Sony Cyber-shot T500 hands-on

We got a look at Sony's new HD-shootin', 10.1 megapixel Cyber-shot T500 today, and it seems to do what it says on the box. There was no Memory Stick in the display version, so we couldn't test out any HD recording, but the touchscreen interface did seem responsive, and mode switching from stills to video is a snap. Perhaps it was the lighting we were under, but the large LCD did seem to flicker a bit, and wasn't stunningly bright either, but otherwise we're big fans of the build quality of the device. Fashioncam this is not -- there's some heft, bulk and sharp edges here that will keep it away from your skinny jeans -- but the T500 is a fine entry from Sony, and at $399 it's pretty well priced for what it can do.

Gallery: Sony Cyber-shot T500 hands-on

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[cmaikai @ Aug 29th 2008 8:04AM]

Is anyone else confused about how when it is open the lens is at the very edge, but when it is closed the lens magically disappears.
WHAT IS THIS TRICKERY?!

[Down @ Aug 29th 2008 8:11AM]

The lens cover slides upwards to cover the lens. Fool. You must be new to Cybershot.

[suntorytime @ Aug 29th 2008 8:15AM]

If you look closely it isn't the middle part that slides up, it's a thinner metalic (?) panel underneath the middle part which does. If that makes sense.

[xValentine @ Aug 29th 2008 8:27AM]

Come on, he must have just been under the basement for 2-3 years time. Don't call him a fool.

[OneLove @ Aug 29th 2008 1:02PM]

Apparently these cameras attract giant sperm.

[vbtrash @ Aug 29th 2008 1:04PM]

suntorytime is right. look at picture no. 6 in the gallery. you'll see a thin plate under the lens cover. when you push the lens cover up, it moves up halfway and the thin plate under it covers the rest of the distance covering the lens and the flash.

[Phantom_Lord @ Aug 29th 2008 8:09AM]

Geeks don't wear skinny jeans. Besides, this thing doesn't look pretty. OK, it does!:D

[Raphael Bek @ Aug 30th 2008 8:08AM]

I'm a geek and I do wear skinny jeans. In fact, I love Zara's Ultra Slim Fit size. Well anyway, I had a pretty old Caybershot until it broke because of my dramatic (not tragic!) biking accident back in may. I think it was the T300 and it wasn't too slim but it didn't look weird in skinny pants. Now I'm gonna go to the US in 11 days and I need to have a camera so I'm gonna get the T77, which is really slim and sexy.
But in my Opinion, the HD capabilities of the T700 totally make up for the shape. Don't we all love doing little videos?
Well, I guess I'm gonna have to buy and additional camcorder then..

[stefan @ Aug 29th 2008 8:10AM]

woah, i've been wating for cameras with quick mode-switching for like ages.

[Down @ Aug 29th 2008 8:12AM]

I bet its terrible in dim areas like restaurants and night clubs.

[stefan @ Aug 29th 2008 8:39AM]

... or skinny jeans

[zargon @ Aug 29th 2008 8:14AM]

Yay for proprietary formats!

[xValentine @ Aug 29th 2008 8:31AM]

I hope they will release a non-touch screen Cyber-Shot that also shoots HD videos.

The W300 is the best IMO

[Jon @ Aug 29th 2008 9:11AM]

anyone know why that slab of plastic on the side of the sliding panel is necessary?

[BOB @ Aug 29th 2008 9:12AM]

Dont ever steal from sony. Looks like a deathwish.

[Emre Aydinceren @ Aug 29th 2008 9:44AM]

Let me explain the problem with those cameras:

1. miniaturization shrinks the lens size -> less light into the censor.
2. miniaturization 10.1 Mega pixels into a smaller surface -> very small surface area per pixel -> less light per pixel
3. miniaturization shrinks flash size -> less light onto the subject

Result:

Not so good picture quality unless you are in a very well lit environment. And no wonder in trade shows, retailers, everywhere is very well lit.

[vdogg89 @ Aug 29th 2008 10:04AM]

aww thats cute, all the little sperms are trying to get into the cameras

[BdgBill @ Aug 29th 2008 10:10AM]

How much longer can Sony carry on this Memory Stick nonsense? It's over. The SD card won. Give it up.

I just switched to Canon after owning nothing but Sony's for the last 10 years just so I can use the memory cards that all my other devices use.

[j.d.ripper @ Aug 29th 2008 11:40AM]

10mp camera .. interesting
but what's the image quality like ?

I wish they would forget about the megapixel race and put more into image quality.
What about lower noise and higher ISOs in a phone-cam, that would be sweet

[Ran @ Aug 29th 2008 12:14PM]

Picture quality has gone downhill ever since the T100. Waaay too much pixel stuffing for this particular type of lens system. Additionally, there's no manual white balance, and the T series' white balance generally sucks. T100 was by far the best of the series. If they went back to 5,6,7, or 8 MP, they'd be doing ok. Flash sucks too, btw.

[Ill trooper @ Aug 29th 2008 12:17PM]

It's ok when I go look at a Sony product without a memorystck, but it's not acceptable when one of the top Internet gadget sites goes to look at a Sony camera with no memorystick in their pocket. Get back in there soldier!

[azz0r @ Aug 29th 2008 1:09PM]

I'm sitll slightly unhappy with my t100.

Won't be upgrading until I know they've fixed alot of issues with the flash, image quality in darker situations and anti-shake when recording.

[Rang @ Aug 29th 2008 1:19PM]

azzOr, ya might as well forget the T series then.

[Dave Millian @ Aug 29th 2008 7:45PM]

Why would anyone want to buy this when the iPhone has a camera and much more?

[Ran @ Aug 30th 2008 1:06AM]

Trust me...as sucky as this camera will probably be, it'll still have MUCH better image quality than an iPhone.

[Father and Son @ Oct 25th 2008 1:23PM]

I just bought the T500 last night at Futureshop (burnaby)... i'm testing it now.. it's cool and very high tech for my taste.. enjoying every testing of it... (but i have to give it to my brother sooner or later. )