Sony DSC-P5 Review


Sony CyberShot P5
Introduction & Physical Views
Click on the P5 to take a QuickTime VR tour The ruggedly elegant design and silver case of the Cyber-shot DSC-P5 model resembles that of its popular predecessor, the DSC-P1, but reveals a slimmer profile - thanks to a two-step barrel lens that retracts into the body of the camera; along with the development of a tiny new C-series InfoLithium® battery, with more than an hour of continuous shooting capacity, depending on use. At a more attractive price than its predecessor, the DSC-P5 model at about $600 will still feature a 3x optical, 6x digital zoom lens and a 3.34 megapixel CCD (3.2 MP effective) when it becomes available in October. It also features a more precise 14-bit A/D converter and MPEG EX movie mode. Though small in size, the P5 brings new features to the P series, such as an AF Illuminator for focusing in the dark, in addition to two-shot burst mode, for capturing fast action and simplified user menus. 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 two different MPEG options for motion video and sound - MPEG HQ (High Quality) and MPEG EX (Extended). MPEG EX captures 160x112 or 320x240 video continuously, up to the capacity of the Memory Stick® media in use.
![]() To protect the DSC-P5 or DSC-P3 cameras from water and other elements, such as sand, snow, ice and rain, users may purchase on optional a Marine Pack (MPK-P5) accessory. This underwater housing makes the cameras waterproof up to nearly 133 feet (40 meters). When it comes out in October for about $250, it will be supplied with a neck strap and an anti-fogging lens solution. Physical Views![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
![]() ![]() Here's the Sony P5 and the pocket-size Nikon Coolpix 775 Compare the CyberShot P1 and P5![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Page Two
CyberShot P5 Specifications
Imager | 1/1.8" 3.34-megapixel CCD |
Image Sizes | Still: 2048x1536, 2048x1360 (3:2), 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480 MPEG: 320x240 and 160x120 ClipMotion GIF: 160x120 and 80x72 |
Recording Formats | Still: JPEG, TIFF, GIF Movie: MPEG EX (160x112 or 320x240 @ 8fps up to 60 secs) MPEG HQ (160x112 or 320x240 @ 16fps preset lengths of 5, 10 15 sec) |
A/D Conversion | 14-bit DXP |
Lens | Sony 3X F2.8-5.6 8-24mm (39-117mm 35mm equiv) |
Focus | Contrast Detect w/AF illuminator light Autofocus 19.7" to infinity Macro AF 3.9" minimum 5-step Manual focus |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100, 200, 400 |
White Balance | Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One-Push Custom |
Exposure Metering | Center-weighted Averaging or Spot |
Program AE | Normal and Night mode |
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 | 1.6 to 9.2 feet |
Color LCD | 1.5-inch 123,000 pixels TFT w/backlight |
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 or HQ |
Storage Supplied | 8MB Memory Stick |
Connections | Video, USB, AC power |
Battery Supplied | InfoLITHIUM NP-FC10 w/AC-LS1 charger & AC supply |
Supplied Software | MGI PhotoSuite 8.1, MGI PhotoSuite SE 1.1 Sony SPVD-004 USB driver |
Dimensions | 4-1/2 x 2-1/8 x 1-7/16 inches 113 x 54 x 36 mm |
Weight (w/battery) | 7.8 oz (214 g) |
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