Sony DSC-P92 Review
By: Steve's Digicams
Review posted 10/17/2003
Click on the P92 for a QTVR tour
The Cyber-shot DSC-P92 is Sony's top of the line, 5.0 Megapixel, point-and-shoot digital camera. It features a high-quality 3X optical zoom lens and a high resolution Sony imager that captures still images and motion video. With still image sizes up to 2592x1944 pixels you can print photo quality enlargements up to 13x19 inches in size. The MPEG VX movie mode generates VGA-size (640x480) motion video at 16fps with audio, the length is limited only by the amount of available memory. There are two new program scene modes; Beach scene emphasizes the natural color of the water, Snow scene is used when photographing a predominantly white scene; such as a snow scape.
All of Sony's new 2003 cameras are compatible with the faster and higher-capacity Memory Stick Pro flash memory cards, have an intelligent Auto Fill Flash mode, offer USB 2.0 transfer speeds and incorporate a new Smart Zoom option. The 3:2 recording mode creates images that make 'perfect' 4x6" prints with no cropping required. Advanced 3- area multi-point auto focus system with a low light focus assist lamp. For reliable, long-lasting operation, the CyberShot DSC-P92 is supplied with two 2100mAH rechargeable nickel metal hydride AA batteries and a charger.
DSC-P92 features include:
- 1/1.8" Sony 5.0 Megapixel CCD Imager
- 3x zoom lens, 6-18mm (39-117mm equivalent) + 4X Smart Zoom
- Still Image: 2592x1944, 2592(3:2), 2048x1536, 1280x960 or 640x480
- Movie: MPEG VX (640x480) w/audio, 160x112 E-mail;
- Scene Selection: Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Snow / Beach
- Focusing System with 3 Area Multi-point AF
- Noise Reduction: Auto at 1/2 second or longer shutter speeds
- 14bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
- Adjustable Flash with Red Eye Reduction
- 1.5" TFT color (123,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
- USB 2.0 Connectivity to host computer
- 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (2100mAH included with charger)
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro Compatible, 16MB included
The Sony DSC-P92 is available in stores now for about $399.
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Physical Views
The compact DSC-P92 and a CD for size comparison.
The 5-megapixel Sony DSC-V1 and 3-megapixel DSC-P72.
DSC-P92 Specifications
| CCD Imager |
1/1.8" Sony Super HAD CCD
5.0 Megapixel Imager | | Lens |
Sony 3x Zoom, 7.9 to 23.7mm (39 to 117mm equivalent), F2.8 - 5.6
Filter Thread: none | | Aperture Control |
Automatic: f/2.8 ~ 8.0
| | Shutter Control |
Automatic: 2 seconds to 1/2000 second | | Exposure Compensation |
+/- 2 Stops(EV) in 1/3 EV increments | | Exposure Control |
Program AE (Automatic)
Scene Selection (5 modes: Twilight /
Twilight Portrait / Landscape / Snow / Beach) | | ISO |
Auto (100-400) or fixed 100, 200, 400 | | Recording Mode(s) |
Still image: JPEG, E-mail (adds 160x112)
Movie Mode: MPEG VX: 640x480 - full screen playback- 16fps - length determined by media capacity - Audio
Clip Motion Mode: Animated GIF (160x120 or 120x108)
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:
2592x1944
2592x1728 (3:2)
2048x1536
1280x960
640x480
Movie:
640x480 VX
160x112 | | 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 (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, 1m, 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)
Slow synchro
Flash Off | | Flash Working Range |
When ISO is set to Auto: 1.3 to 12.5 Feet (0.4 to 3.8m) | | Removable Media Card |
Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro (tested up to 1GB, does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function)
16 MB card included | | Self timer/Remote |
12-second delay | | Outer Connectors |
USB 2.0 (Auto-Connect), Audio-Video (NTSC or PAL), 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 |
2 x AA NiMH rechargeable (2100mAH are included with BC-CS2A/CS2B charger)
Optional AC-LS5 AC adapter | | Date/Time Calendar |
Simultaneous recording into image date | | Size |
4-11/16" (W) x 2-1/4" (H) x 1-5/16" (D)
(119.5mm x 57.7mm x 32.6mm) | | Weight |
9.5 oz. / 259g (with batteries, Memory Stick) |
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.
