Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 Digital Camera Review

Color (6.04)
We test each camera's color reproduction capabilities using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software. We import the images into the software to gauge the degree of variance between the camera's produced color and the ideal. In the chart below, the outer squares represent the hues produced by the camera, while the smaller squares are color-corrected variations of the camera's tones and the small vertical rectangle near the center is the ideal.

The chart below depicts the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41's color rendition. The circles are used to represent the camera's produced tones, while the corresponding squares are the tonal ideal. The length of the line linking the two is the margin of error.

Color performance on the Cyber-shot DSC-P41 was not astonishing but may suffice if the camera is solely used for snapshots. Many of the tones produced by the P41 are under-saturated, creating a muddy, dull overall appearance to its images. The only tones that were not under-saturated were red and pink hues, which are typically over-saturated by most point-and-shoot cameras to smooth out skin tones. This is a bit unusual as most color error in digital cameras seems to lean towards over-saturation to add vibrancy to the images. Additionally, it was difficult to attain accurate white balance on the camera, as there is no manual control. This forces the user to rely on automatic or preset options that result in inaccurate color rendition. Overall, the camera's color performance is adequate for users who are not as interested in naturalistic representation and advanced precision but rather are looking for an automatic imager that will record decent-looking snapshots.

Still Life Scene
Below is a copy of our unconventional still life scene recorded by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41. The image was cropped because of difficulty focusing the camera. With no optical zoom or true manual focus options, the user is subjected to the camera's automatic or preset focusing methods. For most deep exterior shots, this may suffice; however, in a tight shot requiring marginal depth of field, the camera could not handle it.

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is VERY large!)

Resolution/Sharpness (3.36)
To test resolution, we use an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the images and determines the actual resolution within the imported image. Since "megapixels" have become the catchphrase and topical selling point of digital cameras, it is important to understand their place in determining a camera's image clarity and true resolution. Traditionally, resolution has referred to image size, as most frames are described as a measurement of vertical pixels x horizontal pixels. However, as the digital camera market has progressed, the concept of megapixels has become more and more convoluted and it is now necessary to draw a distinction between image size and image clarity. While people often refer to both loosely as resolution, we try to distinguish image sharpness from image size. To do this, we contrast the camera's largest image size (and marketed megapixel count) with the number of pixels actually detected within a captured image. We give the score in a raw numeric megapixel count as well as a percentage score of the "actual megapixels" contrasted with the total image size. When this is done, cameras that receive "real resolution" scores of 70-80% of their marketed value are considered "good" performers, while cameras that record 80-90% are viewed as "very good" and any camera that exceeds 90% is "excellent."

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 received a real resolution score of 3.36 megapixels. This is just over 84% of its projected megapixel count and should be read as a very good score, particularly from a compact point-and-shoot camera. Many of the Cyber-shot models score exceptionally high in terms of resolution and overall performance and the DSC-P41 is no different. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 provides sharp imagery in a small pocket-sized package, surpassing most of its competition within the price bracket.

Noise Auto ISO (3.26)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 does produce images with excellent clarity given optimal lighting. However, once the available light diminishes, so does image quality. The camera seems to have difficulty handling noise and once ISO 200 or 400 speeds are needed the images appear grainy and distorted. Therefore, it will be necessary to utilize the flash often or limit shooting to outdoor situations when optimal clarity is desired.

Noise Manual ISO (3.98)
For all cameras that have manual ISO settings, we test for noise at each ISO rating. We take the results and put them into a regression analysis to determine an overall noise score. This score represents how well the camera handles noise as light levels are diminished. Our results are plotted in the graph below with the X-axis representing the ISO settings and the Y-axis representing the amount of noise.

While it is nice to see manual ISO settings offered on a point-and-shoot camera, the results were a bit disappointing. The camera seems to have such a strong imager but even with added noise reduction features (slow shutter NR), the camera cannot control noise levels. This combined with the necessary reliance on digital zoom is a recipe for distortion. Unfortunately, with the P41, users will have to accept the need for an abundance of lighting or will have to accept sub-par images.

Speed / Timing
Start-up to First Shot (8.92)
Speed is one of the Cyber-shot P41's strongest attributes, booting up and recording an image in just over a second (1.08).

Shot to Shot Time (8.61)
Although the camera is not reliant on its burst mode, the rapid shot to shot time is only slowed by the camera's need to write the images to the card. When shooting relative short bursts, the camera is very quick for a point-and-shoot.

Shutter to Shot Time (8.92)
The P41 contains a quick response time that will cut down on unwanted lag between images.