Sony DSC-P71 Review

The P71 is equipped with a F2.8 Sony 3x optical zoom with 39 to 117mm coverage (as compared to a 35mm camera.) Auto focus options include Multipoint AF (center, center+right and center+left) or Center AF only. The user can manually select a focus distance of 0.5m, 1m, 3m, 7m or infinity. All of Sony's cameras are equipped with a focus illuminator that assists the auto focus system in dim lighting or total darkness.

The Zoom switch in Record mode controls the range of the 3x optical lens and the 2x digital zoom (if enabled and the LCD is on). In PlayBack mode, the Zoom control allows up to 5x magnification of the recorded image on the LCD when the "T"elephoto side is depressed. Also the "W"ide button allows the user to switch to Index mode in Playback.

The eyelevel optical real-image zoom viewfinder has a field of view of approx. 80% of the captured image. There is no diopter adjustment. The LEDs indicate card activity/Self-Timer, Autofocus/Auto Exposure Lock and Flash status.

The built-in flash has modes for Auto flash, Fill-flash or Flash Cancel and Red-eye Reduction can be enabled via the Setup menu. Accessible via the Scene Mode is a Twilight Portrait mode that allows for a slow shutter plus flash. The working range for the flash is 1.6 to 12.5 ft (W), 1.6 to 8.2 ft (T).

The Mode Dial has positions for SETUP, Movie, Playback, Record and SCeNe. The SCeNe mode has settings for Twilight, Twilight Portrait and Landscape.

The MENU button calls up or dismisses the onscreen menus. The DISPLAY / LCD buttons turns the color LCD on/off and also controls the display of overlay information.

The 4-way selector lets you navigate through the menus or select images during playback. Pressing it in the center accepts selections. In record it lets you select the flash mode, spot metering, self-timer and Quick Review mode.

The I/O ports are found behind a door on the back and include a fast USB port for transferring images to the computer and a Video Out port to display images on a TV. The video timing can be set for NTSC or PAL standard.

Also on the back is a DC INput jack for connecting an optional AC power supply.

Located on the bottom is the Memory Stick card slot. The DSC-P71 comes with an 16MB Memory Stick and can use any capacity (4MB - 128MB) Memory Stick card. The Memory Stick is easily removed by pressing it inward which makes it "pop" out.

Power comes from two AA type batteries. The P71 is supplied with high-capacity 1750mAH NiMH rechargeable batteries and an overnight AC charger. It can NOT be used with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack, it runs strictly on AA type batteries. Use of alkaline batteries are -not- recommended by Sony (or us), why make the battery companies rich and add to the pile at your local landfill -- use rechargeable NiMH batteries again and again and save money.