Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S85

Sony is the first manufacturer to bring 4.1megapixel resolution to the sub-£1000 digital camera market with its Cyber-shot DSC-S85. To all intents and purposes, the S85 is a higher resolution version of the recent 3.3megapixel S75.

So what can 4.1megapixels actually deliver? The new 1/1.8in Sony CCD delivers maximum files of 2272 x 1704 pixels, compared to the 2048 x 1536 pixels of a 3.3megapixel model. In tests we've found most inkjets like being fed around 200 pixels per printed inch, which allows the Sony S85 to make great-looking 11 x 9in prints, compared to the 10 x 8in prints of typical 3.3megapixel models.

After a smoother 14bit analog to digital conversion, the S85 takes its highest resolution files and compresses them to around 1.7Mb each at best quality, and they look great. A burst mode can capture three pictures at speed and is employed by the new exposure bracketing option. The camera also offers mono gifs and uncompressed tiff mode, as well as supporting Epson's Print Image Matching, which should aid colour management with compatible printers.

A neat Clip Motion mode takes up to 10 160 x 120 pixel images, then saves them as an animated gif for online use. Sony has thankfully given up with measly 8Mb cards, and instead supplies the S85 with a 16Mb Memory Stick, although this slots in underneath and could be blocked by a tripod.

Once again Carl Zeiss provides the lens: a 3x optical zoom, equivalent to 34-102mm on a 35mm camera. The specification is 7-21mm, f2.0~2.5, and the closest macro distance a tight 4cm. Composition is with the optical viewfinder or the 1.8in LCD colour screen, with which you can zoom in up to five times during playback.

The screen may be smaller than the S70's 2in display, but this squeezes more life out of the already impressive battery. You're looking at around 160 minutes of constant use, which translates into several days' shooting before recharging. It's also got one of Sony's unique InfoLithium batteries, which tells you on the screen exactly how many minutes are left.

Exposure-wise, there are 40 shutter speeds and 13 aperture settings. There are more focusing steps than the S70, too. The flash can be forced on, off, set for auto or red-eye reduction, which is performed quite effectively. There's also a sync to an external Sony flash gun, and a dummy hotshoe to mount it.

Like other Sony cameras, the S85 can capture MPEG-1 movie clips with sound, and there's a built-in speaker. Best quality 320 x 240/15fps mode still only stretches to 15 seconds, but a new EX mode extends the low-resolution 160 x 112 video to as long as you have available memory.

The AV output is switchable between PAL and NTSC, and connection to your PC is with USB, after which the camera's memory card is mounted as a removable drive from which you can drag files. The S85 also supports Picture Transfer Protocol which lets Windows XP access it without installing a driver.

Sony has made vast ergonomic improvements with the S85, which feels extremely comfortable and solid. A chunky dial switches between aperture and shutter priority modes, along with full manual, auto, playback and set up, without navigating any menus, while the thumb-operated jog dial quickly makes any adjustments. The LCD status panel has been moved to the rear and now shows more information than ever.

The only real downside to the S85 is that 64Mb Memory Sticks cost around £100, while prices of unbranded Compact Flash have dropped to half that price. You'll also never be able to slot in IBM's MicroDrive in a Sony camera. If you can accept this, then the S85 is simply a great camera and comes highly recommended even at around £899. If you like the sound of the S85, but are happy with 3.3megapixels, go for the silver S75 for £699 - can't say fairer than that.

CONTACT: Sony
08705 111 999
www.sony.co.uk