sony cameras

Several Reasons:

1. Higher price.
2. They use expensive ''memory stick''
3. Many of their small cameras have weak flash.
4. Many of their small cameras have problems with blurry photos in low light and with flash.


Good Points:
All of their high end (costly) cameras are among the best.
Almost all of their cameras have a short shutter lag and 640x480/30fps movie mode.
All take excellent daytime photos.

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A surpise low cost camera by Sony:

Take a look at the Sony S600, which sells for $199

6 megapixels, 3X, ISO 1000, Flash rated at 23 feet, semi wide angle lens (31mm focal length), sharp lens, 2.0 inch LCD and an optical viewfinder.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/s600.html

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I'd add that most Sony's camera has a lot of noise level when shooting under the dimmer light and high ISO. In addition, its picture sharpness compare to the camera at the same price level fall very far behind. For instance, comparing Sony DSC-R1 against Olympus E500 and Canon Rebel XT. Read www.dreview.com for more details.