Designed to be an affordable take-anywhere replacement for your film point-and-shoot, Sony's DSC-P50 combines compact dimensions with a high-performance 2-megapixel sensor and flexible power options.
Optics and Resolution
The DSC-P50's 2-megapixel CCD image sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you're looking for a model with more resolution (so you can make even larger prints or crop your images and still have plenty of detail left for prints), Sony's DSC-P5 and DSC-P71 are similar models with 3-megapixel sensors.
A 3x optical zoom lens (41-123mm equivalent) helps you to capture exactly the picture you want, and an additional 2x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly. In low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
The P50 is designed to be a point-and-shoot model, but more adventurous photographers will appreciate adjustable ISO and white-balance settings, exposure compensation, normal and spot metering, and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarized, and negative images.
Power
When it comes to power, some photographers like cameras that use readily available AA batteries, while others prefer the superior capacity of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for a digital camera. The P50 provides both options, using either two AA batteries (included) or an optional NP-FS11 InfoLithium battery. The choice is yours--for occasional users, a set of disposable lithium AA batteries is the most affordable choice, offering a long shelf life and high capacity. For more frequent users, either the InfoLithium setup or a set of rechargeable high-capacity NiMH batteries is recommended. The InfoLithium setup offers the added advantage of estimating remaining battery life in minutes and displaying this on-screen. No matter which setup you choose, the wide availability of AA batteries ensures that missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but the P50 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 4 MB stick holds approximately seven images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than seven images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 100 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may already have a built-in Memory Stick reader.
Size
At 5 by 2.4 by 2.1 inches and 9 ounces, the P50 is not Sony's smallest digital camera, but it's still quite compact and portable.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DSC-P50 camera, two AA batteries, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 4 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a higher-capacity memory stick, and an InfoLithium battery setup or set of rechargeable size AA batteries. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. --Shane Burnett
Pros:
- Unlimited movie mode lets you make video clips of any length.
- Flexible power options let you choose the best battery solution for your needs.
- Point-and-shoot operation makes it easy for even beginners to get great results.
Cons:
- Movie mode lacks sound.
- Proprietary Memory Stick memory card format less common and more. expensive than other formats.
SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW FROM AMAZON :
1) The Sony DSC P-50 is a very good camera! - The P-50 and Canon A20 were my final two choices. I decided to go with the P-50 because it used only 2AA batteries and had the MPEG and Clip Movie recording features which is very neat.
I'm glad I went with the P-50. Here is my pro and con list for the P-50:Pros:
* 3 optical zoom (it zooms fast)
* Uses 2 AA batteries. Don't get the battery pack. Just get 6 NiMh batteries with a rating of at least 1600mha, which are inexpensive. I got 4 Energizer 1600 mha NiMh batteries and a recharger at Target for only $... NiMH batteries last twice as long as alkalines and I haven't had to worry about my batteries dying.
* MPEG and Clip (GIF) movie modes are real fun. No sound on the MPEG, but spending an extra $... for a camera with sound wasn't worth it to me. For you who design web pages, you'll love the Clip (GIF) movie mode.
* Memory Stick, although expensive, is much more compact and stores more memory. However, the 4MB stick that comes with the camera is lame unless you plan to take only lower quality resolutions. I got a 64MB stick and at FINE quality (if using STANDARD quality, double all the numbers below) can hold the following: 67 1600x1200, 174 1024 x768, 400 640x480. As you can see that's alot of pictures.
* ISO flexibility and twilight mode. This helps when shooting in low light. The AF illuminator really helps the camera to focus in low light.
* Can crop pictures and cut MPEGs.
* If you change the Power Save mode to "off", then the camera lag time (a common complaint in these reviews) after you take a picture is very minimal. It's actually fast compared to other digital cameras I've used.
* Very fast transfer rate using the USB driver. The camera becomes another drive in Windows Explorer that you just drag to your hard drive. Very fast. I have Windows ME which allows Windows Explorer to view in thumbnail mode, so I can even preview all the pictures before moving them to the hard drive.
* The video out mode is cool. Just plug in the supplied jack cord to your P-50 and to your TV or VCR and see a slide show of your pictures you just took.
* If you auto-focus by pressing the shutter button half way, then the camera takes the picture very fast with almost no lag time, unlike other digital cameras in this price range,
* 37mm threads and the fact the optical zoom stays within the camera allows you to use an UV filter for better picture quality and as a lens protector.
* You can view your pictures taken also in thumbnail mode. Also, the camera tells you your settings (i.e shutter speed, iso, EV, etc.) of the picture.
* The camera allows the option to imprint the date onto your digital photos. This is a must for me as I never remember the date of the picture without this feature.
* The lens cap comes with a lens strap so you won't lose your cap.
Cons:
* 41mm lens. If you know photography, you will realize that most SLRs and point and shoots have 35mm lens. The lower the number, the better the wide angle, which allows you to take more area from the same distance making your objects also larger. However, the above pros by far outweigh this. If you're not a camera junkie like I am, you probably won't even notice this.
* The viewfinder only shows approx 70% of the actual picture taken and is slighty "skewed" to the left. If you think you got your object centered using the viewfinder, you'll will find out that the subject will be slightly left in the actual picture. The way around this is to use the LCD, which shows 100% of the actual picture and is not skewed.
All in all, in the 2.1 megapixel range and under $... as of 9/8/01, I feel this camera is the best one.
By Calvin (SF) on September 8, 2001
2) Great Camera !, I actually bought 2 more ! - The only thing I would like to see on AMAZON is better descriptions on items, this one has no details so ill give them to you all since I now own 3!, Sony 2.1-Megapixel Cyber-Shot Digital Camera Model: DSC-P50 3x optical and 6x digital zooms get you in close to your subject, while a high-speed, auto-focus illuminator lends sharp focus in the dark (this was really neat, sort of a night-vision option), Memory stick storage (comes with a 4-meg), LCD viewer and the older "peep-hole" style allowing you to shut the LCD off for longer battery life, on/off optional Flash, USB connections and even an mpeg video mode to let you capture and ceate your own movie shorts (no sound), Very simple to use once you get the buttons down, Only thing I didnt like was no rechargeable battery pack?? or power cord??, (they sell them seperately), a plus+ is that like I said the LCD can be shut off saving your AA batteries from drainage so fast like most camera do!, Smallest resolution 640x480 (real sharp) largest is 1600x1200, also SOLARIZE, B&W, SEPHIA & NEGATIVE ART Image modes when taking pictures// very neat, white balance controls and normal/fine picture modes, sharpness, flash level and ISO controls often ignored on other cameras are ON THIS ONE!, To me as a buyer.. WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!
By Rob Cummings Jr. on June 24, 2001
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