Customer Reviews

Sony DSCP9 Cyber-shot 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Sony's DSC-P9, released in June 2002, is the state of the art in terms of resolution and features in a very compact camera, with point-and-shoot ease of use. At just 4-1/2 x 2 x 1-1/2 inches in size and 7-1/2 ounces with battery, this is a camera you can take anywhere - so you will have it with you and take more pictures. It's smaller and lighter than many less powerful cameras, and smaller than earlier generations of Sonys. The camera and features give you that feeling that they have really been carefully thought through and designed for ease of use, though it does take some effort to learn to use.

Features include:
- The 4 megapixel (million pixels, or MP) resolution (2272 x 1704) is at the high end of consumer cameras, and should allow very good enlargements up to about 8x10.
- The 3x optical zoom will help you compose good photos and make the most of your pixels. The zoom lens is the equivalent of 39-117mm on a film camera, so will go from slight wide angle to moderate telephoto. It's a very versatile range, though not wide angle enough to shoot wide shots in small rooms.
- The lens aperture (opening size) is rated (max) at F2.8-F5.6 (depending on zoom; low numbers are better). This is fairly "fast" for this type of camera, making it better in low light than some. The autofocus illuminator and the Twilight modes also help for low light situations, which challenge all digital cameras. However, you will find it much easier to get crisp shots when the lighting is good (or the flash is used).

- The DSC-P9 takes great pictures without requiring much thought. But if you want, the camera gives you several white balance options; light sensitivity (ISO) settings of 100, 200 and 400; pattern or spot light metering; multiple focus modes (3-point, center, manual at pre-set distances); shutter speeds down to 1/2000; and a macro focus setting for great close-ups from as little as 4 inches away.
- Other features include video out, to show pictures on your TV; and a metal case and metal tripod mount.
- The computer drivers should allow you to use a wide range of PCs and Macs with this camera. (Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000 Pro, XP Home/Pro, MacOS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0/9.1/9.2)

For most users, this is all the digital camera you will ever need, in a compact package, with easy to use features. It's not for everyone, though:
- If you want maximum control over your photos. Direct manual controls are limited, though if you use the features wisely you have some control. Also, there is no option to save photos in uncompressed format; and no lens thread. Consider the Canon S40 if these matter to you; the S40's image quality is also slightly better. The Sony DSC-85 will give you even better photos.
- If you mostly shoot snapshots, and never print enlargements, you probably don't need 4MP. You can save some money by getting a 3MP camera like the Sony DSC-P7 or a 2MP camera like the Canon S330 or the Sony DSC-P2. But having the extra pixels does give you more options, and allows you to trim the picture and still have good clarity.

This camera shares many of the issues all digital cameras have:
- You will have to buy more memory. A 128MB stick will get you about 75 photos at maximum quality, and 2-3x more at snapshot quality. Sony "Memory Sticks" are more expensive than other formats.
- Start-up and shot-to-shot times are slower than film cameras.
- The flash on a camera this size cannot match an external unit, but it is rated up to 13 feet, better than many compact cameras.
- The viewfinder (for when it's too bright to use the LCD, or you're saving power) takes some getting used to, as far as what is in and out of the actual photo.
- The MPEG movie feature is low-resolution (320x240), so of limited use, though this Sony can record audio and shoot any length (limited only by memory stick capacity).
- Battery life is very good for this type of camera - you can get 100-200 shots - but the battery must be charged in the camera (unless you buy the Sony charger, extra), so for very long days you may want a second battery.

After doing a lot of research on digital cameras to replace my aging Fuji MX-1200, I decided this seemed like the best one for the money.

With the 4 megapixels you can even use the digital zoom without worrying about sacrificing too much picture quality -- though the 3X optical zoom will suffice in most cases. The picture and movie quality are both very good (sound quality is also surprisingly good), though movies tend to come out dark if you're shooting indoors without a lot of sunlight (though, for a still camera, I haven't seen much better).

The one thing you'll want to familiarize yourself with is the manual brightness settings. Pictures indoors with sub-par lighting will also come out a bit dark on normal settings, but if you adjust the brightness manually (using Sony's easy-to-navigate menu system) it won't be a problem at all.

The camera also has both USB and A/V out jacks for displaying pictures/movies on your computer or TV -- which are both pretty much plug and play processes.

One last thing -- as is the case with all digital camera -- is that you'll want to buy a bigger memory stick than the one it's packaged with (16 MB).

Overall, an excellent camera.

Very impressive indeed!. I spent a long time going through the reviews, trying them in the shops and found that NONE of the cameras currently on offer is perfect! This, however, is the **best** ultracompact around.

This one provides excellent, sharp images even in low light. It is also very easy to use and is robust.

The white balance on this camera is dead on - unlike many others than cant adjust properly under fluorescent or regular lights, and so the colours on pictures taken are exactly right.

I like the fact that you dont have to take out the battery every time to recharge it - and that the info-lithium system tells you exactly how much shooting time you have left

And that the red-eye problem is negligible, compared to other ultracompacts.

And you even get a bonus email-able picture every time you press the button : no more resizing in photoshop...

