Features:

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• 2.5-inch LCD display; 3x optical zoom
• High-sensitivity shooting mode increases ISO to maximum of 1000
• Capture MPEG VX video with audio
• Stores images on Memory Stick DUO or MS Pro DUO memory cards (56 MB internal memory included)

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
7.2 Megapixel of detail and definition gives you the option of large prints or crop in tight on your subject. The Super HAD(TM) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. Top-quality Carl Zeiss lens helps you bring you subject closer and frame shots quickly for better compositions, ideal for family sporting events, outdoor fun and travel photos. Check your composition shots on the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD Screen; share your photos on location or video the setup menu even in full sunlight. Even shoot in low light with the high sensitivity ISO 1000. Original Clear RAW Noise Reduction helps suppress color noise. 56MB of Internal Memory let's you start shooting right away. Then, when you're ready, upload you pictures onto a Memory Stick(R) Duo media or PC for printing. Capture VGA 640x480 video clips with audio at high frame rates up to 30 frames per second with length limited only by the capacity of my media. Get up to 380 shots with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery. Enough for a long weekend or a whole vacation. Burst Mode let's you shoot up to 64 shots at VGA Standard Mode. High Sensitivity ISO 1000 Clear RAW Noise Reduction Burst and MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode White Balance - Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent and Flash Self Timer - 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds and Off Red-Eye Reduction Up to 64 Shot VGA at 1.3 fps Burst Mode Scene Modes - Beach, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight and Twilight Portrait Movie Mode - MPEG VX Fine with Audio at 30 fps 640x480 Optical Viewfinder 6 Elements in 5 Groups, 3 Aspheric Elements Lens Construction 35mm Equivalent - 38-114mm Shutter Speed - 1/8-1/2000 seconds 1/3 EV Step Increments Exposure Compensation Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ISO Battery Capacity - 3.6V, 960 mAh Dimensions - 3.5 x 2.25 x 0.875 inch, 89mm x57mm x 23mm Weight - 4.2 ou

Rating : - One year later...Still 5 stars!
One year ago I took a photo class. The teacher of the class took a few minutes to discuss what kind of camera you can take with you when you do not want to lug all of your full size SLR camera gear. The camera he used was this same Sony DSCW55 digi camera. The teacher mentioned that the most important part of any camera is the Lens.....not the mega pixel rating. As you are probably aware this particular camera uses a lens made by Carl Zeiss. Zeiss lenses are known worldwide for being one of the best lenses money can buy. I bought this camera the following weekend.

One year later I am still very pleased with the camera. I have taken approx 3000 pics with it and it still works like new. It actually still looks pretty good as well. Probably due to the fact that most of the housing of the camera is made of metal not plastic.

One very nice surprise with this camera is the video function. While its nowhere near HD quality it is still very good quality considering the size of the camera. Even when viewed on my 50" plasma TV. In case you are wondering,unlike most cameras that limit the length of your videos to a pre-determined max time, you can record video for any length of time as long as you have available memory on the card. You may also mix video with photos on the same card as well.

As far as picture quality goes, I feel it takes pictures Equal to or greater than cameras of a much higher pixel rating...in fact it almost takes as good of a photo as my $1200.00 canon DSLR set up.

If you are looking for a small camera that takes great photos, has a great video feature, a good battery life, and is very durable. Stop looking because you just found it.