Sony Cybershot DSCP93A 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

Product Manual [3.59mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001G6UES
• Item model number: DSC-P93
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,785 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 29, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

With its small size and quick reaction time, the Sony DSCP93 digital camera will be your constant photographic companion. You'll pick up amazing detail with its 5.1-megapixel CCD--and produce poster-sized prints. The affordable, 5-megapixel DSCP93 offers point-and-shoot simplicity with a variety of features normally found in higher-end models. It features a 3x optical zoom, 9-shot burst mode, high-resolution 1.5-inch LCD screen for reviewing shots, A/V connection to view images on your TV, and a high-resolution movie mode that's limited only by your Memory Stick's capacity. For a step up in price, check out the Sony DSCP100 brings a high-quality Carl Zeiss lens, compatibility with Sony's Cybershot Station, and even more compact size to the table.

Optics and Resolution
The 1/1.8-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 5.1-megapixel effective resolution (2592 x 1944). The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag. The DSCP93 has a 3x optical zoom lens that's combined with a smooth 2x digital zoom for a 6x total.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480; the included 32 MB memory card will store 87 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

More Features
In addition to optics, the DSCP93 offers the following additional features to the DSCP73:

• The 1.5-inch LCD monitor has a 123K-pixel resolution--double that of the DSCP73--enabling you to review fine details in your captured images.
• 9 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 9 shots (fine) or 15 shots (standard) at 1.2 frames/sec. even at 5 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports. (The DSCP73 has only a 4-shot burst mode.)

Other features include:

• Resolution modes: 2592 x 1944 (5.1MP), 2592 x 1728 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA)
• Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• Real Imaging Processor: The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-P93 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag and improves battery stamina.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• Conversion Lens Compatible: Increase your shooting options by adding either telephoto lenses to increase your optical zoom, or wide-angle lenses to increase the width of your field of view. You can even add filters for special effects.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, SonyÕs Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isnÕt centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ð 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• 9 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 9 shots (fine) or 15 shots (standard) at 1.2 frames/sec. even at 5 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports. (The DSCP73 has only a 4-shot burst mode.)

Direct Printing
The Cybershot DSCP93 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP93 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 Fine and 23 Standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCP93 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 4.63 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCP93 digital camera, 32 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input.

Product Description

Great pictures are just a push of a button away with the Sony DSC-P93 Cyber-shot Digital Camera. It captures huge 5.1 Megapixel (2592 x 1944 resolution) images that are strikingly vivid thanks to Sony's Real Imaging Processor. The DSC-P93 also features a large 1.5-inch LCD monitor, 3x optical zoom lens with up to 12x Smart Zoom, and 5 area multi-point auto focus, all combining to expand your shooting options without compromising photo quality. You can even capture short videos with its MPEG Movie VX mode and print directly from the camera with PictBridge technology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

128 of 131 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera loaded with a lot of features., August 30, 2004

By	J. Kim (San Francisco Bay Area, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I waited and waited a long time before I finally bought a digital camera for my wife and I'm glad that I did. Although this not the smallest camera (Casio has several good small models), I like it for several reasons.

1. I have the larger DSC-F828 and very happy with Sony's line of cameras. The DSCP93 uses memory sticks just like the larger camera so no extra media to buy.

2. This is a 5 megapixel camera so whatever pictures I take will look good even at 8x10.

3. It's a decent size, not too large and not too small. The button placement is good. I had a camera where a function button was placed near the right thumb rest. I kept activating buttons that I did not need to.

4. It has many features like movie taking and sharpness control.

5. It has an optical viewfinder to save on battery life. I use the digital viewfinder for picture review.

6. Talking about batteries: It gets a long life out of two "AA" rechargeable batteries, which came with it. Although you do have to use an external charger for these batteries it's fine since you don't have to worry about down time while the batteries charge like you would if the batteries were charged internally.

7. The batteries are standard nickel metal hydride and relatively cheap and available anywhere, not expensive batteries designed just for this camera.

8. Very important! When you change batteries, you do not lose your settings like the date and time.

9. There is a built-in lens cover.

10. Flash is bright and recharges relatively quickly.

11. The telephoto is optical rather than digital.

Overall, I am very happy with it. I do hate Sony's 90-day labor and 1 year parts warrranty though.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, June 21, 2004

By	Dupont - See all my reviews

This was the first digital camera I purchased, and I must say that I got quite lucky.
The resolution is brilliant at 5.1 MP. You can stretch and crop all you want without distortion, and it doesn't have that blurry look quintessential of digial cameras.
The price is an excellent bargain, especially since here it is offered for $350 (probably subject to change) as opposed to the list $450.
It is very user friendly, and has many functions to produce the optimum photo for your situation/context. The amount of flash is automatically decided by the camera, making one's life easier, although you do have the power to override flashes.
I recommend that you pruchase the two-sided, 128 MB each memory stick by sony to go along.
My only negative comment would be that the batteries are not the super-power ones found in most other cameras. I don't know much about their chemical composition or any of that, but I do maintain that the batteries have a tendency to run out rather fast. However, they are rechargeable and the camera comes with an included recharger you can plug in to an electrical outlet.
I really suggest you buy this camera. I am certainly glad I did.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! What a camera!, August 12, 2004

By	John Owens - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A long-time SLR user, I was concerned that a digital camera would not satsfy my photography needs, since the only digital camera I have ever had came free with my computer. I was not sure the convenience of a digital was worth the several hundred dollars this camera cost, but my wife kept nagging me until I bought it. She was tired of carrying our bulky SLR camera and several roles of film every time we go to Disney. I must say, she was right and I was wrong!! This camera takes such excellent pics that I doubt I break out the old dinosaur too many more times!

My only complaint is the very large storage size of the 5MP pics. They look awesome, but you can't email them and can't store too many on your computer unless you have a very large storage disk. I take hundreds of pics, so over 3MB each is just too large! At least this camera has the ability to downgrade the size and MP for your everyday pics or pics you want to mail. It also comes with software to easily transfer images to CD.

The video and sound are good except for the fact that it is lacks the anti-vibration feature. All-in-all, this camera is definitely worth the money! Just make sure you have plenty of money if you decide to buy accessories--they are very expensive, but at least they are available.