Auto Mode (7.0)
When the camera is set in Auto mode, the functions available through the menu are drastically abbreviated, limiting the user's choices to burst shooting and overall camera set-up. Automatic alterations on the Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are registered fairly quickly with the exception of automatic focusing, which seems to have substantial lag time.

Movie Mode (7.0)
When the camera is placed in Movie Mode it is possible to record video at 16 or 30 fps in three separate quality settings of Fine (640), Standard (640), and 160 formats. To record in Fine mode, the user must purchase a larger optional memory card. It is possible to record up to 11 minutes and 12 seconds in 160 format, and 42 seconds in Standard (640) format. The user can control the Exposure evaluation, the Focus setting, White Balance Presets, and Picture effects when in movie mode on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41. Simultaneous audio is recorded via an in-camera microphone located on the front of the camera and played back via a speaker located on the bottom of the camera. The audio quality is not surprisingly poor, but it's still pretty awful. However, with a low-end digital camera designed for still image capture. the user shouldn't expect anything better, and the mere fact this model has a microphone at all is a pleasant bonus.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.5)
Burst shooting mode allows the user to shoot a series of photos in rapid succession, avoiding the lag time between shots that will be experienced when shooting in regular mode. This setting is available in all modes and the maximum number of shots available is based upon image size and quality. At the highest quality settings and image size available, the user can only shoot 4 shots when using the 16MB memory stick. The most available to the user is 30, and is attainable when the user is shooting in standard or fine image quality settings with the image size set at VGA (Email). When shooting multi burst, the camera will capture 16 images when the Shutter is depressed once, and will be recorded as a single 1M image on the memory stick.

Playback Mode (7.0)
When the camera is placed in Playback Mode, it is possible for the user to view single images, movies, and multi-up images. When in regular single image playback, it is possible for the user to scan between images by pressing the left and right arrows on the four-way controller and in essence, creating a slide show. The user can also view video captures with audio playback. The user also has the ability to use the Zoom lens to enhance images up to 5x their original size. Once enlarged, it is possible to scan through the image by using the four-way controller as a navigator. To view images in Multi-Up format, the user must press the Wide Angle portion of the Zoom control, at which time up to nine images in thumbnail format will be displayed on the LCD screen. It is then possible to scan between these images and others throughout the memory card index by pressing the four-way controller and highlighting the appropriate choice. This provides the essential features for the user, granting zoom capabilities and a slide show option.

Custom Image Presets (6.0)
The custom image presets are accessed through the onscreen LCD menu and are located within the same subsection as the Auto and Program settings. These settings allow for the user to choose among various general shooting situations, oriented for specific shooting scenarios. The custom presets included on the Sony Cyber-shot P41 are Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Beach, and Candle modes.

Design / Layout Page 6 of 12 Control Options Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 Digital Camera Review Navigation