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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P72

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  • At a Glance
  • Low megapixel count
  • JPEG image format
  • Fast shutter speed
Performance
Overall rating78
Image quality: To gauge picture quality, we take a series of shots, with and without flash, at 640 by 480 resolution and at the camera's highest resolution. We photograph a complex still life and a mannequin to see how well each camera capturesGood
Ease of useVery good
FeaturesGood
Maximum effective pixels/resolution3.2 megapixels at 2048 by 1536
Bundled media16MB Memory Stick
Focal range (35mm equivalent)39mm to 117mm
Aperture rangef2.8 to f10
Shutter speed range (seconds)2 seconds to 1/2000 second
ViewfindersOptical viewfinder, 1.5-inch LCD
Video/audio recordingYes/Yes
Semi-automatic/manual modesFive scene modes; manual focus
Optional lensesNone
SoftwarePixela ImageMixer
Battery scoreVery good
Battery life462 shots, 162 minutes
Battery typeTwo rechargeable AA
Dimensions and weight4.7 by 2.3 by 1.2 inches; 9.1 ounces
Support policy scoreFair
Support policiesOne-year parts and 90-day labor warranty, toll-free support for 15 hours on weekdays, plus weekends

What You Should Know about the Cyber-shot DSC-P72

Low Megapixels For an SLR

For a digital SLR, this model has a low megapixel count--but it may suit your needs anyway. A 5- to 7-megapixel camera lets you print images at sizes up to 4 by 6 inches without visible reduction in quality or sharpness. Likewise, you can print images from an 8-megapixel camera at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches with no loss in quality; at 13 by 19 inches, however, prints will exhibit slightly diminished quality. As the pixel count on an image sensor increases, so does its propensity to produce images plagued by noise--ugly speckling patterns that resemble film grain. To avoid trouble with noise, you should look for a camera with the lowest pixel count that still serves your output requirements.

User Reviews for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P72

  • Reviewed by: evebellisimo

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Macro mode is decent and so are the pictures. They come out pretty nice up to an 8x10 with the right software. Compact size can fit in a large pocket. No red eye!

    Weaknesses: Uses up AA batteries quickly. Most pictures are blurred wen the object moves...bad shutter and bad ISO so it doesn't do well in low light.

    Overall Evaluation: I've had this camera for 3 years solely for taking pictures of place I travel to and my baby. It holds up well for a 3.2 in comparison to my newly upgraded Canon A620. Unless the price for this camera drops below $100 there is no reason to purchase it as other cameras $200 and below are much better. I will point out that many people were very impressed with the photos I've taken and the quality of them even though this is 3.2 megapixels. I use the video mode a lot to take short clips of my baby as she grows but it does not do good in low light at all. I've also dropped it a few times and it amazingly is working fine. It is a very strong and sturdy camera. I don't worry about mishandling it at all. I actually give it to my 10 month old to play with sometimes. Use a tripod when taking pictures to keep from blurring.I've been very happy with this camera and still think it is of great quality. And the pictures are not too far off from my 7 mp Canon A620 surprisingly. I just needed a higher resolution to print bigger photos. I'd recommend this camera for novices who are looking for a decent resolution, a high quality product, taking still and scenic shots, or for fun.

  • Reviewed by: gigglezoh

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: VERY COMPACT! EXCELLENT QUALITY PICTURES!

    Weaknesses: BATTERY CHARGER TAKES 6 HOURS TO CHARGE TO FULL LOAD

    Overall Evaluation: I'VE HAD THIS CAMERA FOR 2 YRS. UPGRADING FROM ANOTHER DCS-P. I WILL UPGRADE TO THE DCS-P150 OR 200 NEXT BUT AS OF NOW I'M COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THIS ONE. I'VE TAKEN OVER 4000 PICS USING THE SAME BATTERIES THAT CAME WITH IT AND THEY'RE STILL GOING STRONG. I BOUGHT A 30 MINUTE CHARGER AND THESE BATTERIES CHARGE IN IT IN 30 MINUTES TOPS. IT'S VERY WELL BUILT! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA TO ANYONE. IT DOES A GREAT JOB.

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Best Prices on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P72