Sony DSC-P8 Review
By: Steve's Digicams
Review posted 5/03/2003
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.
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Physical Views
The Sony DSC-P8 and the Mavica CD500.
The Sony DSC-P8 compared in size to a standard CD
Cyber-shot DSC-P8 Specifications
| CCD Imager |
1/2.7" Sony Super HAD
3.3 Megapixels (gross)
3.2 Megapixels (effective) | | Lens |
Sony 3x Zoom, 6 to 18mm (39 to 117mm equivalent)
Maximum aperture: F2.8 - 5.6
Filter Thread: none | | Digital Zoom |
3.2x SmartZoom (at VGA size) | | Aperture Control |
Automatic: f/2.8 ~ 5.6
| | Shutter Control |
Automatic: 2 seconds to 1/2000 second | | Exposure Compensation |
"+" or "-" 2 Stops(EV) in 1/3 EV increments | | Exposure Control |
Program AE (Automatic)
Scene Selection (Twilight /
Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Fast Shutter) | | ISO |
Auto (100-400) or fixed 100, 200, 400 | | Recording Mode(s) |
Still image: JPEG, Email (adds 320x240)
Movie Mode: MPEG VX: 640x480, 16fps w/audio - full screen playback - length determined by media capacity. 160x112 8fps w/audio
Clip Motion Mode: Animated GIF (160x120 or 80x72)
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:
3M 2048 x 1536
2.8M 2048 (3:2 aspect ratio)
2M 1632 x 1224
1.2M 1280 x 960
640 x 480
320 x 240 (email mode only)
Movie:
640 x 480 VX
160 x 112 | | 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 |
1.5" TFT LCD 560x220 (123,000 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, 3m, 7m, or Infinity
| | Auto Focus Assist Illumination |
Selectable: ON / OFF
| | Exposure Metering |
Multi-Pattern or Spot | | White Balance System |
Automatic
Daylight
Cloudy
Fluorescent
Incandescent
| | Flash |
Built-in Flash | | Flash Modes |
Auto Flash
Red-eye Reduction
Fill-in (forced on)
Flash Off | | Flash Working Range |
When ISO is set to Auto:
1.6 to 12.5 Feet (0.5 to 3.8m) wide angle
2 to 7.9 feet (0.6 to 2.4m) Telephoto | | Removable Memory Card |
Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro
16 MB card included | | Selftimer/Remote |
10-second delay | | Outer Connectors |
USB 2.0 (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 |
Sony NP-FC11 InfoLITHIUM
AC-LS1A AC adapter/charger included | | Date/Time Calendar |
Simultaneous recording into image date | | Size |
4-1/4" (W) x 2" (H) x 1-7/16" (D)
(105mm x 51.5mm x 35.8mm) | | Weight |
7.5 oz. / 206 g (with battery & Memory Stick) |
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NOTE: These Specifications are as represented by the manufacturer.
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
