Sony Cyber-shot Pro DSC-V3

Generally, the DSC-V3 is a fast shooter, capable of taking pictures at a sustained rate of one every two seconds.

All the controls are easily identifiable and well placed, though many buttons are small. The optical viewfinder doesn't have a focusable diopter for people who wear glasses, but this is offset by the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD.

The Sony Cyber-shot Pro DSC-V3 is a solid, full-featured digital camera with a Zeiss f/2.8-to-f/5.4 34- to 136-mm (35 mm equivalent) 4X optical zoom lens and Sony's exclusive NightShot mode for viewing and shooting in total darkness.

On top of the camera, just above the automatic pop-up flash, is an intelligent hot shoe to accommodate external strobes. A subdial is lined up directly behind the Select dial on top so they can be turned simultaneously.

Behind a rubberized panel on the camera's left side, you'll find USB and A/V out ports. A charger port resides slightly higher up.

Open up a panel on the bottom, and you'll find the infoLithium battery, which displays in minutes how much juice is left, and the memory card slot.

The optional wide-angle 0.7x lens offers increased detail at the edge of an image, enhancing your panoramic pictures.

The optional electronic flash attatches to the DSC-V3 via the hot shoe on top of the camera.

The back of the optional electronic flash features an LCD control panel and buttons to manually control the flash.

The V3 comes with an optional black leather carrying case.