I purchased this camera a couple of months ago and immediately found it very easy to use. Sony have incorporated a very simple menu system that makes this camera usable by anyone very easily.
A 3.2 megapixel CCD combined with 3x optical zoom provides well defined results and the higest resolution (2048x1536), though if you're short on memory space then there are lower resolutions available. On the side of the camera it states 6x zoom, which is a bit of an annoyance as the camera is only capable of 3x optical zoom, the 6x being given by adding the effect of 2x digital zoom.
Movie clips can be made, though the maximum resoultion available for these is just 320x240 at 15 frames per second. But then if you want to make high quality movies buy a proper camcorder. Still, these clips are fun to play about with and are only limited in length by the amount of free memory left on the Memory Stick and the small built-in microphone gives good quality sound. Zooming during movie clips cannot be done, but then this is due to the sound of the lens moving next to the microphone.
First thing to do once you've got this camera up and running is to buy a bigger Memory Stick as the 16MB one that comes packaged with the camera will only hold about 20 photos at full resolution. I would recommend a 128MB card if you're planning on going on holiday to allow room for around 150 snaps.
There is possible a lack of manual features for the enthusiast, but then perhaps the more professional photographer is more suited to something more expensive, this camera is good value. There are 3 preset scenes available, including a night time scene which leaves the shutter open longer in order to produce a stronger night time shot. This can also be used to create some arty effects.
Connection to a PC is easy as it creates a new drive in My Computer using a standard USB connection. I have found that it is possible to use this camera as a webcam, but only by connecting it up to my tv card, which soon runs down the battery.
Photos are of the highest standard and for a small camera it is very solid. Small cameras often suffer from blurry photos as it is hard to keep the camera steady, but the fast shutter speed of the Sony DSC-P7 irradicates this problem.
The new Sony model may come with 5 megapixels, but I still prefer the DSC-P7 on its looks and solid appearance.
All in all this is a very good camera and worth the money.
by (30%):
14.07.2003 20:44
great first op. welcome to ciao. Saima
14.07.2003 18:59
Great start to an op, but for better ratings you need to go into much greater detail. Matt
14.07.2003 17:11
ok op, needs to be a little longer, sorry if that sounds offensive but iwill happily re-rate if a little longer