Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7

Think the DSC-T33 has been looking a little thick lately? Yeah, well Sony's just announced a new 5.1 megapixel digital camera that's even skinnier. So maybe the Cyber-shot DSC-T7 isn't quite as sweet-looking, but it is only about a third of an inch thick (the DSC-T33 clocks in at about 3/4 of an inch), while using the same 2.5-inch LCD screen (which takes up 2/3 of the back of the camera) and 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens found in the T33. Should be out in May with a retail price of $500.

P.S. - We're glad to see they brought back the lens cover.

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Ok, so in January of 2004 Sony released the DSC-T1; a super slim 5.1MP camera with 2.5-inch screen.

Three month later they announced the DSC-T11; a super slim 5.1MP camera with 2.5-inch screen.

Next came the DSC-T3 in the fall of 2004; a super slim 5.1MP camera with, guess what? A 2.5-inch screen.

Sony obviously felt there was a shortage of easily-pocketable cameras so late last year they decided to release the DSC-T33; a super slim 5.1MP camera with 2.5-inch screen.

And that brings us to today and the DSC-T7; a super slim 5.1MP camera with 2.5-inch screen.

If that doesn't define innovation, I don't know what does.

[Peter Rojas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Gary, yeah, it was meant as a joke, guess it came off a little dry. I wasn't sure why they felt the need to go back to that giant lens cover.

[Justin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Having checked out the extra pics i have to agree #5. That thing is bloody small!

[darko hristov @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have the T1 and I like it a lot, especially the sliding lens cover. By the way it never turned on incidentaly in my pocket.
What I don't get is that they have changed a lot with the varios generations, but never the only true weak point of this product - the flash. It must be possible to make a small but good and effective flash.
just a thought
just a thought

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

why are the controls on the LEFT side???

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

this new camera is insainly slim. remind me if i'm wrong but is any camera thinner with comparable specs? the slide down slide up lens cover is a design flaw....
but if you think about how small it is i think it is done because of how small it is.
quite possibly its rediculiously thin body would make it harder to find the "on" button quickly.... and a large hand slide up and down lens cover was the "more sensable" way to go. doesn't help the look though

[dp @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

By moving the LCD to the right-side and having the controls on the left (flush with the folding lens) Sony were able to make the camera slimmer - as noted in dpreview.com

The T range of cameras have had pretty bad reviews - poor performance in low light/indoors. Lots of noise in the image. Some have said that the problem is with having the flash so close to the lense. Also have such a slim camera makes it hard to hold still and with the small lens the shutter speed is quite slow, making for many a blurred picture.

I bought a T1 ages ago and have been pretty disappointed. The LCD seems so big and delicate that you end up having to put it in a case, defeating the whole point of it being pocketable.
--
dp

[Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

The best is that the photos on dpreview.com show a Mac on the T7's LCD. Guess Sony likes the look of the older Mac better than the Vaio.

[Andrew @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Why do they never get these things quite right? They should be researching their target market better i.e. MEN! The slimness of the camera vs the spec is absolutely spot on the mark, but the lens cover is just plain ridiculous, did they not learn from the DSC U20? Great little camera but I'll be damned if I can get it in or out of my jeans pocket without turning the pesky thing on.

At least they are heading in the right direction, albeit 5 models later. I'll be waiting for the DSC T77 that (should) be just as thin and have an internal lens cover, until then I'll stick to my trusty T3

[GL @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

i don't see anything wrong with the design. i think sony came back with the cover to resemble the T1 a bit, since T1 was doing so good and the production and all had to be cut. i think T7 was designed in favor to those who couldn't get a T1.

It might seem that switching the LCD and Ctrl panel makes it inconvenient to hold but i guess thats why they extruded an extra platform on the hook to widen the grip.

and come on honestly do ppl really control the thing with one hand, without the fear of dropping it accidentally. maybe some do, but i don't. i assume people control the panel with their thumb. if your thumbs slippin on and off the buttons trying to tweak something, how is it possible to have a steady grip? i assume most of the users use their left hand as well to lock onto that baby of theirs they just bought when controlling.
well thinking about it, aside from making the design more slim, the ctrl panel on the left solves the problem of people dropping their cameras and asking for a renewal. IMO.

i think the specs almost similar to the older ones (except for some improvements)to keep the price decent (although it's already overpriced...c'mon its sony).

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I'd take the new Fuji Finepix Z1 over that anyday.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I'd take the new Fuji Finepix Z1 over that anyday.

[dcfrench @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I think that the external lens cover was dictated by the slimness of the camera. My guess is that they couldn't fit the mechanism for the cover inside the insanely slim case. It has to fit over a zoom lens, after all, and that has to fit in front of the sensor, which in turn has an attached electronic interface to the processor, so that's a lot of stuff to cram into one third of an inch.

