Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P2

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Sony has made their popular Cyber-shot P series camera more affordable than ever with its latest sub-S$700 (US$396) DSC-P2. Targeted mainly at trendy point-and-shoot users, this 2-megapixel, 3x optical zoom Cyber-shot offers an impressive list of features including an AF (Auto Focus) illuminator for low light shooting, multi-point focusing and exposure as well as an automatic image noise reduction system. Its only drawback is that it uses proprietary rechargeable InfoLithium battery and not AA-sized batteries, which are easily available in convenience stores.

Not Just A Pretty Face



		Similar products Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P9 These cameras offer more resolution but at a higher price.

With the P2, Sony appears to have done away with the traditional black or silver appearance of its digital cameras in favor of a fresh approach: On offer are silver, white, blue and pink bodies. Combined with the smooth edges and compact size of the chic-looking Cyber-shot design, the new Sony digicam certainly has eye-catching looks.

But the P2 is not just about good looks, an ultra-compact form factor and a durable full metal body. Like its P5 and P9 predecessors, the camera provides a rather comfortable grip with its well-placed thumb rest and finger hook. And the buttons are located easily within reach for one-hand operation. The only complaint we have is the center button of the navigation key. Its vague "click" feedback makes it hard to tell when it's been activated.

No Lack Of Features
While the new Cyber-shot is aimed at users looking for point-and-shoot capabilities, the camera comes equipped with an impressive list of useful functions. For example, it has an auto focus system that can select the best focus from the center of the frame or from three separate areas within. The selectable multi-pattern measuring and spot metering modes also gives users the option to take exposure readings from an average of the entire frame or simply just from one point in the picture.

To help the camera better focus in low light or even total darkness conditions, the P2 employs the use of the AF illuminator which shoots an infra-red beam on the subject to lock the focus. And if you still cannot get the desired image quality, you can try any of the three preset Scene modes for taking night pictures, night portraits and landscape scenery.

Sharp Image Captures
The Cyber-shot DSC-P2 may not match the 4-megapixel DSC-P9 in terms of pure pixel count but where image quality is concerned, the former performed admirably. In fact, a quick side-by-side comparison of the test pictures taken with both cameras showed that some of the images taken with the P2 appeared sharper. The colors reproduced were also accurate and well-balanced. Close-up shots taken in the macro mode and the MPEG video clips turned out fine too.

Taking pictures in low light environments used to be a challenge for many camera users. But this has been made much simpler with the use of the AF illuminator and night scene modes. Indoor pictures, however, required the manual selection of white balance settings to achieve a more accurate color tone.

As with most Sony cameras, the P2 is intuitively easy to operate and connecting to the computer via USB for image transfer is a breeze. General camera response is quick too, with the start-up taking about 5 seconds and shot-to-shot interval at about 3 seconds (inclusive of flash and a short image preview). For long outdoor shoots, you may want to invest in an additional gum stick InfoLithium battery which can roughly give about 100 shots on a single charge.

An Excellent Point-And-Shoot Camera
At S$699 (US$395), the DSC-P2 offers a good balance of ergonomics, features, image quality and ease of use for a point-and-shoot digital camera. But if you want better zoom and the convenience of AA-sized batteries, you may want to check out the FinePix 2800Z from Fujifilm instead.