Sony DSC-P20 Review

By: Steve's Digicams


Steve's Digicams

Sony DSC-P20

Introduction & Physical Views



Review posted 6/24/01




The 1.3 megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-P20 digital still camera, with such exclusive features as 3x precision digital zoom, powerful 12-bit A/D converter for more accurate capture of detail -- particularly in highlights and shadows, MPEG motion video, ClipMotion animation, playback mode that enables the user to enlarge and trim images in-camera and compatibility with an optional InfoLithium® battery.

In addition to still images, the Cyber-shot camera also captures MPEG EX (Extended) video clips up to the capacity of the Memory Stick® media in use (up to 90 minutes of video using a 128MB Memory Stick card). During playback, MPEG EX enables the user to move forward or backward in the clip and edit portions of the video. These MPEG "mini-movies" support ideal video resolutions (160x112 and 320x240) for attaching to e-mails and inserting them into Web pages.

Two supplied AA alkaline batteries power the camera for up to 60 minutes of shooting time. For flexibility, an optional NP-FS11 InfoLithium battery and charger may be used to extend shooting time to 120 minutes.

The Cyber-shot DSC-P20 camera also includes:

  • Versatile File Formats - Files can be saved in several ways: JPEG, TIFF (Tagged Image Fill Format) for higher quality images, GIF for text mode and MPEG EX (Extended) for motion video and sound. MPEG EX captures 160x112 or 320x240 video continuously, up to the capacity of the Memory Stick media in use. Users can capture up to 90 minutes of continuous video utilizing an optimal 128MB Memory Stick media.

  • ClipMotion - Sony's exclusive GIF animation feature, ClipMotion allows users to take up to 10 pictures that the camera automatically combines to make a single ClipMotion animation file, great for sending in e-mail or posting to websites.

  • Memory Stick Media Slot - Transfer digital images and MPEG clips to hundreds of other consumer electronic devices, using the super-compact Memory Stick media.

  • 1.5" Precision LCD - This LCD display has a 123k pixel count that enhances the detail of pictures that appear in the screen, making displayed images sharper and more true to life.

  • Supplied Accessories - These include a 4MB Memory Stick media card, USB cable and an application software/USB driver CD-ROM.




Physical Views



Sony DSC-P20

Sony DSC-P20


Sony DSC-P20Sony DSC-P20

Sony DSC-P20

Sony DSC-P20





Sony DSC-P50 and DSC-P20

The other "P" series Cyber-shots, the DSC-P50 and the DSC-P30.







Continue on to
Page Two






DSC-P20 Specifications

Imager 1/2.7" 1.3-megapixel CCD
Image Sizes Still: 1216x912, 1216(3:2), 1024x768, 640x480
MPEG: 320x240 and 160x112
ClipMotion GIF: 160x120 and 80x72
Recording Formats Still: JPEG, TIFF, GIF
Movie: MPEG EX (160x112 or 320x240 @ 8fps length limited only
by available storage media - 45 mins on 64MB) no audio
A/D Conversion 12-bit DXP
Lens Sony 6mm (42mm 35mm equiv)
Focus Fixed focus with Macro mode
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400
White Balance Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, Hold
Exposure Metering Center-weighted Averaging or Spot
Shutter Speeds Automatic
Program AE Twilight
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
In-Camera Sharpening +/- 2 in 1 step increments
Flash Modes Auto, Forced, Redeye, Off
Flash Level Adjustment Auto, High, Low
Flash Range 1 to 6.5 feet
External Flash n/a
Color LCD 1.5-inch 123,000 pixels TFT w/backlight
Eyelevel Viewfinder Optical
Playback Zoom 1.1 to 5X in 17 steps
Playback Index 9 frames
Review / Quick Delete Yes / Yes
Trimming / Resizing Yes / Yes
MPEG 6X Cue/Review Yes, EX
Storage Supplied 4MB Memory Stick, can use any capacity Memory Stick
Connections USB, AC power
Battery Supplied 2x AA alkaline
Battery Pack (optional) InfoLITHIUM NP-FS11
and AC-LS1 charger / AC supply
Supplied Software MGI PhotoSuite 8.1, MGI PhotoSuite SE 1.1 Sony SPVD-004 USB driver
Dimensions 4.8 x 2-1/2 x 1-7/8 inches
Weight (w/out battery) 8.1 oz






Return To Our
Reviews Menu











Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.