Comparisons are inevitably made with its predecessor, the Cybershot® DSC-W1. The DSC-W5 shares some of the earlier model's best features, and a few of its problems as well. Since its debut, however, the camera has been a big favorite among point-and-shooters and beyond. It features a modest 3x optical zoom, buoyed by an additional 6x digital zoom when the occasion calls for it. The focal length is 7.9-23.7 mm, equivalent to 38-114 mm for a 35mm camera. The 32 MB internal memory will be hardly sufficient, but it will take Memory Stick® or Stick Pro¿. With the 5-megapixel resolution, a picture can be blown up to 2,592 x 1,944 resolution clarity. Besides still pictures, a movie mode takes video shorts with resolution quality of 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second.

In general, small cameras can cause red eye, and the DSC-W5 can produce that effect, although apparently less than an early version of this camera. Also, low-light conditions can present a problem. An expansive 2.5-inch screen makes framing very easy to do. The Cybershot® is a popular series, and the DSC-W5 carries on the heritage in satisfying users.