Sony's DSC-P7 combines compact dimensions with a high-performance 3.2-megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens. If you're looking for a take-anywhere camera that's easy to use and
produces crisp, detailed images, the P7 is worth a closer look.
Optics and Resolution
The DSC-P7's 3.2-megapixel sensor captures ample detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 11 by 14 inches. For a serious amateur photographer, 3 megapixels is a great resolution, providing enough detail to perform some cropping and still have crisp prints.
A 3x optical zoom lens (39-117mm equivalent) helps you to capture exactly the picture you want, and an additional 2x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly. In low-light situations (a particular
weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: If you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder; if you want to see
exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
The DSC-P7 is designed to be a simple point-and-shoot, so it doesn't have a huge assortment of manual settings. However, more advanced photographers will appreciate the manual focus mode, adjustable ISO, and white-balance settings, as well as the exposure compensation and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarized, and
negative images.
Other features include a three-area multipoint autofocus and a multiburst function that captures 16 320 x 240 frames with three selectable intervals for convenient motion analysis.
Power
The DSC-P7 uses a proprietary rechargeable InfoLithium battery (model NP-FC10
), which can provide power for up to 90 minutes of continuous camera usage. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend purchasing a spare battery.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but the DSC-P7 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. It features three MPEG movie modes: video mail (160 x 112), presentation (320 x 240), and HQX (320 x 240) with 16 fps full-screen
playback.
The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 16 images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 16 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing
around 130 images.
To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may also have a built-in Memory Stick reader, which makes
transferring as easy as reading a floppy disk.
Size
At 4.5 by 2 by 1.44 inches and 7.5 ounces fully loaded, the DSC-P7 is a very compact and portable digital camera.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DSC-P7 camera, one rechargeable NP-FC10 InfoLithium battery, AC-LS1 AC adapter/in-camera charger, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 16 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a spare NP-FC10 InfoLithium battery, and a higher-capacity Memory Stick.
