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General discussion

Which should I go with? Sony DSC-T300 or DSC-W300?

Jun 6, 2008 12:39PM PDT

Hi -

I'm on the verge of purchasing one of the above, and I'm having trouble deciding. This is mainly due to the T300s poor picture reviews. The T300 looks to be much more sleek, and loaded with more features, but picture quality is a concern. However, I've seen similar concerns about the 13.6 megapixel W300.

Can anyone help in this decision? I plan on using the camera for mostly family pictures, so I don't know if the picture quality would be much of an issue.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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What about

looking at the T200? It seemed to do really well in the image quality area. The problem is that they're trying to pack in too many megapixels in that small sensor and causing problems. Do you need the features that the T200 lacks?

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T200...
Jun 7, 2008 12:58AM PDT

It does appear that the T200, after reading reviews, does produce better pictures. However, I unfortunately don't have the choice. I have a gift card to a place that only stocks the T300 (and all other current models for an array of manufacturers).

So, that being said, I'm trying to decide between the T300 and W300. Are the T300 pictures that "bad"? Or are they considered bad to professional photographers.....because remember, I'm just a backyard photographer. This camera will take pics around the house 90% of the time.

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well

If your just doing 4x6 photos and looking on a computer they will probably look fine with daytime shots. Now if you try to use it in low light environments(that includes indoors during the day) then you will probably be able to see the difference there.

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Decision
Jun 8, 2008 12:54AM PDT

Ok, thanks. Can anyone who actually owns the T300 or W300 add their thoughts? I'm leaning towards the T300, as it's Sony's "top" compact digital camera. The only issue is whether or not the picture quality issues are considerable. Then you have the W300, which has 13.6 megapixels, and may not have the picture quality issues.

Tough decision. Any feedback is appreciated.

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Pixel Peeping
Jun 8, 2008 5:00AM PDT

Instead of depending upon other people's eyes,
how about you looking at some full size photographs taken with the T300.

Here is a link:

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/sonyt300_samples/

Click on any of the photos across the top of the page.
That will display a screen size image.

Examine the photo for color accuracy and exposure accuracy.

Now click the file name (it is highlighted in yellow) and a full size photo will download.
It is a big file and will take some time to download.

When the photo is full size you can only see a part of the photo at a time.
That is the time to examine the photo up close and personal (pixel peeping) by scrolling around on the photo.
Look for detail, clarity and sharpness.

After the photo has downloaded it will revert to a screen size image.
Just click on the photo itself and it will go back to full size.

Now is the time to look for noise too.
Notice the picture of the man holding a camera.
Look at the bottom/back part of the camera body and you will see noise.
A photo without noise would show a solid black camera body.
This picture shows the camera body as being grainy.
That photo was shot at ISO 400.
That shows what to expect when taking pictures in low light situations.

After examining several of the photos, you can decide if the photo results are within your expectations.

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Thanks...
Jun 8, 2008 10:54PM PDT

...for the link. Since I just now learned what "ISO" and "noise" are, you can see how I would struggle with selecting a camera.

It's just a bit odd if you ask me. Sony has a plethura of new camera's out, and they all seem quite similar....T300,W300,T2,etc.

I guess I'll just pick the T300 and hope for the best. Unless, of course, someone replies with "the T300 sucks, go for the W300"...lol.

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Someone
Jun 8, 2008 11:50PM PDT

If you read at least 10 owner opinions about any camera, you are sure to find someone who does not like it.

There is no perfect camera.

All small cameras have a problem with noise when using larger ISO settings.
That is the source of most complaints.
You have to get into expensive cameras/lenses (over $1,000) before that problem is resolved.

Pick a camera soon, so that you can start enjoying the magic of digital cameras.

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