Product Description

The Sony DSC-P200 Cyber-shot digital camera gives you professional quality features in a compact, point-and-shoot design. With a 7.2 Megapixel Super HAD CCD with exclusive Sony technology for superb resolution, sensitivity and clarity, you'll get digital photos that are rich with detail. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3X optical zoom lens combines exceptional picture quality and ultra-sleek design.Other standout features include a large 2-inch LCD monitor with 134K pixels that makes it incredibly easy to frame shots and review pictures. Sony's own Real Imaging Processor LSI provides fast startup, fast shot-to-shot times and extended battery stamina for extended use. It is even compatible with the Cyber-shot Station docking bay (sold separately) for easy picture transfers while you charge your camera's battery.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19665 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSC-P200
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.00" l, 4.00 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• 7.2 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 15 x 20 inches
• 3x optical and 2x digital zoom for 6x total zoom
• Carl Zeiss optics; 16-shot burst mode; high-resolution movie mode with sound
• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 32 MB card
• Powered by Lithium-ion battery (NP-FR1); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

From the Manufacturer
Sony's 7.2 effective megapixel marvel with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens and 2.0-inch LCD just keeps on shooting, providing the top in quality, simplicity, and value for your money.

Compact Quality
The Cyber-shot P200 pocket digital still camera is encased within a slim metal body. Don't just be dazzled by the stylish exterior, however--a powerhouse lies inside. Extremely high-resolution images are within your grasp because of the 7.2 effective megapixel Super HAD CCD and 3x optical zoom lens Guaranteed to provide quality and reliability, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens extends out from the body of the camera when required, keeping the lines elegant and the body slim. The higher resolution means that your images will print larger and will carry finer detail, while the 7.2 effective megapixel CCD also extends Sony Smart Zoom capability.

Pocket Power
Of course that's only half the picture. You can keep shooting as long as you need, because Sony's Stamina technology means the Cyber-shot DSC-P200 can shoot up to 370 high quality images on one charge of the InfoLithium battery. Lending a hand is the unique Sony Real Imaging Processor, helping to make the Cyber-shot P200 highly energy efficient as well as speeding the camera operation. You're sure never to miss a shot due to shutter lag!

As well as boosting the performance of the camera, the Real Imaging Processor works in conjunction with the high resolution Super HAD CCD and Carl Zeiss lens to produce pictures of excellent quality. Rich colors, clear images, sharper focus, and more accurate exposures are all possible with Sony's Real Imaging Processor providing the heart of the Cyber-shot P200.

Viewing Pleasure
The back of the Cyber-shot P200 presents another surprise. A large 2.0-inch LCD can be used to playback your pictures and adjust the camera settings. Bigger than you would expect for a pocket camera of these dimensions, the LCD is protected from harm and enhanced by a clear polycarbonate panel. As it is, the LCD keeps to the slim lines of the camera by being set flush into the metal body. Animated and enlarged icons make choosing functions simpler and it's easier to read the menu or select from any of the camera's exposure settings and nine Scene Selection modes.

Fully automatic for ease of use or manual exposure for the more advanced approach, these features allow you to be as creative as you want. The scene selection modes ensure that you'll always get an ideal picture in any of nine common situations including fireworks displays, beach activities, or fast fun and games in the snow.

Short video clips, ideal for attaching to e-mail, are also possible with the Cyber-shot P200. The high-resolution MPEG Movie VX Fine (480 x 460, 30 frames per second) format is possible when used with optional Memory Stick PRO storage or MPEG Movie VX Standard when the supplied Memory Stick is used.

Extend the Experience
There's certainly more to this camera than meets the eye. You can use USB 2.0 to connect directly to a PictBridge printer or hook up to a PC and use the bundled software for even more creativity with your pictures. A Sony Memory Stick is provided to store your images--simply remove and slot the Memory Stick into any supported device such as VAIO computers for even more playback options. Not only that, but the Cyber-shot P200 is also capable of recording full screen high-quality MPEG movies for viewing on a TV.

For even greater extensibility, the Cyber-shot P200 supports an optional powered cradle, the Cyber-shot station. With this you can connect to a PC, printer or AV device, using a remote control to view your images on TV, while the camera battery charges up in the dock.

