Sony Cybershot with Housing is Better

I have this and the Sony Cybershot DSC-something (4 MP), and Ilike the Sony better. Yes, the DC500 is 5 MP and has a bigger LCD screen, but that's where the advantages stop.

Here's what I found to be bad about the DC500:

1. Proprietary battery: this is a bummer, because it won't last for a full day of serious picture-taking, and since it's proprietary, you can't just pack along extra AA's or whatever, like you can with the Cybershot. I see that as a serious limitation.

2. There's no viewfinder: maybe not a huge deal, but sometimes it's nice to use a viewfinder when composing shots on land. ALSO: when you consider the fact that the viewfinder uses more battery power, combined with problem #1, it becoems a more serious issue. I like the Cybershot because it has the option to turn the LCD off to conserve batt. power and shoot through the viewfinder.

3. It's black: sure it looks cool, but as any experienced diver knows, if you lose something underwater, the last color you want it to be is black—you'll never see it again. At least add a yellow stripe or something to give it some visibility. (The Cybershot housing has yellow trim).

4. Moisture munchers: it's inconvenient to have to keep ordering more "moisture muncher" packs to always have on hand to prevent fogging. The Cybershot housing is made of "anti-f0g" material, does not require the use of add-in dessicants, and it's never fogged on me once (neither has the DC500—but I have to make sure to remember to insert a new dessicant before each U/W use—a real pain).

I don't know what Time Mag. was thinking when they named this "Product of the year." Nothing innovative or new about it. It's "okay." If it cost only $100, it would be a geat value, but for $550—please!