[VolcanoVaporizer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have a T33 and I love it. f only this camera didnt have the sliding lens cover. The photo quality could be better but its good enough. I have dropped my T33 numerous times(im an idiot) and it still works prefect. I do however hear something moving around inside my camera. When you guys shake your T33 do you hear anything?

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

SONY needs to take a few pointers from Fuji's Z1 with it's sleek lense cover.

[warren @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

ok, nice camera. so on. but ihear a lot of talk about the one thing sony keeps forgeting, and so far i have yet to hear it, well my opinion anyways, VIEWFINDER..... NO matter how small the camera is, it needs a viewfinder, this was my reason for not buying the T1, and after hearing about how sony will have a "T2" (bestbuy salesman) with a viewfinder, i waited, and waited. and still no viewfinder, I dont take a lot of pictures in the dark, but i have before and i like to see what i am taking pictures of. thats all thanks

[Nick Mav @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

The black version of the T7 is on wolfcamera.com and ritz camera.com's website.

[Shmee150 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

As an owner/ex-owner of the T1, T3 and T33, I am no an owner of a T7, and it is incredibly good.

In response to warren if it is pitch black then you will not get anything on the screen, but if there is a very dim light - and I mean very dim, then the screen does some fancy lighting it up thing and you can tell exactly what your pointing at. The interesting thing from what I have just tested is that all of the Ts apart from the T7 do this - although it might be a setting.

Although I agree with all not having the lens cover on it would probably be better for extra thinness, but opening the slider is a very good satisfying way of turning the camera on! And stands out from the crowd.

If anybody wants any further pictures or info about the T7; drop me an e-mail at [e-mail] and i'll get back to you when I can!

ShMeE

[ammg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I'm new to digital cameras and have been looking at the T7 as my first purchase. Any advice about memory sticks and do I need one? How about any other accessories?

[Jon Norman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have DSCT7 at work and I wear it around my neck to show off. The T7 is an eye catcher in public. Small framed women (Asians particularly) love the camera's looks and it makes a great conversation piece for those of you who like chatting with people.

While many people who read CNET believe the CANON SD series and the A85/A95,etc take better pics than the Sony DSC cameras I'll take the T series over the best Canon anyday.
The T7 feels much more solid (and richer) than any Fuji camera, any Pentax and any Canon.
I will admit though that the camera takes somewhat blurry picts if you don't have a very steady hand - it could have benefitted from a digital image stabilizer.

The camera comes with a snap on attachment for A/V out, Pictbridge/USB and DC in. This was a good idea to make the camera slimmer but having to look for the attachment and wire so you can prnt out picts is a bit annoying.


This is the best America released camera I have ever seen. Japan and Korea usually keep the cool stuff to themselves.

[Elson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Hi guys , i'm thinking of buying a Cam and T7 was the first came to my mind . But kinda confused after seeing what you guys typed here . So what would you guys recommend? Well , what i'm looking for is small with great features , 4-5 mp and good quality .

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Early august, i had been wanting the Sony T-3 extremmely bad, mainly for cosmetic reason, it was just DAMN sexy! hahah, but then they took it away right before i purchased one from the sony site (sonystyle.com), and then i was left with the T-1, although quite dissapointed because it was the first version of the camer (and not the latest) i got it any way. It's been good to me ever since, although there is quite a lot of noise in the pictures, thats only when u have them enlarged to it biggest size, i found resizing them to a reasonable smaller size was just the trick to hide the noise. And the sliding lense cover was a really smart idea, everyone that see's you using it find it so cool, and the part about it wasting your battery life, wouldn't a built-in lense cover need more power to whip it open as to if u jus slid the cover down with almost no effort used? and no, it does not open up in pockets no matter how often you slide side-to-side (assuming thats what would be needed to be done in order to open the slide, since it slides up and down, and u place it in your pocket vertically). Now that they have brought in the T-33 and the T-7, im looking into buying one of them, but i just don't know which one to choose! the T-7 is way hott and look at how damn thin it is! although i think that it would be harder for single-handed use, but hey, thats the price you pay for getting a T camera that has been dramatically shrunken, from its already tiny state, but theres also the 500$ price tag that comes with it, and i already paid 500$ for the first T, the T-1, now the T-33 is still newer than the T-1, but not as cool as the T-3 (its still a little thicker) and definitely not as cool as the T-7, but it does have a very attractive price tag of 100$ less, at 400$...any suggestions?

