Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-55E

The supplied PictureGear Lite software also makes life easy with its clean, uncluttered interface, unlike the unhelpful connection software supplied with the Nikon. Unfortunately, the desktop PC connection is serial rather than USB, which makes moving files, particularly large movie clips, frustratingly slow at times.

The uncomplicated, no-nonsense feel is reflected in the rest of the camera's design. Build quality is in line with Sony's usual high standards and, although it looks quite angular, the ergonomics are spot on with all the controls located in sensible, comfortable positions. Its rotating lens housing - which also hosts the flash and microphone - is useful for taking overhead shots and changing shot angles. The 2in LCD panel is particularly worthy of note. It's extremely clear and allows you to switch its backlight off, which has the beneficial effect of making it easier to read outdoors and in other brightly lit environments.

Overall, the Cyber-Shot DSC-55E is a pretty good debut for Sony's Memory Stick technology. It bears all the hallmarks of quality Sony kit and its image quality is impressive, despite a relatively high level of compression. The only downside is the low 4Mb capacity of the Memory Stick supplied and the high price of adding more.

Author: Jonathan Bray