Sony Cyber-shot DSC L1

Review summary: This review has been completed using a production model DSC-L1. Product shots have been reshot where necessary, and all sample photos are from the production camera.

Pros: Ultra-compact, stylish metal body ; comes in four colors ; Robust performance ; LCD usable in bright and dim light ; AF-assist lamp ; good low light focusing ; Very good movie mode ; Live histogram in record mode ; USB 2.0 High Speed supported ; ...

Cons: Images seem soft and muddy ; some vignetting ; Weak flash ; Redeye ; No optical viewfinder or video out port ; No manual controls or macro mode ; Buttons are pretty tiny, as is the LCD display ; Software bundle isn't great, though the tutorial is helpful

Verdict: The DSC-L1 uses the tiny Memory Stick Duo card, which is yet another expensive and proprietary memory card format from Sony. Duo cards come in sizes as large as 1GB, but you'll only find a 16MB one in the box. I highly recommend buying a larger one, ...

Review summary: The Sony Cybershot DSC-L1, is available from £175 | $229 - and is an ultra compact 4 megapixel digital camera, with a 3x optical zoom lens and a 1.5" TFT screen. The camera is enclosed in an ultra compact silver metal body. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar ...

Pros: Very compact Very solid metal body Rich vibrant saturated colours Saturation, Sharpness, Contrast Controls Info-Lithium battery displays remaining life in minutes Very good movie mode (640x480/30fps with Pro memory cards) Focus assist lamp allows the ...

Cons: Slightly uncomfortable in trouser pockets due to spikey bits on the back. Screen will only gain up in dark conditions when you a) half press the shutter, or b) set the camera to a different mode such as night mode Expensive proprietry memory cards. ...

Verdict: Front - Camera off - metal lens cover

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: * Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Pros: Very compact, Useful 32-96mm equiv. zoom range, Excellent build quality and finish, Very fast operation, Fast, accurate focus, Clean results, decent resolution for this class of camera, Low noise, Well designed, easy to use interface, Good auto white ...

Cons: Memory Stick Duo cards not that common, and quite pricey, Highest quality setting is a little over compressed, Stupid tripod mount needs bulky adaptor, Design makes accidentally activating spot metering easy, Mediocre macro capability, Underpowered ...

Verdict: Another month, another cute, easy to use and reliable Sony point-and-shoot camera.

Review summary: Quick performance and style only partially compensate for this compact shooter's mediocre image quality and limited LCD viewfinder.

Pros: Slick design and finish ; available in four colors ; quick performance ; ultracompact ; excellent battery life ; wide-angle view ; easy operation

Cons: Subpar image quality, small LCD viewfinder ; limited controls