About the Real Imaging Processor and Stamina
Two key technologies power the Cyber-shot P200. A staggering 370-shots are capable on one charge of the NP-FR1 InfoLithium battery, thanks to Sony’s Stamina power management technology. This is helped in no small part to the energy-saving Real Imaging Processor, designed by Sony to provide the heart for its Cyber-shot range. Among the many improvements offered by this chip are more accurate colour reproduction, a better signal to noise ratio to provide clearer images, improved Autofocus performance, and enhanced auto white balance and auto exposure. You can also shoot faster thanks to the Real Imaging Processor, which has reduced the playback interval and shooting interval and improved the shutter and release time lag.

About the Cyber-shot Station and Accessories
The Cyber-shot station CSS-PHB is an optional docking cradle for the Cyber-shot P200 that makes life simple when you want to connect via USB 2.0 to a printer, PC, or AV device. It also features battery charging facilities, so all you need do is slot in the Cyber-shot P200 while not in use for it to be charged up and ready for action. The angled slot of the Cyber-shot station combined with the camera's large LCD monitor is the ideal slideshow set-up. It comes equipped with a wireless remote so you can easily control a big screen slideshow on TV from the comfort of your sofa.

Supplied accessories include a 32MB Memory Stick, NP-FR1 InfoLithium battery, an AC Adaptor, wrist strap, CD containing software (including Picture Package, Image Mixer), and USB driver, as well as AV and USB cables. Other optional accessories include several stylish carrying cases as well as a range of wide and telephoto lenses and filters. (Optional accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.)

Features

• 1/1.8-Inch 7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
  Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCDs provide excellent image quality by allowing more to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.
• 3x Optical/2x Digital/6x Total Zoom
  Optical zoom helps you fill the frame with your subject for better pictures. And Sony's Precision Digital Zoom helps bring your subject closer with an extra 2x digital magnification.
• 0 to 14.0x Smart Zoom Feature (at VGA Resolution)
  The Smart Zoom feature intelligently uses the full CCD to let you zoom into the portion of interest by cropping the image size, thus avoiding the image degradation of digital zooms.
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
  The Vario-Tessar lens is specially produced for very compact cameras. This specialized design allows quick autofocus, appealing zoom range while still maintaining a compact design.
• Real Imaging Processor
  The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-P200 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag, and improves battery stamina.
• Live Histogram Display
  Available in capture and playback, the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• 14-Bit DXP A/D Conversion
  Sony's 14-bit Digital EXtended Processor captures the range between highlight and shadow with up to 16,384 values, for extended dynamic contrast and detail.
• 2.0-Inch LCD Monitor
  2.0-inch LCD provides a high resolution view while shooting. Unique in such a compact camera, this large screen makes it easy to share image playback with friends.
• 5-Area Multi-Point Auto Focus
  By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• Manual Exposure Mode
  Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable shutter speed (30 seconds to 1/1000 second), and two-step aperture control.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator
  Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Selectable Focus Mode
  Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring
  Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn’t centered in the frame.
• Scene Selection Mode
  With 9 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, or High Speed Shutter
• Pre-Flash Metering
  With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• Memory Stick Media and Memory Stick PRO Media
  Digital. Powerful. Transportable. Memory Stick media is compact, portable, and rugged--connecting a variety of hardware and software applications.
• 5 Shot Burst Mode
  Capture up to five shots (7 MP fine) or up to 100 (VGA standard) at 1.1 frames per second even at 7 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast-moving action such as sports.
• Multi-Burst Mode
  Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera. Selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second.
• MPEG Movie VX Standard/Fine Mode with Audio
  Captures VGA (640 x 480) high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second) audio/video clips with length limited only by the capacity of the media. Video mail mode captures smaller file sizes suitable for email.
• Conversion Lens Compatible
  With VAD-PHC adaptor, you can add tele- or wide-conversion lenses for greater magnification or wider field of view, as well as protective and special effect filters.
• Cyber-shot Station Dock Compatible
  Make transferring images and recharging the DSC-P200's battery easier with the optional Cyber-shot Station camera dock. Just place the camera on the cradle for instantaneous power and computer connections.
• PictBridge Compatibility
  Connect to any PictBridge compatible printer with the supplied USB cable and print directly from the camera. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.
• Rechargeable InfoLithium Battery
  Provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, without memory effect. The supplied AC-LS5 adapter/charger provides stable power for USB transfer.

Customer Reviews

One of the best compact digital cameras on the market...
I just purchased this as a replacement from my Sony P-100 5 mega pixel camera. WOW! This camera is definitely a sleek improvement from past models. Aside from the 7.2 megapixel count, this camera excels in almost every conceivable area relevant to compacts.

