The Cyber-shot DSC-T5 ($349) is the latest addition to Sony’s line of ultra thin cameras. The T5 takes styling cues from the original DSC-T1 (and the more recent DSC-T7 as well), with its unique slide-down lens cover. Other features on the T5 are typical of what you’ll find in this class: the 5 Megapixel CCD, 2.5″ LCD, point-and-shoot operation, and VGA movie mode. Unfortunately, some not-so-good things also come along with this design, and I’ll cover them below.
As is the case with Sony’s other recent cameras, the T5 does not include a memory card. Instead, Sony has built 32MB of memory right into the camera. That doesn’t hold too many 5 Megapixel photos, so buying a memory card is a requirement. Like the other T-series cameras, the T5 uses Memory Stick Duo cards, which are available as large as 2GB. These cards are smaller than regular Memory Sticks, and an adapter is included so you can use them in things with regular MS slots. The downside with MS Duo cards is that they’re expensive — a 1GB card will set you back $105, while an equivalent SD card costs $88.
The DSC-T5 uses the same NP-FT1 battery as the DSC-T1 and T33. This battery has just 2.4 Wh of energy, which about as low as you’ll find. Thankfully, Sony engineers figured out how to get as much out of that little battery as they possible could.