Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 review

This svelte shooter is tougher than it looks, with images that also manage to pack a punch

If you’ve come across ‘tough’ cameras in the past, you’ll know that most of them aren’t too pleasing to the eye. However, for a camera that claims to be waterproof up to 5m, shockproof up to 1.5m and usable in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, the Sony Cyber-shot TX10 doesn’t sacrifice style for durability. With its smooth exterior and pocket-sized dimensions, this is one camera you’ll be proud to show off to the outside world.

Slide down the front cover of the device and it powers up straightaway, its three-inch LCD ready for action. The cover takes some force to slide, though this will inevitably help to keep the front well protected when it’s not being used. You can also use the On/Off button on the top to activate it, although an on-screen instruction will pop up to remind you to slide down the cover. Slide up the cover, and the camera will turn itself off.

The majority of the controls are presented on the LCD screen, for you to tap at your leisure. These include a Menu option, where you can simplify the menu for basic use, change macro settings and select Smile Shutter mode, which can be adjusted to fire off a photo according to how happy your subject is! Alternatively, if you don’t want to get bogged down with on-screen settings, you can just point and shoot. The TX10 has its zoom control placed on the corner of the camera. Its handy placement ensures your hands don’t move too much from the ‘capture’ position, although those with larger digits may find it fiddly to get to grips with.

Images captured on the camera are impressive, with high-quality detail and lots of clarity. Colours are vibrant without being garish, and battery life remained over the course of a weekend’s shooting.

The RRP may be steeper than the average compact’s, but if you’re looking for a sleek yet tough shooter that delivers on the image front, you won’t be disappointed.