Sony Cybershot DSC-WX300
Price: Rs 19,990
Specs: 18MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor, f=27- 540mm (20x), F3.5-6.5, 1/1600, ISO12800, 1080p
Connectivity is a good feature for cameras to have, but it would be useless unless this function becomes easy enough for everyone to use. Among the Wi-Fi cameras that we have seen this year, the Sony Cybershot DSC WX300 seems to have the easiest Wi-Fi set up. Plus, it can also be controlled remotely from a smartphone.
The WX300 is a mid-range compact camera with a 20x optical zoom and most features you would expect to find in a camera of this category. However, this camera does not have manual modes and you will have to make do with multiple auto and scene modes. There is, however, a Panorama and 3D photo function.
Press the Menu and you can set up the Wi-Fi. The first option is to shoot remotely using the Sony PlayMemories app which can be downloaded from the app stores. Once the phone has linked to the Wi-Fi of the camera, the app show what the camera is seeing. The app lets you zoom in, zoom out and click photos or shoot vides. The results are also saved on the phone storage. The other option is to link the camera to a PC on the network, but this need a bit more configuration though it finally works.
This 18MP camera produces decent results with great colour reproduction. It is also pretty good in low-light conditions and comes with multiple scenes that lets you make the best of this capability. Even at 20x zoom the image stabilization makes sure the picture is blur-free. The camera is very good with video too. And like the HX300, the zoom is smooth even when shooting at 1080p resolution. The only problem with the camera is the slow processor which often puts a gap between two images. This happened even with a Class 10 SD card.
Coming in a handy size that will fit easily into most pockets and with added advantage of a 20x optical zoom, the WX300 can be used as an all-purpose compact camera. Then there is the easy-to-use Wi-Fi that gives this camera an new dimension altogether.
Bag It Or Junk It: Versatile mid-range compact camera
