Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 is one of the more economically priced Cyber-shot models, retailing for around US $179.95. Containing a surprisingly large 1/2.7 inch, 4 MP CCD, this model is armed to surpass most similarly priced models with higher image quality. However, this camera is only capable of 3x digital zoom, with absolutely no optical zoom capability. With limited custom control settings available, the Cyber-shot P41 is clearly made for the point-and-shoot consumer. The focus is predominately Auto based, with distance settings available through the on-screen menu. The camera's compact shape, rounded corners and slight weight make it easy to transport within the user's pocket. The camera includes direct print capabilities, a 1.5 inch LCD and a real image optical viewfinder. The Cyber-shot P41 can shoot in 5 still image settings, with an additional three audio/video settings capable of shooting video at up to 30 fps.
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Likes

- Excellent resolution
- Fast processor, minimal lag time
- Small and Easy to carry - fits in pocket
- Onscreen menu is easy to navigate without unneeded complications
-Low price, movie mode, and partial manual control make this a great budget camera for first-time users looking at being casual hobbyists or vacationers

Dislikes

- It only has digital zoom. Many other cameras in the same price range offer optical
-The buttons, although nicely spaced, are undersized
-Preset distances for pseudo-manual focus will only aggravate and frustrate user
-Poor color reproduction
-unable to control noise levels in images

 

 

Conclusion
With the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41, the user will get a compact, attractive, point-and-shoot camera that can easily slide into your pocket for a day trip. It has a surprisingly large 1/2.7-inch 4 MP CCD and records images at exceptional resolution, especially considering that this camera retails for around US $179.95. The LCD measures 1.5 inches with 67K pixels, and is paired with a small real image viewfinder. This camera can shoot in five still image formats, and at video speeds of 8, 16, and 30 fps in MPEG format. Its presets are fairly limited, forcing the user to choose among options already dictated by the camera, and although manual focus does exist, it’s only as a series of distance settings, which must be chosen individually through the onscreen menu. The camera is PictBridge direct-print ready, although there is no video/audio out, and the user must rely upon either card readers or the USB port located on the back of the camera. This camera, by its design, price, and the manufacturer's intent, is a fitting model for those users seeking a simple, large-CCD point-and-shoot camera with movie modes and a straightforward design.

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