There is more than a passing resemblance between all of Sony's new "S"
series cameras: the S30, S50 and S70. While they
all share a generally similar body design, the S30 and S50 are so similar
that the user manual applies to both with a few exceptions. The DSC-S30,
presented here, is the one with the lowest resolution—1.3 megapixel—and
the lowest price; making it the entry-level camera of the series.
Together
with the S50, the S30 is fitted with a hinged LCD screen, reminiscent
of the one used on the Mavica FD91, and does not offer an optical viewfinder.
In storage, the screen is folded flat on the back of the camera, with
its hard protective shell facing out. From its closed position the screen
can be lifted vertically, to face the user, directly above the camera.
(See below)
From this vertical
position, it can be be rotated 90º to the right, or 180º to
the left, making it possible to have the screen face the front of the
camera for self-portraits.
Finally, from the front-facing position, it can be pushed back down onto
the back of the camera like a standard LCD screen.
As
the screen is rotated, the image adjusts automatically so that it remains
right side up, which allows some flexibility when taking photos of subjects
that are low, or at awkward angles.
Besides the articulated screen, another unusual aspect of the S30 is the
location of most of its controls. Aside from the Power Switch and
the Zoom control, the majority of the controls are located so as
to be operated by the left hand.
Adjustments
for the LCD screen brightness; aperture and shutter speed selection while
in Aperture or Shutter Priority; Menu navigation control, Program button
and Display overlay On/Off are all positioned so as to fall under the
left thumb. The layout of the controls could make the S30 an ideal camera
for left-handed users.
The 2-stage shutter release
and the Mode Dial (Still recording and Playback)
are the only items to be found on top of the S30.
