Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/08/11/grouptest_touchscreen_compact_cameras_sony_cybershot_dsc_tx7/

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7

By George Cole

Posted in Personal Tech, 11th August 2010 07:02 GMT

Review The tiny power button on this Sony Cyber-shot seems rather superfluous, as sliding the lens cover switches the DSC-TX7 on or off rather neatly. The touchscreen is large, clear, bright and responsive. The on-screen icons are arranged vertically on both sides of the screen, and a nice touch is that you can customise the icon display.

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

The default setting has the menu button on the top left, and below, icons for movie mode, flash, timer and burst mode. But if you want to swap say, the ISO icon for the timer icon, you simply drag the former onto the left side of the screen to make the switch.

You can use also a touch focus system, and write or draw over images using a paint feature.

The menu system uses large, clear icons. However, one thing I didn’t like was that every time you make an adjustment, you are taken out of the menu system – annoying if you want to tweak more than one setting.

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Sample Shots

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Click for a full-resolution crop

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Click for a full-resolution crop

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Click for a full-resolution crop

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Click for a full-resolution crop

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7

Click for a full-resolution crop

Menu gripes aside, the DSC-TX7 was a joy to use and offers good picture quality. Throw in goodies such as sweep panorama, TransferJet technology, 10fps shooting at full resolution, Memory Stick Duo/SD card compatibility and 1080i movies, and you’ve got a very compelling, if rather expensive, offering.

Verdict

RH Editor's Choice

It’s not much cheaper than an entry-level DSLR, but if you prefer a touchscreen compact that is brimming with features, then this is worth a good look. And if you're not too fussed about the colour, you can find this Cyber-shot at quite a discount, if you shop around. ®

Next: Touchscreen Compact Camera Best Buys