Sony DSC-P1 CyberShot

Click on the P1 to take a QTVR tour

At the time of this review the Sony DSC-P1 CyberShot is the smallest 3.34-megapixel digicam with a 3x optical zoom lens. The pocket-sized P1 captures 2048x1536-pixel JPEG or uncompressed TIFF still images, HQ-QVGA 320x240 MPEG movie clips with sound, animated GIF Motion Clips and Voice Memos.

The Sony Super HAD CCD reduces noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio for better overall image quality, particularly effective when shooting black objects or in dark situations (see my 2-second night shots on the sample pictures page.) To insure the best image quality and color rendition it employs a 12-bit A/D conversion with 4-step adjustable sharpness and 4-mode white balance.

The DSC-P1 is truly a marvel of miniaturization

The DSC-P1's exposure system has five Program AE modes (Twilight, Twilight+, Landscape, Pan-Focus and Spot-Meter) plus four in-camera picture effects (Negative Art, Solarize, Sepia, B&W). There are several options for superimposing the time and date data on the picture.

Images are stored on Sony's Memory Stick modules which are available in sizes up to 64MB. The P1 is powered by an "S" series InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery good for over an hour of picture taking per charge. A high-speed USB port builtin eliminates the need for an external card reader.

MPK-P1 photos courtesy of  the Imaging-Resource

Like to go down under?  The Sony MPK-P1 Marine Pack will protect your DSC-P1 from inclement weather or underwater to a depth of 30 meters. Fully O-ring sealed with stainless steel spring-loaded operation controls.

The camera and the underwater housing together are smaller than most other digital cameras alone.

Physical Views

Left and right side, camera powered up with lens extended.

The palm-sized Nikon Coolpix 880 and Sony DSC-P1 for size comparison.