Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P150 Digital Camera

Sony's new DSC-P150 has a powerful, 7-megapixel CCD--a resolution more often found on advanced cameras. The extra resolution may not give you better pictures if you usually print 5-by-7-inch or 4-by-6-inch prints, but it's a boon for making 8-by-10-inch or larger prints, especially if you need to crop these. The main drawback to 7-megapixel images is that you'll need higher-capacity media to hold the resulting larger files, and Sony's Memory Sticks cost significantly more than the SD or CompactFlash Cards used by most other brands.

A cropped and enlarged shot of our test target had better reproduction of fine lines and text than those produced by most point-and-shoots we've tested, though it wasn't as sharp as the shots we took with more-expensive 7- and 8-megapixel models from our advanced digital camera group. Test photos of a complex, outdoor cityscape and of an indoor still life looked beautifully detailed, with good color and exposure accuracy.

For taking snapshots, the DSC-P150 is a pleasure to use. It's exceptionally quick to start up, take shots, and shut down. It has a solid, durable feel to it and a relatively simple menu system that is quick to roll through.

The cameras has more controls than most snap shooters need, but it lacks some controls that advanced photographers might want, such as white-balance calibration, bracketing, and semi-automatic modes. It does have a rudimentary full-manual exposure mode (you are limited to two aperture settings, which vary with the zoom you've selected), and a simple manual focus with a few stepped focus ranges.

The software accompanying the camera is pretty basic, so you'll want to expand your options with a good photo-editing package, like Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.

Upshot: At $500, the DSC-P150 is pricey for a point-and shoot digital camera; but for snapshooters who like big prints, the Sony is up to the task.

Tracey Capen