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I just purchased the T7 and don't have a regret at all. I used it this weekend during the beautiful weather in NYC and snapped some great pictures in Central Park and around the city. Personally, I loved that I could fit it in my pocket and not feel it digging into me. I've borrowed the T33 from my friend for a week and although it was small it doesn't compare much to the T7. They both perform just as well but if you value convenience, aesthetic and I must admit a "cool factor" than I would suggest you get the T7. (By the way I purchased mine at BuyDig.com and got it for about $70 cheaper than Sonystyle.com)

[Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

A question about noise in photos taken with the T series of cameras? Is that in just low light? I am attracted to the series because of the very close macro capabilities...and would like to blow photos up very large. Should I avoid getting a T3, T33, or T7. I would greatly appreciate the comments of anyone who has used these cameras for closeups. Thank you!

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

So, in performance, is the T33 or T7 better? Thanks

[Ditch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Just to add another perspective to the list of comments...

I purchased the T7 last Thursday (6/2/05) and it's my first T series cam. I was attracted to the previous efforts, but simply couldn't take the plunge as they didn't offer me enough added benefit over my Sony DSC-P150 with 7MP performance (even though the P150 is much bulkier albeit still very small.

The main reason I took the plunge with the T7 is that is actually fits "IN MY WALLET" and while I know many of you are thinking that the LCD will break, rest assured with the credit cards acting as a hard cover over the LCD, that simply doesn't happen.

It's so amazing to finally have a decent 5mp camera that I can have with EVERYWHERE. I agree that if you're not careful, camera shake can present a "blurr" problem, but that's pretty avoidable so long as one is careful. The pictures is produces however are nicely saturated, generally sharp and of a high enough resolution that cropping doesn't present a problem. While I still prefer the results that my P150 gives overall, there have been many times I didn't carry it simply because it's a bit too thick and heavy to carry in my pocket unobtrusively (and I don't like putting devices on my belt). I can switch off carrying my Motorola Razr V3 phone or my T7 in my wallet and it's a dream come true. I also use a neck strap to wear it under my shirt and the size and weight make it totally unobtrusive.

As for the negatives, the lack of a charging cradle is a bit annoying to be sure. I don't like having to remove the battery or hook up a dongle, but for the overall convenience of haing it with me everywhere, I'm willing to accept that limitation. The only other negatives I've found have been that in "Auto" mode, the flash pictures are often overexposed (easily compensated by setting the flash to +1 and the ASA speed to 100). Also the flash (as with all cameras of this size) seems a bit underpowered. My P150 royally demonstrates how weak the T7 flash is, but it's flash is less than half the size of the unit on the T7.

As for those complaining about the battery going dead because the lens cover opens by accident, that isn't true. The T7 automatically shuts off the camera after about a minute or two if the cover is left open, thereby protecting the batteries charge. Of course the lens is still left unprotected, but that should be too much of a problem unless it's in a pocket with sharp objects, which shouldn't be done in the first place.

I hope my insights are useful to those considering the T7. All in all, I'm very pleased with this diminutive yet capable little camera and will enjoy having it with me when other people wish they had their camera with them but didn't because it was too bulky to carry.

Cheers!

[T @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Hi i was looking around for a new digital camera and have decided to definetly get something from the sony T range.
however i am not sure what the difference is between the cameras PERFORMANCE wise as they all seem to be 5 megapixel with a 2.5" LCD.
Also would it be worth getting the T7 over lets say the T1 just because it looks more attractive?
Thank You

[Mitch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I think this cam is fabulous. Like the average 'Joe' I take pics 'here' and 'there', like at family gatherings, parties, or just 'around town'. I never took my previous cams with me due to their size. Even before this digital cam craze began, I rarely brought my cam. This changes everything for me. It's compact and sleek design make it ultra easy to bring along. This cam is for the 'snapshot' taker...NOT the photographer. This cam is to 'have fun with' NOT 'to get serious with'. If you want to get serious, try Nikon or Olympus. If you want to have fun and discreetly bring a good quality cam along...try the T7!

[Paul D @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have F717 and i love it but it is just way too big. I'm going to collaga and i want a smaller cam so i'm going to go with the T7, but can anybody tell me whats with the charger, is there a stand(base) for it in the box to charge it or do you have to take out the battery.

[Paul D @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have F717 and i love it but it is just way too big. I'm going to collaga and i want a smaller cam so i'm going to go with the T7, but can anybody tell me whats with the charger, is there a stand(base) for it in the box to charge it or do you have to take out the battery.

