Sony DSCP2 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [4.52mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 4.5 x 2 inches ; 7.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000068V9F
• Item model number: DSC-P2
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,276 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 19, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony makes it easy for you to carry a great digital still camera with you everywhere you go. The Sony DSC-P2 offers an affordable, compact 2-megapixel digital camera that's small enough to fit in your pocket or purse and is packed with lots of extras.

Optics and Resolution
The DSC-P2's features a 2-megapixel sensor for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. If you plan on printing your photos at 11 by 14 inches or larger, you'll probably want a camera with higher resolution than the DSC-P2 offers--we recommend Sony's compact, 3.2-megapixel DSC-P7.

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-P2 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 five-step manual focus mode, adjustable ISO, and white-balance settings, and 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-P2 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-P2 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 30 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-P2 is a very compact and portable digital camera.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DSC-P2 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. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.

Product Description

Pick up this digital camera and keep your friends and relatives updated on your family's current events. The 3x optical/6x precision digital zoom lens catches close up shots that are stored on an included 8MB Memory Stick«. Download shots onto your computer via the USB connector with cable and driver. The 3.21 mp effective CCD image sensor (3.34 mp gross) captures clean sharp details in every photo opportunity. The intelligent flash and high-speed scan Autofocus are other great features.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just what I wanted, August 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony DSCP2 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

When I first started shopping around for a digital camera I wasn't really sure what was important to me. Finally I figured out that what I really wanted was:
1)not to replace my normal camera so 2Mpixels would do just fine
2)minimum 3x optical zoom (didn't care about digital)
3)something small
4)under $400
5)movie mode with sound

Now that I have the Sony P2 here are my likes and dislikes:
Likes -
1)it is one of the smaller cameras out there - great for travel
2)I love the movie mode, which is only limited by the size of your memory stick
3)I like the fact that you can turn off the digital zoom so that you don't accidentally use it
4)The menu system is intuitive and easy to use
5)The battery is much smaller than I expected - the camera is not heavy at all (yet still has a solid feel)
6)You can plug the camera right into your TV to view the photos and movies
7)You can easily change between NTSC and PAL video formats which will be great when I go back home to the UK for a visit
8)Has automatic scene lighting for when you are in a dark place - works really well
9)Rechargable battery holds quite a good life - easily enough for a full day's outing

Dislikes -
1)You have to wait much longer between shots than with a conventional point and click camera (2-3sec maybe)
2)I knew the 16Mb Memory Stick wasn't going to be nearly enough so I just ordered a 128Mb one with the camera (more money)
3)I like having a rechargable battery, but the down side is if it runs out you've had it unless you carry a spare (which are small and light, but again - more money to spend)

Bottom Line -
I personally would buy this camera again. It ended up being a little more than I really wanted to spend, once I added on extra memory and spare battery, but I haven't regretted it. I am also contemplating getting a case for it to protect the viewing screen, but I don't think this is a requirement as long as you are careful.
I didn't give this 5 stars because of the shot delay and the fact the you really need to buy extra memory.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth its weight in gold!, November 30, 2002

By 

Eric Lozauskas "[e-mail]" (Fairfield, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony DSCP2 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camera is magnificent. I puchased this from BestBuy and have been loving it ever since! Mine came with a 16 MB memory stick... A memory stick is the type of media that the camera uses to store the pictures. Other cameras use media like compactflash, etc. Memory sticks are definately the way to go however. Most new sony products are starting to have memory stick readers (even the televisions/cable boxes!), so you can have picture/slide shows! Its a great time to join the sony family.

Now, about the camera... This camera is top notch! Honestly, I love just about every feature this camera offers! I ordered mine with the sony Cybershot starter kit which came with a really nice camera bag, a memory stick holder and an extra infolithium battery!

The camera uses rechargable infolithium battery packs (which are light and tiny!!) and charge inside the camera! Simply plug in the camera, and it charges...and MUCH quicker that the other clunkier sony's charge the standard batteries. I do wish that they offered an external battery charger though, but perhaps they will in the future...

The LCD display is fantastic in low light, bright light, sunlight, etc. Camera is easy to operate, lasts long on each battery charge (at LEAST an hour being on...) The quality is superb. The side has a spring loaded door which has the battery and memory stick behind it. If the door swings open by mistake (which hasn't happened to me yet), the battery is held in by a strong clip, and the memory stick is "clicked" into the slot. Top notch design! Even on the bottom, the tripod mount is metal unlike other cheap cameras with plastic mounts (which strip easily!)...

I highly recommend you purchase this camera. You will love it as a great point and shoot camera with enough options to have fun with (movies with sound, and camera effects!) The 2 Megapixel resolution is perfect. 4x6's are crystal clear, and 8x10's look quite nice. Sure you could get 3, 4, or even 5 megapixel cameras, but why waste the money and need larger media for all that extra space the pictures take when for normal printouts of 4x6, 2 megapixels works just fine? Hopefully this review helps those of you who were sinking in a sea of camera choices like I was. You won't regret purchasing this camera. You'll fall in love the second you turn it on.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just get it!, December 16, 2002

By 

Parelle (Rosemont, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony DSCP2 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This is one of the best investments that I've ever made. The camara is TINY (it can fit in a purse, an acomplishment for any camara, much less a digital) and has wonderful picture quality. The flash is unbelivable, particularly at night, althhough I do have problems taking pictures indoors with poor light. I would recommend also getting a 128 MB memory stick, since I was able to take over 75 pictures (at 1280 x 980 res) before downloading them to my computer. Overall, if you're looking for a camara not for artwork but for ordinary picture taking, this is the perfect choice.