Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Review: Sony’s Cheapest 12.1MP Cybershot Digital Camera
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 digital camera has enjoyed some good reviews primarily because of its low price. Consumer electronics giant Sony of Japan has changed tactics in selling this cheap digital camera that has captured the fancy of many buyers in the US, Canada and Europe. The company formerly known for selling pricey digital cameras has decided to offer an entry-level model for 2010. The Sony Cybershot DSC-S2100 is Sony’s cheapest model under the Cyber-shot brand. It’s a 12.1-megapixel camera that will appeal to the budget-conscious. Amazon and other online retailers are selling this camera for just over $100, even lower than Casio Exilim EX-S5PE 10MP Digital Camera (review, specs and features in our archives). The MSRP for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 is actually $109.99 but some online stores are already selling it for $98.99 only.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 has 12.1 megapixel resolution but sells for as low as $100
Canon, Samsung, Pentax, and other camera manufacturers have already been selling sub-$100 digital cameras since last year but Sony’s entry to the lucrative low-end camera market might give the company a solid foothold in consumer loyalty. Sony is still a premium brand and people will likely choose the Sony DSC-S2100 rather than the cheaper Canon Powershot A490 which only sells for $90. Brand recognition will help Sony earn new customers with the DSC-S2100, no longer will it suffer from the stigma of “Sony: good quality but costly!”
The DSC-S2100 is also Sony’s only camera model that can used standard AA-size batteries. This is also again another tactic of Sony to appeal to people who are on a tight budget. Since this camera is cheap, don’t be surprised that its construction feels less than impressive. The plastic body mold is expected but I hope Sony made sure this camera will stand years of use. My advice is if you take good care of it and avoid any accidental drop, the DSC-S2100 will serve you well. The 12.1 megapixel resolution means this camera can output up to 20×30 photo prints. Yes, Sony used a real 12.1MP sensor on this camera and that’s the final resolution. Other cheap cameras use software interpolation to hit 12MP resolution which produces poor images because those cameras often only uses 3 to 5 megapixel sensors.
I am however not happy with the small buttons found on this camera. Sure I like the 3-inch LCD but I had a hard time going through the menu because the DSC-S2100 has such tiny buttons! Whoever made the decision to put small buttons on this camera must be a midget! Didn’t they know that there are people who actually have big thumbs and fingers! In spite of this misgiving, I admit that I’m very impressed with this camera. Sony did not skimp on the necessary features.
The DSC-S2100 is equipped with 3x optical zoom and digital image stabilization! The SteadyShot Electronic image stabilization will automatically adjust ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to help counteract camera shake and motion blurring. I’m also happy that Sony has included an effective Face and Smile Detection Technology for you to get pictures that are right-on with special moments! Furthermore, Sony has joined the rest of the camera industry, this camera model will also accept standard SD and SDHC cards aside. It’s been the bane of Sony’s digital camera products that previously they only support the proprietary and more expensive Sony Memory Stick card.
These great features are mostly found on more expensive compact cameras. To think that Sony included them in a $100 camera is laudable. Buy the DSC-S2100! It’s cheap but it takes great pictures!
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