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DSC-TX30 LED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
We won’t even try to cover the full range of features available in the TX30’s rear menu, but to say that it is very well laid out and easy to understand. As an added benefit, it is also customizable so one can pull down a frequently used feature to the left sidebar, as we did with our picture resolution. Something else we liked about the menu is the fact that one simply presses the ‘X’ when done in a menu option, closing it and returning you back to the previous screen. As simple as it may seem, we have seen some confusing methods of return in camera menu selections.
In the menu, we can adjust the flash, set for burst shooting, set the self-timer, smile shutter, face detection, movie size, scene creativity and even adjust the pictures appearance through Photo Creativity. On the right menu, we find the battery meter, SD card indicator, picture resolution with number of pictures remaining, a selection to turn the display on or off, camera mode as well as Photo Access icon. The camera Mode has Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto (my favorite), Movie Mode, Program Auto, Panorama, Background Defocus, Picture Effect, Scene Selection and even 3D Image.
SAMPLE SHOTS
Before we go any further, I need to stress that I am an amateur photographer, at best. The following pictures were taken for your benefit in effort to highlight a few features of the camera. Our first pictures represent the zoom capabilities of the TX-30 at the Welland Canal. Bear with us as we are in Canada and Spring really hasn’t hit yet.
NO ZOOM
5X OPTICAL ZOOM
DIGITAL 15X (HAND HELD) ZOOM
Of particular note for these shots is the Sony TX30’s image stabilization which helps considerably in shots such as this. For our next photo, we tried to demonstrate the ability to take a fully focused picture at about 1cm away:
CLOSE UP FOCUS (1 CM)
Is the dog upset at having to share his quarters with you?
Its more the other way around eheheh.
does this camera come with the gps tracker?
Nope…
Thanks for the great review Les!
It’s a great camera (instead of 5m before, 10m underwater abilities now). it will be great if there put wifi in it. nice finishing touch on this camera.
I think it is the best waterproof camera there is on the market. design (nobody believe it’s waterproof, and you get great reactions if you jump with my camera in the water)
picture quality (some people think i make pictures with a SLR, very funny to take this thing then out of my pocket:P)
one disappointing… the touchscreen don’t work under water, it’s logic but with snorkeling you need to stop, let your hand and screen dry for a couple of minutes. and press as a idiot on the screen again in hope he will react!:P
after all, i think i always will stick to Sony with there waterproof camera! maybe this will be my next.
A proud owner of a dcs-tx10
How fast does the camera take photos? I’ve been looking into this camera but my old old cybershot was sooo slow to take a photo.
10 frames per second in full 18.2MP resolution
Hi Les,
Thank you for the great review. Can the TX30 use Memory Stick PRO – HG Duo cards? How does it compare to last years TX20?
We didn’t have last years version and the acceptable cards are listed on the site. Perhaps trying Sony might assist. Having said that, this camera has become somewhat of an addiction. It is quick, has just about every feature imaginable except for Wifi, and is VERY simple to figure out. The purchase price was a bit steeper than expected but I can see this camera lasting longer and providing more use than others. Typically, if something is not easy to figure out, full use will never be possible; I don’t think that that situation applies in this instance. Hope this helps!
Karen
Yes it does.
Thank you Karen. 🙂
Hello,
Can you test whether the touchscreen works underwater? This camera looks very interesting, but still debating between Oly TG-2, Nikon AW110, Panny DMC-TS5 and this one. ;p
Thanks!
Awesome review! My only question is does the bottom latch secure into metal or plastic? The battery door on my DSC-TX5 won’t stay closed any longer because the thin strip of plastic securing it broke. Love the TX5 (as I have loved all my T-series cameras), just want to make sure the TX30 one will last.
All metal. Simply push the door shut and the latch clicks into place. There is resistance as the inside rubber ring creates the seal.
Looks like Sony learned from their first waterproof camera and reinforced the closure. I will have to pick one up. Thanks for the quick reply.
Unless Sigfod means after you open the metal closure, there’s a little blue piece of plastic inside the battery and sd card compartment that latches the battery in place. My TX30 just broke and I’m right at 31 days ownership… it’s used so I’m pretty sure that’s my cutoff to return by a day. Ouch!
There’s a little blue piece of plastic inside the battery and sd card compartment that latches the battery in place. My TX30 just broke and I’m right at 31 days ownership… it’s used so I’m pretty sure that’s my cutoff to return by a day. Ouch!
Sounds like the cover still latches into plastic making this a major failure point esp. with the pressure it is under from the rubber seal.
TX30 has Shockproof capabilities? will it work if its fell down from 3 feet?
It is just as the report states my friend.
I have bought 2 of these Merrell camera. Love them. Mine stopped working last year while on vacation. I can’t find any in our stores here in Canada. They are discontinued. Only used ones for sale are displayed in Japanese. Do you have any access to any? Is there a replacement coming out soon? Please help.