In PCWorld Labs subjective tests for image and video quality, the Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 put up some good (but not great) numbers. While the camera scored well in most categories, image sharpness was a major shortcoming. We use 8-by-10-inch prints for our lab tests, and in my hands-on trials I also noticed quite a bit of softness when viewing the camera's images on a computer monitor after transferring them from the camera.

The WX10 received word scores of Good for exposure quality, color accuracy, and lack of distortion in our tests; we rated its sharpness as Fair. The camera's overall performance score is Good, but considering the disappointing sharpness rating, you're definitely paying more for automated in-camera versatility than overall image quality.

As for video, the WX10 captured some of the smoothest 1080i AVCHD video we've seen out of a pocket camera, but the video itself exhibited problems with white balance and autofocus.

Through the course of our , the WX10's autofocus appeared to "breathe" in and out while trying to lock on to moving objects within the frame, and the scene's white backdrop looked noticeably gray. That said, even though the AF system searched in and out a bit, the camera never lost focus, and the on-screen action remained crisp and smooth. In , the WX10 was less impressive, as it failed to brighten up the scene enough for us to see much of what was going on. In the end we gave the camera an overall video score of Good, and rated the audio it captured through its top-mounted stereo microphones as Very Good.