Sony CyberShot DSC-S600 Review

Overall Rating

Lightweight
Small and compact

No rechargeable internal batteries

I bought this Sony CyberShot DSC-S600 camera on impulse while I was walking through a department store one afternoon. With 6.0 megapixels and 3x Optical Zoom, I thought I had found my perfect camera, as I was looking for a Sony Cybershot from the start. It has 32MB internal memory, which stores about 12 or so pictures. It is also small and very light. The camera was priced at AUD$349, but keep in mind that it does not come with non-rechargeable batteries, a memory card or a case, so the price I paid overall in relation to this camera was around the AUD$500 mark, and that was with the help of a lot of sales happening at the time. The photos are of high quality, and the manual is very user-friendly. Not having functioned many cameras before, I learnt most of the tips and tricks in about two nights, with some procrastination involved. The rechargeable Sony NiMh batteries I bought for this camera, however, does not function too well as each pair only lasts a few hours, and the battery indicator can be unreliable the majority of the times.

Members' Comments onTheBootyHunter's Review

• Anne p on 3rd Dec 2006

  I too have found that the battery indicator on the Sony CyberShot DSC-S600 digital camera is unreliable. Apparently, as according to the instruction manual on the back few pages, the battery indicator will not work correctly if you use Alkaline batteries / Oxy Nickel Primary Battery.
  When using this type of battery you can also experience the lens portion staying extended, and the camera turning itself off when you switch the mode switch. The battery indicator may still show a full battery, but if this happens you must insert new batteries. If your camera switches itself off any time, you will have to use this as an indication of low power.
  Low temperature can also effect performance.
  
  If you do find you still get a short battery life with Nickel - Metal Hydride (rechargeable batteries), then try completely discharging the batteries and then re-charge.
  Put the camera in "slide show" mode and run until batteries are fully used.
  
  Charging the batteries before they are completely "empty" can cause a shorter than expected life next time round.
  
  One other problem I have had with this camera is an interfering type vertical "line" down the centre of the viewing screen whilst getting ready to take a photo. The line will move across the screen if I move the camera to the left or right. Kind of like when you get interference on a T.V. screen!? Apart from this, the camera has been reliable and takes lovely photo's.
  
  Do be careful of using the flash indoors though, as some people have told me it actually hurts their eyes because it is so strong! Choose to lower the level of flash if the scene or mode will allow.