Sony 12.2 Megapixels Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 Review by TR With Rating 8/10

Both the WX5 and TX9 cameras feature a new Superior Auto mode for low-light photography, that combines a burst of six images while automatically adjusting the camera settings to deliver images with reduced noise. Other features include a Background Defocus mode, 3D Sweep Panorama mode and 1080i Full AVCHD video recording. For the first time ever, the 3D Sweep Panorama function lets you shoot incredible 3D images without needing a bulky, complex double-lens camera system. Just press the shutter button: the advanced Exmor R CMOS Sensor will captures a high-speed burst of frames as you sweep the camera from side to side. Information from up to 100 images is automatically combined to create a stereoscopic pair of frames. You can view the results by connecting the camera by HDMI to your 3D-compatible TV. The DSC-WX5 camera from Sony is currently selling at around $230 (drop from $279 about a month ago). Here is the summary of review by TrustedReviews, giving the camera a rating of 8 out of 10:

"We found that the differences between shots taken in Superior Auto Adjustment mode and regular auto adjustment mode on the Sony WX5 were quite subtle. If anything the Superior mode has the more digitally 'processed' look of the two. Also, because detail is maintained in both shadows and highlights in Superior mode and shoehorned into the same image, the overall result can appear a bit flat and lacking in contrast. For us then, regular 'intelligent auto adjustment' often produced more natural looking results that were, in fact, truer to the scene at the time. As regards video capture, as well as being pleased to find HDMI output on such a diminutive camera, we were also pleased to find that the optical zoom can be adjusted mid recording, and that any mechanical noise as it makes its adjustments is so quiet as to be almost unnoticeable. Add to this the ability to record stereo sound at the touch of a button, and as long as you've got an up to date PC that can handle the AVCHD files the WX5 produces, it's an able tool for those who just want to grab the odd 'movie' clip occasionally. 

Although images would preferably be slightly sharper, the naturalistic/slightly warm colour tones that the WX5 delivered can be adjusted in Photoshop to produce a result fairly close to what we desired - although depending on which mode we were using they were occasionally washed out and flat. Praise goes to Sony for at least trying to push the envelope of the kind of quality that can be achieved with a humble point and shoot compact. Even if the familiar pitfalls of all digital cameras - such as pixel fringing and fall off of focus towards the corners at maximum wide angle setting - still make an appearance in our test shots here, and we'd recommend sticking to ISO400 or lower if you want clean images. Although even the top whack ISO3200 setting is clearer and more defined than most. The WX5 is not perfect, but at this price at least it's perfectly acceptable. Though it didn't set our increasingly small world alight, we're happy to report that there's more to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 than just a pretty fascia. It's class act, offering most of the latest must-haves (or at least from 2010's vantage point) in a package that's definitely pocket friendly. The WX5 delivers plenty of bang for a modest buck, so in that respect any potential purchaser will be sure to find some aspect of its performance to clasp to their bosom, if they can just ignore the slightly more gimmicky aspects. Manage that and the WX5 is one of those cameras with which you can't go far wrong."

has returned 2 times with problem "turn the power off and on again", GK - Jan 21 2012
Bought this during 11/2010. picture quality, ease of use are OK. But has this problem of "turn the power off and on again". I have to mail it back to Sony and sony did repair it and mailed back to me. Again after 2 months (this is too bad, in the midst of a vacation) gave exactly same problem. Mailed this again, not sure if they will repair again for free this time as it is...

has returned 2 times with "turn the power off and on again", GK - Jan 21 2012
Bought this during Dec/2010. picture quality, easy to use are OK. but has this problem of "turn the power off and on again" problem after 10 months. I have to mail it back to Sony and sony did reapir it and mailed back to me. Again after 2 months (during a vacation too bad) gave exactly same problem....

Some shortfalls, Average consumer - Dec 21 2011
Negatives: -image stabilizer is a little weak for video, when you start to zoom in or out it causes the lens to jerk or twitch because of the slight play in the mechanism -despite the good lcd resolution it's a little difficult to tell if you are focusing properly -battery life is kind of short, and if you turn the dial to video mode the stabilizer runs full time...

camera, Thunder Thighs "adventure seeker" - Dec 16 2011
This is my second purchase of this camera. I have two daughters who love the quality of pictures that this camera takes. It is expensive but well worth the money. I also give high praise to the customer service that I received from Sony!!!! That means a great deal to me....