Sony DSC-P20

The P20 is equipped with a fixed-focus 6mm (42mm 35mm equiv) F4.5 lens. When not using the camera the lever below the lens closes a protective cover. A warning message appears on the LCD if the camera is turned on before the lens cover is opened. There is a dedicated Macro mode (0.2m minimum) that is activated by sliding the switch on the back (see below).

The control on the back controls the "Digital Zoom" and this one is 3x and stepless. As with all digital zooms it simply enlarges the center portion of the image so expect a certain amount of image degradation when it's used.

On the back is the Macro focus selector switch. The eyelevel viewfinder has LED indicators along the side for focus, flash and writing to memory functions. The DISPLAY/LCD button controls the color LCD monitor.

The Sony "P" series are basically advanced point-n-shoot cameras, the Mode Dial has positions for Setup, Movie, Playback, Record and Night Scene. See the next page for details on the exposure options and the menu system.

Below the battery compartment is the Memory Stick card slot. Sony includes a 4MB Memory Stick but any size Memory Stick may be used.

I/O ports on the side are for a high-speed USB port for downloading to the computer and connection to the battery charger if using the optional NP-FS11 battery or AC power adapter. MGI PhotoSuite software and appropriate USB drivers for Windows 98/2000/ME PC and Macintosh are bundled with the camera.

New to Sony cameras, the P20, P30 and P50 can be powered by standard AA batteries. A pair of AA alkalines are supplied with the camera.

Optionally you can purchase the Sony INFOLithium NP-FS11 3.6v rechargeable battery pack. The NP-FS11 will give you a runtime of about 80 minutes in Record mode.

If using the NP-FS11 battery pack, the required AC-LS1 battery charger also doubles as an AC power supply.