Sony TX66 Review - Smaller Cyber-shot, but Better? Note: This article was republished from http://www.squidoo.com/sony-tx66 We recommend viewing the article from there for better image resolution and formatting
The Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 is the smallest point-and-shoot Sony has ever released, and yet it also packs some very powerful features such as a very high image sensor resolution that exceed that of many DSLR. But do all these superlatives make the TX66 a great camera? Read the full review below to find out.
Pros Strong Selling Points of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX66
1. Very small and elegant design, but powerful too While many tech experts say that smartphones will soon replace point-and-shoot cameras, using the Sony TX66 makes you feel that getting a separate gadget for taking pictures and videos still makes a difference. First, smartphones just cannot rival the 18.2 megapixel sensor resolution, and many DSLRs even have lower specs. To date, the TX66 has one of the highest resolutions in the pocket camera category. Of course, image quality is not all about megapixel count. It simply means little detail is lost even if you crop the pictures. The TX66 is about the size of a business card and thinner than an AA battery so it should easily fit in the pocket. Considering that there is no extending lens outside the camera, as well as its slim form factor, the 5x zoom is impressive. It's also equipped with a high performance image processor for faster shooting and focusing speed. <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/sony-tx66">sony tx66 review</a>
2. Good image and video quality for its class For its sheer size, it's hard to believe that this camera does turn out great images. Pictures are sharp with vivid colors and great detail. Even in low light, the camera performs well even without a tripod, though it also depends on the camera settings (e.g. ISO) or modes you use. It also records 1080/60i HD videos, which makes it a good alternative to HD camcorders (the zoom works even while recording). The image stabilization feature also helps it record videos that are virtually blur-free. It also has a stereo microphone to capture audio. Check out the sample images and video further below.
3. Responsive, high resolution OLED touchscreen Aside from consuming less power, OLED displays are more sharp and vibrant than LCD. But they are also expensive to manufacture, which is probably why the TX66 costs higher than other similar cameras. The 1.229k dots display resolution is also higher than the 460k resolution in most point-and-shoots. This simply means images are displayed on the camera with higher fidelity. Many TX66 owners also agree that the capacitive touchscreen is very responsive, making it easy to operate the camera.
4. Lots of shooting modes and picture effects If you're the artsy type, you'll probably love the picture effects you can do with the camera as opposed to post-processing on a computer. One of the favorites is the Background Defocus, which blurs the background while keeping the subject in focus, just like what DSLRs do. Another popular effect is the Partial Color that isolates
one color while everything else is in monochrome. Other effects are Instagram-ish such as the Toy Camera, Miniature, Gourmet, etc. The three auto modes in the TX66 is pretty standard in Cyber-shot cameras, namely Easy mode, Intelligent Auto, and Superior Auto. Except for low light scenes, you can pick any of these modes depending on your shooting preferences.
5. Other features - Can capture still images while recording a video - Can take 3D shots (requires 3D TV and glasses for viewing) - Sweep Panorama shots can be as wide as 360 degrees - Has one of the highest ISO of up to 12,800 for low light shots - Charges directly from a USB port - Fast burst shooting at 10 fps - Has manual adjustments for color, brightness, and vividness
Cons Possible Dealbreakers 1. Uses Memory Stick Micro or Micro SD/SDHC only First, you need to purchase the memory card separately as it doesn't come with a free one. But make sure to only get either a Memory Stick Micro or Micro SD/SDHC as other types simply won't fit the memory slot. This could be disappointing for others who have a lot of regular-sized memory cards lying around.
2. A bit small for people with big hands The TX66's main strength is also one of its weaknesses. People with large hands may need some more time getting used to handling a camera of this size. Physical buttons and toggles are smaller too, but thankfully there are only three of them as the rest of the controls are manipulated using the touchscreen. It also comes with a free stylus for easier operation.
Sony TX66 vs TX200V vs TX55 Shoppers who find the TX200V too expensive can definitely get the TX66 instead. Both cameras are essentially the same, save for the waterproofing and GPS capability. There is little upgrade from the TX55 specs-wise, but the touchscreen is much more responsive and focusing and shooting is much faster in the TX66. Check out the table below for a comparison:
Sample Images Note: Photos are scaled down to fit the page
Macro Shot
Background Defocus mode (photo submitted by E. Clark at Amazon)
High ISO mode (photo submitted by Ryan Winkleman at Amazon)
The Verdict Obviously, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 has so many features and exciting technologies packed in such a tiny sleek design. Aside from that, the image and video quality won't disappoint most people looking for a good point-andshoot. This combination is rarely seen in many digital cameras these days, so price may be the ultimate deciding factor for most buyers.
Click here to check the price of Sony TX66