Sony Cybershot DSCV3 7.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

After 3 years of backpacking in South America, Central America and the Rocky Mountains (plus some urban tourism also) and ~15,000 great pictures taken in 14 countries, our DSCV3 is still going strong. Heat and humidity in jungles and subzero temperatures at several summits up to 18,000 feet haven't kept it from taking pro-quality shots. I love its numerous features like similar SLRs, but without the bulk, plus the video and night-shot capabilities that SLRs don't have. Because of it's size, I carry the camera discreetly in one pocket and the zoom and wide-angle lenses on the other, and can go into crowded markets without fear of getting mugged. About 8,000 pictures ago, it went into a river in the Ecuador jungle and the Sony dealer in Quito serviced it and it was as good as new.

I bought my V3 in February of 2005 so this is a long term report. I've shot at least 5000 photos with it over the years and I'm still happy with it and it hasn't broke or gave me trouble. I came to this from years of using a Canon F1 and EF. Outside of the cool factor, I can't say I miss my old film cameras. Don't miss the weight on my neck either.

Just ordered the Sony HVL-F32X flash unit for this since I have confidence that I'm not ready to move on to another camera until I forced to by circumstance. Hope I don't drop it ;)

Wes

It seems like compact digital cameras are being phased out at hyper-speed these days as each model is quickly supplanted by the next generation. These new cameras usually boast a boost in megapixels and zoom range, but those who look beyond the marketing mayhem are aware that more is not necessarily better.

Meanwhile, my V3 still holds its own three years after I purchased it. I've looked carefully at the current crop of compact digital cameras out now, and I've come to the conclusion that none are worthy of replacing my V3, though I expect that day will come eventually.

In general, I am very happy with the features, performance, image quality, and reliability. There are only two things I wish this camera had:

*A wider angle lens (at least down to 28mm equiv.)
*Image stabilization (or better yet, a wider aperture)

I realize it is possible to address both these issues on the V3: by attaching a wide angle conversion lens for the former, and by putting the camera on a tripod for the latter. But it would be nice if these features were included as standard capabilities. If they had been, this camera would have been a home run. As it is, I still give the V3 4 stars...even by today's standards.

I am a 35mm art photographer and purchased this in January 2005 for snapshots of our new child.

I have hated it almost every day I have owned it. Why?

1) I have tried every "focus pattern" in the box and still have so many out-of focus pictures. Rarely is there a shot with true focus right on the subject's eye, for example. This is just not an issue with my old manual-focus film cameras.

2) I have to scroll through menus to change ISO and shutter speed. I would have preferred controls that match the old film SLR's, manual, and right on top of the box.

3) There is no grip area on the left side of the camera so when I let my preschooler hold it, her finger just naturally hits the lens.

4) I prefer fixed-focus lenses because the image quality is so much better than a comparably-priced zoom lens.

5) There is no way to bounce the flash off the ceiling to get a diffuse light instead of that awful, cheap-camera harsh glare on the subject.

6) I need a faster lens.

What do I like about it? It fits in a medium or large purse. But, frankly, I've stopped carrying it because I'm sick of the lousy images.

For my purposes, I would give this camera zero stars.

I'm so frustrated. I'm wondering if I should just shoot film for a couple more years, or if it's safe to buy a digital SLR yet. UGH.

1. I know it really doesn't make much sense to write a review on a camera that has been discontinued for many years, but I just wanted to document that this camera is still one of the best cameras I've ever owned / used. I continue to use it as my primary camera (mainly for snap shots)--> and it just produces excellent shots; both in JPEG and RAW (I mainly shoot RAW). The wide angle and macro lens are also excellent.

2. The main cons are that of:
a. very very very slow RAW write times.
b. ... I think that's my only beef.

3. It's sad that essentially most camera companies have abandoned RAW in their compact cameras (current exception Panasonic and Olympus... and I guess Fuji E900). However, I have renewed hope with the recent announcement that the Canon G9 will again have RAW capabilities. It would be even greater news if Sony came out with a "V4".

4. Main point: if you want a semi-compact camera that'll deliver amazing results and can actually find one of these, you definitely will not be dissapointed. Kudos to Sony for producing this gem.