First off, this camera starts up in less than a second or so--truly fast compared to other similarly priced cameras. This feature is essential when attempting to capture that oh so special kodak...er...sony moment in a blink.



Secondly, the camera is beautiful. Sony got it right this time when designing a sturdy, compact and lightweight technological masterpiece. True, it's not as small as its even lighter cousin--the T-33, or the Pentax Optio S5n and Casio Exlim models, but it passes the pants pocket test with flying colors. Additionally, when compared to the T-33, this camera uses the regular memory stick size and not the smaller duo like the T-33. Sooooo, if you already own a sony, this is a natural upgrade.



Some other excellent features on the P-200 are the manual overides. You can adjust the shutter speed and aperature which, for a camera in this class, is a true rarity.



I also am enjoying the extremely high quality video mode; although not the most important selling point, having the ability to take camcorder like videos with sound for unlimited amounts of time (unlike 30 second segments from many other cams) is handy.



Another amazing feature is the battery life. I remember my first sony digital camera--the DSC-P50 2.1 mega pixel. It's battery life was dismal. My P-72 was slightly improved, but still suffered from chronic battery munchies. The P-200 fully charged can take pictures for over 200 minutes! If you're on the display modes, it can last almost double that--another breathtaking accomplishment. The info lithium works well in calculating the remaining battery life--a major complaint from owners of other cameras like Canon that lack this feature. Lastly, it is a proprietary battery, so purchasing an additional one is recommended.



Needless to say, the 2" lcd is gorgeous, just like the past sony cameras I've had. It's extremely hi-res and I have no difficulty seeing it in sunlight. The lcd's navigation is similar to earlier sony cams with a few new additions. Sony finally placed a protective screen over the actual lcd to prevent damage...took them long enough, but it's much appreciated.



Overall, I'm tremendously pleased with the picture quality from this puppy. I envision this camera lasting well into early-mid 2006 when Sony will release yet another improvement. Until then, I highly recommend this for most anybody who appreciates quality and functionality incorporated into a lightweight package.

Probably my last camera for a while
I thought my old Olympus C50 was going to be my last digital camera for a while, but then the P200 was released as an update to the already-excellent P150 and I convinced myself to buy it.

I think Sony did a great job on this camera. It is perfect for those who are tech savvy but really appreciates technology when it is used to make something better without making it cumbersome to use.

The Sony DSC-P200 is first and foremost a point and shoot camera designed to capture every-day life images and the occasional video. To best serve that purpose, it is compact, easy to use, and have an exceptionally quick turn-on time. It's not the smallest camera, but it is compact enough to fit inside small pockets, and substantial enough to be easy to hold. Sony cameras, like most Sony brand products, have excellent user interfaces that are logically laid out and easy to comprehend. I figured out out to use my P200 without reading the manual. I will probably refer to it to see exactly what the scene modes are but that's about it. The large 2 inch LCD on the P200 also makes it much more user friendly than smaller 1.5 or 1.8 inch displays. The turn on time for this camera is one of the best, probably somewhere around a second between pressing the power button to being able to snap a picture. My old Olympus C50 took 3-4 seconds and it was a real bother.

Ease-of-use points aside, this is a 7.2 Megapixel camera and it packs a picture-quality punch that is surpassed only by high end cameras such as the SLR variety. Untill full reviews come out on one of the well known digital camera review sites, I think it is adequate to use reviews for the P150 as a guage. Those reviews have all been very positive on the P150 and the P200 is at least as good as the P150 in terms of picture quality.

Some words about blurrness...

I've heard/read about Sony digital cameras taking blurry pictures and all expert opinion attribute the blurrness to two things: image processor, shaky hand/mount.

There are only a few Sony digital cameras that suffer from blurry pictures caused by an image processor that is too agressive in performing noise reduction. The DSC-W1 is probably the best and most recent example. However, the DSC-P150 does not have this problem, and neither does the P200 according to what I've seen and the pictures I've taken. I tried a DSC-W1 for 2 weeks before returning it so I know first hand what the image processor induced blurryness looks like.

The second cause of blurryness is a classic case of shaky hands. The newer generation of Sony Cameras seem to be programed to prefer a longer shutter open time rather than increase ISO or turn on the flash. It tries to make the most out of available ambient light before making use of adjustments that compromise picture quality. What this results in are shutter speeds as slow as 1/30th of a second before the camera will start using the flash in full auto mode. This combined with 7.2MP of resolution will result in blurry pictures if the hand holding the camera isn't absolutely still. In trying to maximize the picture quality of the camera, Sony has traded off some real-world usability. Whenever I use my P200 to take a picture and see that the shutter speed is 1/40 or slower, I will make a mental note to brace myself when taking the picture, or at least use both hands.

