Technology X Tomorrow's Technology Today! 
REPORT ANALYSIS AND FINAL THOUGHTS
The DSC-TX30 definitely stands in a class of its own, providing some very attractive features that others do not. Its Carl Zeiss 5x optical lens is great for a camera with a fixed lens and, better yet, a magnification ratio of 15x is an added plus. Low light photography is great as is the ability to shoot close ups from as close as 1 cm away with perfect focus.
The 3.3” OLED display provides an amazing view picture and the GUI is very simple to use. The ONLY thing that I am always afraid of with such a large display is accidental damage as occurred with my Sony HX100V a few years back. There are so many scratches in the protective coating from normal use that the rear display is just too distracting; hence the reason for recently moving to a DSC-HX300 Cyber-shot.
This was one of the only negatives we could find as price, although high, was logical and we would always like to see longer warranties. The inclusion of Wifi is a definite suggestion for the future as it then allows for such things as video streaming and media transfer without opening the unit, as well as the ability to incorporate active theft detection.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I never thought I would be spending $350 for a camera for my wife, but then again, this is an interesting investment as her average is 2-3 cameras per year. Such features as being waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze proof, offer a very challenging proposition for the task at hand. It is a bit amusing actually as most seek qualities such as resolution, zoom, included GUI features or size in a camera; I just want the TX-30 to not break. If we can accomplish that, I am sure it will reign amongst the best of Karen’s toys and stay close to her heart, eliminating the probability of loss. MacDonalds bag storage is something I have learned to circumvent.
We are awarding the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30 Digital Camera with our Editors Choice, not only because it is waterproof, dustroof, shockproof and freeze proof but also, the TX30 is a compact camera built for the demands of the media professional, yet meant for the amateur photographer.
FOLLOW UP!
We have since posted a follow up report (LINK) of some excellent pictures and video from a Winnipeg/Buffalo NHL hockey game. Enjoy!
Check Out Sony TX30 Pricing at Amazon!
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.