Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S75 3.3 Megapixel

January 2007
Though today's digital cameras may offer more megapixels per captured image than this older model, most people don't need more megapixels. Certainly I don't; I'm an amateur. For my first digital camera, I wanted a good value, very good optics, and the option of choosing my own settings for focus, aperture, and shutter speed. That's just what this camera offers.

The focus works the way it does on a conventional camera: you twist a barrel around the lens to sharpen the part of the image you want to focus on. So simple, so natural. (Not frustrating like weird two-step indirect method of manual focusing required by some of the more recently issued point-and-shoot cameras, such has the otherwise pretty decent Canon PowerShot A530 that I've tried.) Of course, learning how to switch to the other manual settings is not entirely obvious, but with the manual that's only a little bit frustrating (downloadable, in a pinch) and a tiny bit of patience--or with Job's patience, no manual, and lots of trial and error--a person with average gizmo ability can figure it out.

Having used a Sony Cybershot DSC-S75 many times through a camera library of sorts, I knew that I would be happy with the way it works and with the range and depth of its features. One can use the automatic settings with good results in many situations, but the manual controls are if you want them. The manual controls may be too complicated for a first camera for a complete photography novice, but they're great for someone with a little experience who wants a lot of control. And at used-camera prices, it's a good camera for a novice who wants room to grow.

This camera also works especially well for left-handed people. I prefer this model over its successor because some of the menu and mode controls on the back of the camera flank the left side of the display where my dominant thumb can get a proper workout.

The camera's software works seamlessly with my Mac running OSX 10.4. Nothing new to load onto the computer, no new software to figure out; just join the Mac with the USB connecting cable to the camera, turn it on, and iPhoto opens to receive the images that download automatically without further ado.

With a battery-recharging adapter, I can shoot for a long time on a single battery--a couple of hours, maybe, depending upon how much flash I use and how much standby time I chew up reviewing my shots or musing about composition. With extra memory on the stick I can capture a couple hundred images, easily, before I need to switch memory or batteries. (Tip: The guys at the camera library warn that the batteries discharge if left in the camera, even if it's turned off. So for the longest battery life, pop the battery out of the camera and into the case somewhere safe--not in contact with metal--when you put the camera away.)

This camera is larger and heavier than some of the compact point-and-shoot cameras that are now so ubiquitous. For me that's a good thing: I'm less likely to forget the thing and lose my favorite new toy.

It did not work. I wanted a camera and have had great experiences purchasing items on EBay. The camera was advertised as being fully functional and was not.