Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1: A failure to communicate

[News Hound]

Earlier this year, Sony announced its first wireless (Wi-Fi) digital point-and-shoot camera, the 6-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-G1.(Click on image at right for an enlarged view.) Although not the first company to have a wireless camera--Canon, Nikon and Kodak had all introduced earlier such models--Sony received quite a bit of attention, particularly since the G1 also featured a 3.5-inch LCD, the largest available on a point-and-shoot camera at the time, plus 2 gigabytes of on-board storage, the most we?d seen on a digital camera. However, when we recently tested its wireless capabilities, we were surprised to find that, unlike all other wireless cameras, it can't wirelessly transfer image files to a computer?s hard drive--presumably a major reason for buying a Wi-Fi camera. It also couldn't wirelessly print photos, as some wireless cameras can. Related information: How to choose a digital camera Consumer Reports' digital camera Ratings (for ConsumerReports.org subscribers only) Product Focus: Casio Exilim EX-V7 7-megapixel camera What the G1 can do is easily and wirelessly transfer image files to other G1 cameras. It can also send them to DLNA-compatible devices, essentially TVs and computers, for viewing only. In order to view images on such devices, though, you need a version of media player software (such as Sony's VAIO Media software or Acer Arcade Deluxe) that isn't bundled with the G1.

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