[Ocularge @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Once again, Sony lets marketing demographics get in the way of a potentially great product. Do NOT buy this illogically designed wedge of metal. First! A 3X Zoom cramped into a camera as slim as a chocolate bar? Retarded! If you know anything about lens design, you know that you can not cramp opticals into this thin a structure without sacrificing something. The 'something' here is the 'wide angle' the entire market is used to getting with a point and shoot.
This camera is clearly made to keep in your pocket and shoot pix of your pals, but due to the fact that Sony thinks the consumer would be more likely to buy this cam if it had a 3X zoom, they have done away with a wide angle lens. And here's where the trouble starts. With no wide angle lens, you have to be TWICE as far away to shoot a 'head and shoulders' style shot of your friends. And then the geniuses at Sony put the worlds smallest flash on the cam. So photos taken in dark places are pretty much a wash - And forget shooting full 'head to toe' style shots in the dark. Your so far away the flash becomes useless.
I brought this up with the guys at 'Sammy's Camera', where I bought it, and we did some tests right there in the store - And guess what? I'm right! - The Lens on the DSC-T7 is so pushed in, compared to other mini cams, that it had the sales staff flabbergasted. Total crap!
If Sony just put a fixed wide angle lens on this tech camera they would of had a home run, but it was all destroyed for a 3X zoom? A zoom that pushes in the length of your arm? Stupid! Now, you have to step back 3X in the flesh just to shoot a regular picture!
Sony, Sony, Sony... You guys are like Nike thinking it's a good idea to make sneakers with lead soles, because they'll last longer. Re-issue this cam with a fixed WIDE ANGLE! Trial and error at the consumer expense? Come on!

[blee @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

i just want to ask one question:

CAN YOU USE THE T7 AS A WEBCAM?

i have been trying to find out if you can use this camera as a webcam...please, if anyone knows the answer, please tell me as i am having trouble finding the answer...thankyou!!

[Jacque @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I used this camera to shoot ALL of the photos on my website about Volcano Vaporizers!

[Moe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Why is it so fugly?

[arkowi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I imported a DSC-T3 for myself at X-mas time this year. I like the looks of the T3 much better than this thing. Sony's design team seams to have reverted to what I thought looked cool in 7th grade.

[Desert @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

The T33 HAS A BUILT IN LENSE COVER!!! And it's a lot better than the T1 or the T7 sliding covers IMO.

[Gary @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I sincerely hope the "We�re glad to see they brought back the lens cover." comment is supposed to be ironic ;0)

Seriously - I thought the (great) T-3 was thin enough - how long before these become breakable?

[Ryan gardner @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I agree with #2 and #1. The lens cover is stupid. The built-in lens cover goes with the theme of auto-on and ready to shoot. Hit the power button and in less than a second you can shoot a pic. Turn it off, lense cover closes.

A lens cover is a battery drain. Let me explain why. If you have a camera that turns on when the lens cover opens in your pocket (where a camera this size is designed to live) it will inadvertently open the lens cover many times throughout the day. This will expose the lens element to damage and also drain the battery. I had a Sony DSC-U20 for a while and always would notice my batteries draining very fast...

The DSC-T3 I imported does not have this problem. Lens covers seem more logical until you actually have a camera with one. The integrated auto-opening/auto-closing lens cover of the DSC-T3 is far superior to this thin beast.

Why they moved all the buttons to the other side, I do not know. (maybe to help reduce thickness?) This will make one-handed operation much harder.

The only benefit I see is that the power button is not close to the shutter button. Even though the power button on a DSC-T3 is very small and round, and the shutter button is long and obvious - people I hand the camera to to take pics of me often are confused as to which button to push. (I need smarter friends, I guess)

[yorkule @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

If they can make a camera this small and thin, why doesn�t Sony just slap on an antennae and some digits and call it a phone too?! I think that would be sweet! I'd rather have a good mega-pixel camera with normal phone operations than have a mega-phone with useless camera capabilities...ie, no flash, AF assist, auto-focus, iso-sensitivity, blah blah...

[iceberg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

I have both the DSC-T3 and a newer DSC-T33, and I can confirm that people just look befuddled when I ask them to take my picture. Often they press the power button instead, or they press the shutter button for a second, then start the process of handing it back to me, while it's taking the picture (and blurring any picture it takes in the process.) And some were even holding the camera so that the LCD faces toward me, and the best part is that they attempt to squint thru the "viewfinder", but what in fact is the lenses on the front of the camera!

Genius, pure genius.

[yorkule @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

If they can make a camera this small and thin, why doesn�t Sony just slap on an antennae and some digits and call it a phone too?! I think that would be sweet! I'd rather have a good mega-pixel camera with normal phone operations than have a mega-phone with useless camera capabilities...ie, no flash, AF assist, auto-focus, iso-sensitivity, blah blah...

[Richard @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

Well since the new Sony Ericsson phones look like cameras, shouldn't this look more like a phone?

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:11AM]

There's some more photos of this lovely little camera over here: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0503/05030804sondsct7.asp