Just another plain old compact, or does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 have any tricks up its sleeve? Read the full Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 review here.
Review summary of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230:
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 The $200 price range is one of the most popular places to be for a consumer on a budget, and with so many options, it can be overwhelming at times. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 was a great overall performer that actually gave us a decent image performance. The Cyber-shot DSC-W230 didn't offer any state-of-the-art bells and whistles, but it did provide plenty of features to suit a variety of shooting environments. We liked the large LCD, but the rest of the camera was just a collage of things we’ve seen time and time again in this class. For a $50 price hike, shooters can spring for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290, which features a 28mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom and 720p HD video recording. The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's main contender, and we think the Canon took the edge in this competition. It still doesn't mean the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 isn't worth taking a gander at, but we strongly recommend playing the field before settling down with this model. Release: April 2009. Price: $200.
Pros: Decent feature set for an entry-level compact. Some impressive image quality. Large LCD.
Cons: No viewfinder. Design—been there, done that. No standout features.
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Full Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 Review:
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Design – Mediocre
When Sony's not parading around with ultra-slim compacts like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Cyber-shot DSC-T90, the company takes a more conservative approach to their entry-level point-and-shoot lineup. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 is one of them. While Canon wildly revamped the aesthetics their 2009 PowerShot lineup, Sony funneled its architectural innovation sparingly into only a few select models. Therefore, the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 looks look any other unassuming entry-level compact with its boxy rectangular chassis and chrome trim. The camera is also fairly light and portable compared to other point-and-shoots in its price range.
We loved the ample 3-inch LCD, and external controls were actually quite impressive. We weren't too keen on the rear-mounted zoom rocker because it was on the small side and more difficult to control than a standard shutter button toggle. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 also had a proprietary port used for a single AV/USB cable, and we were bummed about the fact that we couldn't simply connect any standard USB cable to the camera. But, it's Sony, the kings of proprietary. Handling the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 felt just like any other standard rectangular box design compact, and there were no major bells or whistles to speak of.
Interface – Good
It's difficult to find a compact in this price range with a 3-inch LCD, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230's large display was welcomed. Although the 230,400-pixel screen resolution was not as sharp as we would have liked to have seen, the screen resisted solarization at nearly every angle, which was a bonus under a hot sun. Without a viewfinder, the LCD becomes the sole receptive eye of the camera, so it was important that the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 provided a well-functioning display.
Compared to other minimalist models in this price range, external controls were not skimped on, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230's four-way directional pad did the trick. However, the quick functions on the directional pad were very consumer-oriented, consisting of Display, Macro, Flash and Self-Timer settings. The embedded Mode dial was easy to shift and remained out of harm's way, but the Playback button was wedged in a tight spot between the LCD and the rest of the rear-mounted controls.
It was strange to navigate through the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230's menus because we've seen four touch-screen compacts from Sony use the same system. So, we found ourselves continuously tapping the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's LCD to no avail. Sony's menu system was not the most responsive, but options were easy to locate and select. Easy mode simplified the menus significantly, and the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 proved itself with a highly intuitive interface.
Features - Good
For a $200 entry-to-mid-level compact, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 provided us with enough features to shoot in a variety of situations. We weren't expecting a plethora of advanced features, so we weren't surprised to find the Manual and Shutter/Aperture Priority modes missing. However, we were glad to see a Program AE mode that allowed us to shoot at low ISO settings and alter the White Balance. The Cyber-shot DSC-W230's Focus modes were fairly in-depth for a camera that didn't offer a Manual Focus setting. In addition to Multi AF, Center AF and Spot AF, we could set the focus to a variety of focal length presets with descriptions of exactly what range each setting was suited for. We missed the touch focus capability found on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Cyber-shot DSC-T90, but the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's focusing options were the next best thing.
Outside of semi-automatic adjustment, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 was a consumer machine, offering Auto and Easy modes to simplify shooting down to the simple press of the shutter button. Options were whittled down greatly in Easy mode and the camera took the reins. Auto mode was very similar to Program AE, only it lacked a few essential adjustments like ISO in order to prevent shooters from using a low shutter speed, which would result in blurry images. Face Detection and Smile Shutter worked quite well, tracking our subjects all throughout the frame.
