DesignTechnica reviews the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 and writes – ‘There’s no getting away from it—this mostly-plastic camera feels cheap and lightweight. Even when loaded with two AA alkalines and Memory Stick Duo card, it tips the scales at 6.4 ounces. It measures 4 x 2.1 x 1.5 (WHD, in inches). For portability that’s good but this is as far from a D-SLR “feel” as you can get. To show how far Sony has gone to compete on price, last year’s top S (for Stamina) Series camera, the now discontinued 4MP DSC-S90, cost $300 when introduced. A number of things had to go in order to hit the magic $200 plateau with the new 6MP digicam. First, the LCD monitor had to shrink from 2.5 inches (115K pixels) to an 85K pixel 2-incher. The S90 was supplied with rechargeable AAs with charger that lasted for 550 shots. The new camera comes with standard alkalines that last 160 clicks and no charger but if you buy rechargeable NiMH AAs, the figure moves to a much more respectable 440.’

Steve’s Digicams reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 and they write – ‘The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 model offers features six-megapixel resolution and a precision Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 3x optical wide-angle (31 – 93 mm) zoom, which is much wider than other cameras in its class, so everyone is sure to be in the shot. The camera fits comfortably in your hand and has a large, two-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and image sharing. For only about $200, the S600 offers a combination of advanced features like sophisticated auto exposure and focus controls that work transparently behind the scenes for a seamless camera experience. Sony’s multi-pattern measuring function gauges incoming light by examining 49 points across the frame. With multi-point auto focus, the camera intelligently evaluates five different focus areas and selects the best focus setting for the subject instead of the background. ‘

CNET reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 and they write – ‘The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S600′s performance ranged from good to mediocre. The DSC-S600 woke up, ready to shoot, in just 1.8 seconds and snapped off pictures every 1.3 seconds thereafter. The flash performed decently, requiring 1.8 seconds between shots. The burst mode captured 7 full-resolution frames at 1.5fps and could shoot 100 VGA pictures at about the same speed. Shutter lag was a satisfying 0.4 second under high-contrast lighting but slowed to an underwhelming 1.2 seconds under low-contrast lighting, even with the aid of the red autofocus-assist lamp. The LCD was usable under all illumination but direct sunlight and could brighten in low-light conditions.’

It sounds like Sony didn’t hit a homerun this time around.  I’m usually a huge fan of Sony products, but the so-so reviews would make me think twice before dropping 2 bills on this digital camera.   DesignTechnica was definately not a fan of the build quality in this model – something I think Sony usually does very very well.  Although for only $200 or so, I guess you can’t expect the world, can you?
Check the best price on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600!

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