The Sony DSC-P1 digital camera with MPEG movieHQ and viewscreen is truly a great camera. The Cybershot has 3.3 megapixels resolution that translates into fantastic photos with above average enlargement quality.
This is my third digital camera having "upgraded" in quality and price through the years, and also my most favorite. I have already taken over 1000 pictures with this model and am exceptionally pleased with the camera and the results. As I primarily take pictures as a hobby, my family being my favorite subjects, I have honed my needs into 4 categories:
Picture quality
Ease of operation and daily use
Features
Memory Stick and Battery

First, the picture quality is fantastic. Throughout the years I have taken thousands of photographs. The pictures taken on this camera are by far the best. The images are clear and sharp. (While my skills as a photographer have improved, I can safely say that having a better tool to photograph with, helps as well.) As a norm I keep photo albums with 8x10 shots, so the pictures need to be resized to fit. These pictures are cropped, enlarged and altered and all come out beautifully, not grainy or pixel-like.
Secondly, the daily use category is as important to me as picture quality. With my old camera, it was too big for me to feel comfortable taking it with my in my normal activities. The Sony Camera, however, is small enough to fit in my pocket, or purse. That is a big plus because, as a family we do a lot of activities and I would usually have a number of reasons to not take along my old camera, (too big, didn't want to carry a bag while biking, couldn't take it in the kayak, etc). With the Sony, however, since the camera is only 2.5 inches wide and less than 5 inches long, I can take it with me almost anywhere. I can drop it in a ziplock bag and then place it it my kayak or put it in my purse for an evening out, in my jeans pocket when I go to the kids school, etc. This feature is wonderful, as I can now take photos, when I didn't feel comfortable in the past, because of inconvenient size.
FEATURES:
The camera has a very good zoom/wide angle feature. (3x optical zoom) The lens is really quite cute and it juts out from the camera, making a quiet buzz.
The built-in flash is nice as well as it does not protrude from the camera, making a sleek design. It is easily turned on or off with a button on the back of the camera.
The optional view finder on the back of the screen is great too. A small window 1.25" x 1" shows the proposed picture. Despite the small window, the image is pretty clear. The additional feature that is impressive, allows the user to actually "stop time" in essence. When the user depresses the button, the image in the viewfinder shows a freeze frame of the proposed photo. If the photographer wants the photo, you simply click on the button, if not, do nothing and the image clears. Quite nice, as it saves a lot of bad shots from being taken. (The viewfinder can easily be turned off, as it does drain the batteries while it is operating.)
Lastly, the oddest feature that has taken me a little getting used to is the 60 second digital recording. For up to 60 seconds, the user can record a digital movie complete with audio. Supposedly, the recording can be transferred to still picture if the user chooses. (I have not used this feature yet.)
The camera, as with most digitals, allows the viewer to delete unwanted photos and review photos almost immediately after taking them. Again, this process drains the battery.
Memory Stick and Battery:
The memory stick resembles a short purple popsicle stick that is inserted lengthwise into the camera. I use a 64 mg memory stick that holds about 30 photos. (If I need more than 30 photos at a session, I just take along an additional stick.) [Sidenote-Sony gives an 8 mg stick with the purchase of the camera which is useless, be sure to purchase additional memory sticks.] The stick is then inserted into a USB port that is connected to my computer. It is a very easy procedure to download pictures. Also, as opposed to typical batteries (Duracell etc) The battery in the camera is rechargable, so I just connect a plug into the camera and the the outlet. I have not had the battery ever drain completely.
Overall, the camera is easy to use, as all the buttons are labeled and there is a battery on the LCD that shows how much battery life remains, and also how much memory remains. I find these features very helpful. I appreciate that kind of detail in my camera. Overall, I am very pleased with the camera and would look to a Sony again in the future.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 700