Digital cameras are now outselling traditional film-based models and with the likes of the Sony DSC-T1 appearing on the market, it's easy to see why. The DSC-T1 is an excellent example of digital camera engineering - smaller than a packet of cigarettes, yet able to take pictures of up to five megapixels.

Such a high resolution means better photo quality and snaps can be enlarged up to A3 or even A2 paper sizes without losing too much definition. However, the higher the megapixel count, the more memory is used. The DSC-T1 comes with a 32Mb Memory Stick Duo card, which can store around 12 photos at its highest quality setting and 196 at its lowest. Of course, you can buy further cards if need be.

As with most Sony products, the DSC-T1 looks and feels fantastic. There's the obligatory price premium, of course but that aside, this is the most aesthetically pleasing digital camera around.

On the front of the camera a big lens cover slides down to reveal a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom, which guarantees good-quality images. The DSC-T1 doesn't have a viewfinder but a large 2.5in colour screen instead. Thankfully, Sony has used a screen that is clear, quick to update (the moving image looks smooth) and works just as well outdoors as in.

If you're a point-and-shoot photographer, the automatic settings will suffice. For enthusiasts, though, there are tons of features to tinker with, such as environment modes, which adjust the camera's settings to cope with its surroundings. You can also adjust the speed at which pictures are taken, which is great for capturing fast-moving scenes such as sports. Delving deeper into the easily navigable menus reveals options for special effects, white balance, contrast, saturation and red-eye reduction. You can even take 'widescreen' photos which are perfect for viewing on widescreen notebooks and TVs.

We took photos in a variety of environments and at different resolutions and were extremely impressed with the results. Although it won't compete with a traditional SLR camera in quality, our results were excellent. Colours were vivid and details were sharp, even at the one-megapixel setting. It comes with its own cradle, which connects to a PC via USB 2 and also charges the camera when it's docked. Transferring images can be done by this method or directly from the Memory Stick Duo (if you've got a card reader).

The only dampener is the £500 price tag. However, we shopped around on the web and found it selling for £100 less at some online electrical stores.

Contact: Sony 0870 511 1999
www.sony.co.uk