All things considered, it's hard to imagine a more perfect combination of everyday usability and performance. The P200 is perfectly at home snapping birth-day party pictures for 4x6 prints, or mounted on a tripod to get that perfect shot for a 8x10 blow-up.

Amazing Digital Camera, Incredible Value
The DSC-P200 is an amazing piece of technology that demonstrates how far digital photography has come. With a 7.2 MP resolution, 3X zoom, lithium ion battery and a 2" LCD screen squeezed into a tiny package, this camera is truly amazing. The output is no less impressive with quality superior to that of any other camera I have seen.

One of the advantages of a camera this small is its ability to be carried in your clothing without relying on an external carrying case. While this is a great attribute that allows you to bring it to parties for impromptu photos, its apparent fragility is a cause for concern. It would be nice if Sony provided a glove-like camera case or entirely different, ruggedized housing. Of course, many third-party camera cases are available along with what Sony offers, but even the smallest of these will be too large to fit in a shirt or inside sport coat pocket.

In addition to its diminutive size, the camera's portability is also fostered by the lithium ion battery which lasts for nearly two hours. Moreover, with a larger memory chip, you will have everything necessary for a day or more worth of shooting. At the full seven megapixel resolution, photos average about three (3) megabytes each. This means you can store only about ten photos on the included 32 MB Memory Stick, making memory a necessary upgrade. By comparison, my 512 MB Memory Stick allows me to take over 150 maximum resolution 7.2 MP photos. Fortunately, it can be purchased for approximately $55 at Amazon.

Even though I am not a professional photographer or artist, I can definitely appreciate the picture quality. I had the opportunity to directly compare the Sony DSC-P200's quality to that of a Minolta 5 MP camera taking the exact same photo at the same distance. The pictures of a friend and me were taken by a waiter in an upscale restaurant with relatively low lighting. At first glance, they appeared to be of comparable quality. After closer inspection, however, it was clear that the Sony image was superior. In one striking example, the shades of my burgundy shirt were more accurate with less pixilation.

For the amateur photographer, be aware there are many features to be deciphered. As a former engineer and gadget enthusiast, I consider myself a quick study. Yet, I had to spend a couple of hours reading the manual and still have some learning to do. So, don't buy this camera on the way to your daughter's wedding and expect to use it (besides, the battery will be dead anyway).

Many casual photographers may question the need for seven megapixels as this exceeds the resolution of even the largest monitors. For example, a high-end WUXGA (1900 x 1200) wide format monitor only has 2.3 megapixels. However, the camera's superior resolution provides a hidden benefit. Even if you don't want to create large format photos or posters, it does allow for a convenient "off-line" zooming. So if you are at sporting event or show, you can take photos of scenes even too far with 3X magnification. When editing the images on your computer, you can crop the part of the photo desired to effectively zoom into the image you wish to save or share with you friends.

As a Sony Vaio owner, I have the added benefit of being able to slip the Memory Stick directly into my laptop without having to worry about cables or additional drivers. It would be even nicer, though, if Sony provided some sort of wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. I can see why Sony would skip this feature as current wireless technology would not be sufficient for transfer of several high-resolution photos.

The video capability is a nice frill even though it would not be a key reason for purchasing this camera. I was quite surprised that it produced quality video AND sound recordings. The latter was far crisper than I ever expected. With two gigabyte chips available in 2005, you could record full motion video for nearly 80 minutes. This sounds great, but the camera doesn't record moving scenes very well. Presumably, this is due to internal bandwidth limitations. On this note, it would be nice to provide HDTV video recording, even at a lower frame rate. This would be quite a stretch due to bandwidth limitations/data write speed as HDTV cameras, geared for the professional market, are very expensive.

In summary, the Sony DSC-P200 is an incredible piece of technology that provides tremendous picture quality in a small package. I can't imagine wanting more out of a camera other than a ruggedized housing or high resolution HDTV video, which is quite unrealistic given its size and cost. Given the camera's intended purpose, Sony has done an amazing job. For still photos, the DSC-P200 should be good for a decade or so.

Pros
7.2 MP
Incredible picture quality
Lithium Ion battery
Compact

Cons
No glove-like case
A bit complicated for recreational photographers
Delicate (potentially)
32 MB of standard memory
No Bluetooth