something this size is astonishing. Of course low light conditions are not as good, but I have seen Canon EOS 1Ds take incredibly bad low light shots. It's all a question of who is doing the shooting and making the most of the conditions you are in. My personal feeling is this... if you want a camera that will go clubbing, partying, BBQs and generally anywhere then this is the camera.
I cannot remember where I read it online but somebody made the point that the best photographs are taken opportunistically. When you are the only person there with a camera, and it really doesn't matter what the camera is, it's about catching the moment. If that is true, then this camera is the one that can be there at that moment.
The first picture I took was of my car. I plugged the camera straight into my Canon IP4000 and printed a 6x4 glossy print, with no pre-proccessing in Photoshop. The print was spot on, and could quite easily have been slipped into a set of 35mm pictures from Boots and 99% of viewers would never have noticed.
My advice... BUY IT... it's great.
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