Sony’s T-series Cybershots must be getting something right as they’ve spawned imitators in HP’s R837 and Casio’s EX-V7 in recent weeks, which like the latest T100 flagship feature a sliding lens protector that activates the camera when opened.

Unassumingly diminutive yet not unattractive from the outside, inside Sony has crammed lots of features into the metal T100. That’s not to say it’s not easy to use – after all this is first and foremost a snapshot camera.

Chief among the specifications are an 8.1-megapixel resolution, an internally stacked, larger-than-average 5x optical zoom (35-175mm film equivalent), plus a high-resolution 3in screen and high-definition-TV-quality images. However, you’ll have to buy an optional adapter to be able to replay them on the likes of Sony’s Bravia TV range.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-T100 further shows its versatility with light sensitivity up to IS03200 to enable shots without flash in the near dark – a greater claim than some digital SLRs – backed up with Sony’s Super SteadyShot image stabilisation to counterbalance the effects of any camera shake under such conditions. You also get the latest ‘must have’ – face-detection technology – to ensure human faces are pin sharp wherever they are in the frame.

Limited in-camera editing, in the shape of red eye removal and the ability to add a warped, fish eye lens look to images, is also included here, as are close ups to a very respectable 1cm from your subject.

Slide open the T100’s metal faceplate and the camera’s ready for the first shot in around two seconds, the lens starting at maximum wide angle setting. If we’re being picky on close inspection there is some image softness at the wide end of the zoom and – though consistent results can be achieved at the opposite telephoto end – they would benefit from overall sharpening in an image-editing software package.

As this is a fully auto point-and-shoot, Sony has included what it’s calling a Dynamic Range Optimiser on the T100 – which automatically adjusts exposure for particularly tricky conditions such as bright background and dark foreground. It’s a matter of personal subjectivity, but under strong sunlight we found this produced slightly unnatural, oversaturated results.

Since an internal capacity of just 31MB is available to get you started, budget for a removable Memory Stick.

Sturdy, well-built, attractively fashioned and, in most instances, quick to respond, the T100 will appeal to anyone wanting a better lens reach than the standard 3x, but a camera that’s still just a tad larger in height and width than a credit card.

Vista compatible: N/A