A camera to grab and take with you anytime!

This one has a strong flash as well. I printed out my A4 size (8x10) pictures and friends thought they were from a shop!

I like the skin colours, and you can adjust the sharpness for a softer look on portraits. Nice sexy body as well....:)

Treat yourself and get one for Christmas! I did ,

I also got an HP 130 photoprinter! Just select which photos to print on the canera, then stick the memory stick right into the printer, press "print" and hey presto : lab quality 4 x 6" photos right away! No computer needed & no messing about

Good one : Its a SONY

I've had my camera for over a month now and almost everything about it is incredible. The picture quality is outstanding and you have a range of resolution choices. The camera is very small...just smaller than the size of my hand, and features including picture editing on the camera(like zooming in and cutting on that zoomed-in part) is handy. You can also record mpeg movies(about 3 mins. w/ a 128mb memory stick), but you don't have light from the camera while recording. The battery time is over 1 hour fully charged, which is more than enough with the memory they give you. I purchased another battery because I'm one of those that has to have everything perfect.
Only cons w/ the camera is that it only includes a 16mb memory stick(which only takes 8 pictures on the highest resolution), so I purchased a 128mb one. The wait-time between shots could be shorter(about 5 secs.), and the zoom could be higher(6x optical). Lastly, they do NOT provide a program to do more enhancing or editing. My uncle has a Canon and it came w/ a good editing feature program(photostitch) that will combine a number of pictures together and form 1 big one. Its good for taking big pictures/big families and panaromic shots.
Overall, I'm impressed with the size and features of this camera, but the price may be too steep for 1st-timers.

I just purchased this camera for myself as an early christmas gift and I'm so glad that I did, becasue I love it !!! It's my first digital camera, and I'm very impressed with it. The picture quality is excellent, once you master the white balance and flash controls. It's so ultra light weight and so compact, that I find mayself carrying it everywhere with me.

Make sure to take advantage of the ... coupon offer for online registration which is included in the box (the accessories catalog). Simply go to the Sony website listed and once you register your camera online, you get a coupon to purchase accessories and save big time !! I got the Stamina Value Kit (soft case, memory stick holder case and one battery) for a great discount using this offer. Don't pass it up !!! It's good on all accessories for this camera - even the nifty mouse that has a memory stick reader slot built in, so you can transfer pictures to your PC in a snap through the mouse. VERY COOL !!!

I absolutely love it! I won't list specs in this review, but I like the fact that you can record audio/video and the limit is your memory stick. Also handy is the quick review of the last photo in the same settings you are in vs. having to switch the dial to the 'review' mode.

I would highly recommend a 128M memory stick. 16M fly quickly especially in High Resolution.

The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the zoom capability.. Don't let the digital 2X fool you. I would recommend sticking to the 3X optical zoom to get good photos.
Also if your hands are big, get a bigger camera.

A bientot.

The Sony DSC-P9 is my second digital camera. I only have it for a few weeks now, but I have to admit, this loaded little gadget is a great companion. Not only is it small enough, but with it's solid Aluminum body I really have it in my pocket most of the time.

No need to repeat all the technical specs here. Overall the camera has an excellent price/value ratio.

Be sure to buy enough 128M sticks ... you will play with MPEG-HQX, be warned. The video editing software included only creates MPEG-1, so don't forget to download VirtualDub (free software, GPL).

Have fun and great shots!
Jan

I'm a snapshot guy - not a photographer. I have 3 children and love taking pictures. This camera is totally appropriate for my needs. You don't need 6 letters before your name to set the thing up. I set everything to auto. Pictures are crystal clear, the zoom range is surprisingly good, the flash does its' job without leaving my pictures dark or having them look like they were taken during a nuclear explosion. I have meaty hands and have no problems using the menus/controls. The buttons look small but are well placed and easy to navigate. The size of the camera makes it a non-issue to carry. I now keep my camera in my shoulder bag all the time. It's no longer a specialy item. You will want to buy 3 extra things:
128 MB Sony memory stick (Yes, over priced - get over it because the camera is worth it)
Extra battery
Camera case

If you are able spend another 250 USD and get following items:
Sony BC-VC10 Dual Battery Charger for NPFC10 Only(Original charger charging thorough camera and you could not charge your camera everytime on safe please)
Sony NP-FC10 Info-Lithium Battery for DSCP3/5 (You should add another hour to your shooting experience.)
Sony LCMPX Semi Soft Carrying Case for DSCP3/5 (Save your camera and bring to everywhere)
SanDisk SDMS-128-822 128MB Memory Stick Memory Card (Most important one, 16MB is nothing)
Dazzle Multimedia DM-8100 Memory Stick Reader (Make your life easier)
Memory Stick Carrying Case(Safety)

I've been using this camera on my travels as well as at home, and I love it. I'm a shutterbug and enjoy the point and click type cameras, but this camera lets my photographer roommate manually set just about everything he needs to when he's at the helm.

My favorite part is the rediculous amount of video with sound that this baby can record with a 128meg memory stick. I get 90 minutes of video and audio on the one stick. Imagine when/if Sony comes out with 256 or 512MB sticks!