The Cyber-shot DSC-W230 also featured the D-R Optimizer for boosted the exposure of shadows, but we noticed little to no difference in the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's overall dynamic range. Exposure was higher, but highlights were blown out as well. The Cyber-shot DSC-W230's Intelligent Scene Recognition applied the correct Scene mode for most shooting environments, but we had to use Program AE for low light environments because the camera boosted the ISO to the point where the images looked like Post Impressionist paintings. All in all, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 provided plenty of artillery for beginners.
Hardware - Mediocre
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 features a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Super HAD CCD that actually produced some very decent images, given its standard size. This is a very popular size imager amongst compacts in this range, so it really comes down to the processing. The Cyber-shot DSC-W230 features Sony's latest BIONZ processing, and we've seen great things from Sony digital cameras and camcorders alike that feature this latest wave of processing. Images are captured as JPEGs and recorded to Sony branded Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.
There's nothing special about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230's 4x optical zoom or 30mm wide-angle lens. A decent wide-angle to us is below 28mm these days, and we still had to back up significantly to fit everything into our shots. The step-up Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 brings the 28mm wide-angle and 5x optical zoom to the table, in addition to 720p HD video, so if those features are worth an extra $50 to you, the Cyber-shot DSC-W290 might be the answer.
The time from powering on to the first shot was approximately three seconds, which is a little slower than average. We wouldn't count on the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's ability to capture fleeting action like we would the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS's or PowerShot SD1200 IS's. Battery power is provided by a rechargeable Lithium Ion pack.
Image Quality - Good
We see cameras all the time at various price points that feature the same imaging configurations on the inside. For instance, the $380 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 shares the exact same imager and processing with the $200 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. However, once in a blue moon we'll discover a notable difference in image quality despite the hardware parallels. This was one of those rare occasions. We're not sure if the Cyber-shot DSC-T900's ultra-slim profile played a hand in the way the chips were configured, but the Cyber-shot DSC-W230's image performance rose far above.
In fact, we were actually impressed with the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 when it came time to review all of our samples. Detail, color and sharpness were A1, and the camera actually staved off about half of the fringing we'd expect from a compact in its class. Low light was not bad either, as long as we kept the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 steadied. Unless the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 was locked down, even the slightest movement would create blur when we shot without a flash. Regardless, we were able to capture some truly impressive images, and the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 solidified itself as a budget gem in our eyes.
Scene Test – Pacifico
Optimal Lighting Test – Primera Iglesia Bautista
Color Test – Flowers
Although we slightly lose focus in certain portions of the first image, we still can't believe we were able to attain the level of detail present in the concrete walls and signs outside the Pacifico Café. Colors here seem slightly flat and we can detect tiny traces of fringing, but noise is very low compared to what we would have run into with the Cyber-shot DSC-T900. The second image is very impressive as well, though the red fringe lines become visible along the borders of the church's arches. Still, the sky looks great and noise levels are very low. Colors exploded in the third image without bleeding or oversaturating, and we were very happy about that. Still, we get some fringing within the Baby's Breath at the top of the frame, but all three images are not bad at all for a basic compact.
Macro Test – Fiery Dragon
Portrait Test – Avivit & Co.
Detail Test – Assessment Drugs
Macros were no problem for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230, but the first image displays the camera's tendency to lay the noise on thick in low light. We used a slower shutter speed in Program AE mode to compensate for the lack of luminance, and the fiery dragon became plagued by acute patches of noise. Noise and fringing also made appearances in the second image, which unfortunately focused the background rather than the foreground. That's why it was important to take advantage of Face Detection or the focus settings, for both subjects look way too soft. Detail is great in the third image, and the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 proved that it could deliver up close.
Indoor Light Test – Kitchen
Low Light Test – Living Room
Dawn Test – Balcony
Low light was a horse of a different color. The first image is an example of what Auto mode will do if you're not paying attention. The ISO was boosted and consequently the entire image became engulfed in thick noise. Focus is there and the exposure is great, but that high ISO just makes the image seem a little too much like a cartoon. Outside of Auto mode, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 was able to deliver the goods in very low light, thanks to the slower shutter speed capability. The second image is an example of how the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 was able to keep noise levels down and exposure at a reasonable level while still providing a decent amount of detail. For a cheaper compact, this is not a bad performance. However, we had trouble keeping the Cyber-shot DSC-W230 still in the last image. Colors look beautiful, but the focus is slightly off.
Price and availability
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 is available now for $200.
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