Sony DSC-P8 Review

Click on the P8 for a QTVR tour

The DSC-P8 packs a high-resolution 3.2-megapixel Sony HAD CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens and state of the art imaging electronics in an ultra-compact and highly durable aluminum body. Still images and movies are stored on reusable Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro cards that can be easily downloaded to USB-equipped PCs or transferred to other digital devices like PDAs and printers.

The Cyber-shot DSC-P8 is even smaller than the Sony's other compact cameras (DSC-P32, P52, P72 and P92). It's a point-and-shoot camera powered by an InfoLithium® battery system with a 3 area multi-point AF for accurate focusing, even in the dark thanks to its focus- assist illuminator. Other features include a Tracking Auto Focus System to maintain continuous focus lock on moving subjects, a live histogram, and adjustable color saturation, contrast and sharpness.

Other 2003 Cyber-shot camera features are the MPEG-VX mode that records 640x480 VGA resolution video with audio at 16fps, the length is limited only by available memory. And that limit has been significantly expanded by the new Memory Stick Pro media with capacities up to 1GB. In addition, a new Smart Zoom option replaces digital zoom, and intelligently uses the full resolution of the camera's imager at lower resolution settings to zoom into the portion of interest by cropping the image size. And Auto Fill Flash, which automatically fires the flash to optimize light on the subject and balance the exposure.

DSC-P8 features include:

• 1/2.7" Super HAD 3.2 Megapixel effective CCD imager
• Sony 3x optical zoom (39-117mm equivalent) + 2x Smart Zoom
• Still Image: 2048x1536, 2048(3:2), 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240
• MPEG Movie w/audio: 640x480 VX or 160x112 for email
• Scene Selection (Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Fast Shutter)
• 3 Area Multi-point or Center AF with Auto Tracking
• Low light focus assist illuminator
• Noise Reduction is automatic at 1/2 second or longer shutter speeds
• 14-bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
• Adjustable ISO speeds of 100, 200, 400
• Image adjustments: saturation, contrast and sharpness
• 1.5" TFT color (123,000 pixels) LCD with Auto Brightness
• USB 2.0 interface for data transfer to PC or Mac computers
• NP-FC11 InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery and charger included
• Sony Memory Stick or MS Pro media, 16MB card included
• Audio and Video (NTSC or PAL selectable) output
• Ultra-compact and highly durable metal body

The DSC-P8 is available now and is expected to sell for about $400 which includes the InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery and a 16MB Memory Stick media card.

Cyber-shot DSC-P8 Specifications