Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5

Innovative 3D-shooting modes ; Great modes for panoramic and low-light images ; Extremely easy to use and suitable for beginners ; Handles SD, SDHC, and Memory Stick ; Very compact

No manual controls for aperture and shutter ; Controls might be a bit small for some users ; Background Defocus mode can blur too much of image

For casual snapshooters, the Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 offers a unique blend of good image quality, innovative in-camera modes, and even a few 3D-shooting tricks.

In providing one touch Full HD video recording in stereo and 3D capability (up to a point), the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 offers good value for anyone wanting all the latest must-haves in one pocket sized package that won't cause the bailiffs to come...

Bright, wide-angle 5x zoom ; Optical image stabilization (though see related Cons) ; Minimal corner blurring despite wide 24mm equivalent lens ; Low geometric distortion ; 2.8-inch 461K-dot LCD ; Full 1080i AVCHD movies ; Dedicated movie button ;...

Lens or image stabilization produced some blurred images at slow shutter speeds ; Image stabilization cannot be turned off ; Noise reduction sometimes more aggressive than necessary ; Blooming noticeable around very bright areas ; Background Defocus...

Flash: Our manufacturer-specified testing (shown at right) doesn't work well at wide-angle when the reported distance goes beyond 16 feet, because that takes the camera out of the main lab, involving the target box at right, so the wide-angle result is...

Full manual controls are still missing, which makes this compact camera a tough sell for experienced photographers. Casual shooters probably won't miss them much; the WX5's scene modes and other shooting options cover most of the bases, and they're a...

Excellent image clarity, f/2.4 aperture, very good high ISO performance, stacks of novelty features (some of which are useful)

Controls could be better, photo playback is unintuitive, sometimes struggles in very bright conditions

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 is one of the first 3D digital cameras on the market, and it can work in conjunction with a Sony BRAVIA 3D TV. However, it brings so much more to the table, including excellent image clarity, a wide aperture, very good...

Built quality, Sweep panorama mode works well, Good value

No in-camera 3D preview, Slow memory card access

Plenty of shooting modes available ; Slim, stylish looking camera with brushed metal exterior ; Stereo microphone

Images fuzzy, over-processed at full magnification ; Sony G lens not as good as the Zeiss branded one on the TX9 ; 3D modes are still gimmicky

The WX5 is a perfectly serviceable and sexy compact camera with a bright lens and tons of features. Its images leave a lot to be desired, though, and if you're looking at purchasing the WX5 we strongly suggest you spend a few more dollars and upgrade...