Metering modes include Multi-Pattern, Center-Weighted, and Spot. The special effects are limited, but adequate; pick either black and white or sepia if you prefer adulterating the colors in the camera instead of during post-processing. Shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/2000. ISO range is from 100–800. Noise levels are acceptable across the entire range. There are seven White Balance settings including One Push Manual and Auto. You can fine-tune three image parameters, and in a very limited way make adjustments to Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation levels—limited in that your choices are Plus, Normal or Minus. The built-in flash pops into position when needed and offers four operating modes: Auto, Forced On, Slow Sync and Cancel. There is a proprietary hot shoe positioned directly above the lens axis. The recording modes are first-class. Select from Normal, Burst, Speed Burst, Exposure Bracketing, Multi Burst, TIFF and Raw. Speed Burst mode captures 8 full-resolution images at 0.4-sec intervals. Burst mode captures at 1-sec intervals but more frames—15 (fine compression) or 28 (standard compression) when set to capture at its full 7.2 megapixels, or a cool 57 standard compression 3-megapixel images. The camera’s high-quality Carl Zeiss 7–28mm zoom delivers outstanding performance throughout its 4X zoom range. The Multi-Burst mode records a matrix of 16 thumbnails as one 1280x960 image. When viewed on the camera’s LCD, it rolls through the sequence in a movie-like fashion, and one can watch the subject movement—which makes it great for shooting golf swings and tennis serves. The Sony DSC V3 records images in your choice of JPEG, TIFF, or Raw file formats, as well as MPEG movies. When TIFF or Raw format is selected, a JPEG image is saved simultaneously. TIFF files are huge (over 20 megapixels), and Raw files are a disappointment only because of the mediocre software Sony provides for decoding. Small but useful detail: Sony provided a dedicated button to bypass the menu when changing resolution settings. Options are labeled 7M (full res), 3:2 (for perfect 4x6 format prints), 5M, 3M, 1M and VGA (for e-mail). Sony’s Memory Stick products have grown in capacity, but still lag behind CompactFlash—and that’s why you’ll appreciate the fact that the Cyber-shot DSC-V3 accepts both CompactFlash Type I and Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro. You can use both at the same time and switch between them to increase your storage capacity. Battery life measures up to what we’ve come to expect from Sony; it’s terrific. Negatives? Yes, but the complaints are minuscule when compared to the V3’s impressive capabilities. This is a serious camera for serious shooters. Still, it has enough automatic settings so that it can be shared by everyone in the family. The price is reasonable at around $599. We Rate It Camera: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-V3 Category: 7.2MP Digicam Autofocus Performance 5 Metering Performance 5 Feature Set 5 Ease Of Use 4 Ergonomics 4.5 Value 5 4.8 Overall Final analysis: the world of 7- and 8-megapixel non-SLR cameras is a crowded category. What must a camera offer to make you choose it over all the others? Everything. If that’s what you require, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 is definitely worth considering. For more information, visit www.sony.com. Specifications Lens: 7.0–28mm (35mm Equivalent: 34–136mm), 4X Optical, 8X Digital Zoom Aperture Range: f/2.8–f/8.0. Imaging Element: 1/1.8" 7.2 (effective) Megapixel Super HAD™ CCD Storage: Memory Stick® Media, Memory Stick PRO™ Media, CompactFlash Type I Focusing: 5 Area Multi-Point AF, Center AF, 14-Step Manual Shutter Speeds: 1/8–1/2000 sec. Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 LCD Monitor: 2.5" 123K Pixel TFT LCD Screen1 Power Source: NP-FR1 InfoLithium® Rechargeable Battery Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro Flash Range: 1'3¼–8’2 White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Manual Dimensions: 4-3/4x2-7/8x2-1/12 Weight: 13.2 oz. Street Price: $599. Distributor: Sony Electronics, Inc., 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127; 1-888-222-SONY; www.sony.com