Sony DSC-P32 Review

By Movable Type Admin


Steve's Digicams

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P32


Review posted 08/13/2003


Click to take 360-degree QTVR tour of the Sony Cybershot DSC-P32
Click on the P32 for a QTVR tour


Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P32 is one of three new point-and-shoot, 3.2 Megapixel digital still cameras offered for 2003. The DSC-P72 is the top of the line in this series with a 3x optical zoom, the P32 has a fixed focal length lens and the P52 has a 2x optical zoom. New features include: MPEG VX movie mode which generates high quality VGA-size (640x480) motion video at 16fps with audio. The length of each movie is limited only by the amount of available memory. There are two new program scene modes; Beach scene emphasizes the natural color of the water, Snow scene is used when photographing a predominantly white scene; such as a snow scape.

All of Sony's new 2003 cameras are compatible with the faster and higher-capacity Memory Stick Pro flash memory cards. For reliable, long-lasting operation, The CyberShot DSC-P32 is supplied with two 2100mAH rechargeable nickel metal hydride AA batteries and a charger.



DSC-P32 features include:

  • 1/2.7" Sony 3.2 Megapixel CCD Imager
  • 33mm lens (in 35mm equivalent) + Smart Zoom
  • Still Image: 2048x1536, 1632x1224, 1280x960 or 640x480
  • Movie: MPEG VX (640x480) w/audio, 160x112 E-mail;
  • Scene Selection: Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Snow / Beach
  • Focusing System with 3 Area Multi-point AF
  • Noise Reduction: Auto at 1/2 second or longer shutter speeds
  • 14bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
  • Adjustable Flash with Red Eye Reduction
  • 1.6" TFT color (61,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
  • USB 2.0 Connectivity to host computer
  • 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (2100mAH included with charger)
  • Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro Compatible, 16MB included


The Sony DSC-P32 is available in stores now for about $230.





Physical Views



Sony DSC-P32

Sony DSC-P32

Sony DSC-P32 Sony DSC-P32

Sony DSC-P32

Sony DSC-P32



Sony DSC-P32

The compact DSC-P32 and a CD for size comparison.






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DSC-P32 Specifications

CCD Imager 1/2.7" Sony HAD CCD
3.2 Megapixel Imager
Lens Sony 5mm (33mm equivalent), F2.8 - 5.6
Filter Thread: none
Aperture Control Automatic: f/2.8 ~ 5.6
Shutter Control Automatic: 2 seconds to 1/1000 second
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 Stops(EV) in 1/3 EV increments
Exposure Control Program AE (Automatic)

Scene Selection (5 modes: Twilight /
Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Snow / Beach)
ISO Auto (100-400) or fixed 100, 200, 400
Recording Mode(s) Still image: JPEG, E-mail (adds 160x112)

Movie Mode: MPEG VX: 640x480 - full screen playback- 16fps - length determined by media capacity - Audio

Clip Motion Mode: Animated GIF (160x120 or 120x108)

Multi Burst: 16 - 320x240 frames recorded as parts of a single 1280x960 JPEG at 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 sec. selectable intervals

Image Resolutions Still:
2048x1536, 1632x1224
2048x1360 (3:2)
1280x960
640x480

Movie:
640x480 VX
160x112

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) Print Reserve, All print reservation, Date/time; Trimming
Noise Reduction Auto at 1/2 second or longer shutter speeds
Image Effects Sepia
Black and White
Negative Art
Solarize
Viewfinder Optical real-image viewfinder
LCD 1.6" TFT LCD (61,000 pixels) for viewing or reviewing
Focusing System 3 Area Multi-point AF: Automatic w/ indication as to "Wide" or "Center-Weighted"

Manual Focus: 5 Step Preset
Focusing Ranges Standard AF: 19.7" (50cm) to Infinity

A/F Macro: 3.9"(10cm) to Infinity

Preset Manual Focus: 10cm(3.9"), .5m, 1m, 3m, 7m, or Infinity

Auto Focus Assist Illumination Selectable: ON / OFF
Exposure Metering Multi-Pattern
White Balance System Automatic
Daylight
Cloudy
Fluorescent
Incandescent
Flash Built-in Flash
Flash Modes Auto Flash
Red-eye Reduction
Fill-in (forced on)
Slow synchro
Flash Off
Flash Working Range When ISO is set to Auto: 1.3 to 12.5 Feet (0.4 to 3.8m)
Removable Media Card Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro
16 MB card included
Self timer/Remote 12-second delay
Outer Connectors USB (Auto-Connect), Video, DC input
Auto-connect USB Compatible with Windows 98 rev2/ME/2000 Pro/XP - MacOS 8.6-9.01/OSX
Image Playback Index display 9 frame, up to 5X enlargement, Slide-show
Operating Environment Operation: 32° F - 104°F (0°C - 40°C)
Storage: -4° F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Power Supply 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable (2100mAH are included with BC-CS2A/CS2B charger)

Optional AC-LS5 AC adapter
Date/Time Calendar Simultaneous recording into image date
Size 4" (W) x 2-1/4" (H) x 1-5/16" (D)
(101mm x 57.7mm x 32.6mm)
Weight 7.9 oz. / 217g (with batteries, Memory Stick)
NOTE: These Specifications are as represented by the manufacturer.




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