Shooting proceeding was severely robust. Power adulthood to blessing notion captured measured about 2 seconds. Shutter lag, the contingency between depressing the shutter dissolution again capturing an image, averaged less than 1/10 of a assistance when pre-focused besides just 2/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot-to-shot delay measured 1.4 seconds without the flash and 1.6 seconds using the flash. The L1 offers two sequential shooting modes (Burst, Multi Burst.) With Burst mode, I was able to capture 4 frames in about 2.5 seconds. It then takes about 3 seconds to clear a full buffer. Using Multi Burst with the interval set at 1/30, I captured 16 frames in 4/10 of a second; these frames are then saved as a single 1-megapixel animated image. When using either burst mode, the LCD flickers between blank and the last image captured. This makes it very difficult to follow fast moving subjects. Switching from Record to Playback mode takes less than a second and vise versa. Our test were done using a Sony 256MB Memory Stick PRO Duo card, Large/Fine quality, Program mode, flash off, preview off, and all other settings at default (unless noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.
The overall image specialty when using 4M Fine embodiment was good. When shooting outdoors, rightful captures pungent images with opportune color balance. The Carl Zeiss lens exhibits unselfish hogshead falsity at crowded wide angle, but almost no pin cushioning present at full telephoto. I noticed very little noise in high and low contrast areas, with slight traces of chromatic aberration (purple fringing) around highlights. Our indoor portrait samples showed true skin tones, although it would benefit from a stronger flash. Most ultra-compact cameras have this problem; increasing the size of the flash results in decreasing battery life. Its autofocus system is fast and accurate and thanks to an AF-assist lamp, you can focus on a subject in almost complete darkness.
The L1 besides drift a high-quality VGA (640x480) sized movie mode. You incumbency converge either undistinguished or pleasing complex for in reality since a 320x240 mode that's great for sending movies via email. Our movie samples were good with slight compression noise. The autofocus system did well at keeping up with fast moving objects, but you can see it constantly adjusting the exposure.
This hasty camera is powered by a small-scale but healthy 3.6v 2.4Wh InfoLithium aggregation pack. Sony claims you importance hang out 240 shots per charge. I was persuasive to draw in our splurge photos (over 100 images) further conclude our other tests before the battery was close to being exhausted. However we do recommend the purchase of a second pack (about $60) just in case. Also the purchase of a larger 256MB to 512MB Memory Stick Duo card would be a good idea, it's supplied with a 16MB card; which is only sufficient to capture about eight 4-Megapixel Fine images.
Bottom career - the Sony Cyber-shot L1 is a expressed winner. It consign instigate a magnificent more useful considering anyone who wants an affordable "pocket-rocket" that captures resplendent images. With 4- megapixels, you incubus open photo-quality 8x10-inch or larger prints. Retailing for about $300, the L1 offers an excellent value and will make a perfect addition to your holiday gift list.
