Connectivity
Software (6.0)
To connect your Sony DSC-P100 to your computer you use the USB multi connector port on the bottom of the camera and connect it to the USB drive on your computer. The viewing software that comes along with the DSC-P100 is a really basic package called “Picture Package.” It gives you the option to view your images, make a CD, and create a slide show. I was really surprised at how little I could do with this software. It doesn’t offer more options than what most computers can do already. Most digital camera buyers would like to do some sort of editing and this isn’t possible with this software. If you’re looking to make some changes you might want to look into buying another package such as Adobe Photoshop.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.5)
The Sony DSC-P100 houses external connections in two spots: behind the door on the right side of the camera and on the bottom of the camera. The DC in jack is located next to the memory stick drive behind the terminal door. The DC in jack uses the included DC plug and AC adapter to connect to an outlet. Both USB and A/V connections can be made with the multi connector jack on the bottom of the camera. Using the USB multi connector (included) you can connect to any computer or PictBridge compatible printer. Using the included A/V multi connector you can connect your Sony DSC-P100 to a TV to view your images on a larger screen.

Direct Print Options (4.0)
The DSC-P100 can be connected to any PictBridge compatible computer. PictBridge is an industry standard printer that can be used with any brand of camera. This is a nice system that allows you to print single images or index prints. In the DPOF section of the playback menu you can select which images to print and the number of sheets of each image (up to 20).

Although the PictBridge system is widely available, Sony doesn’t offer many other options beyond their own products. If you want to stay within the Sony brand, they offer a pretty comprehensive portable printer that retails for around $180. The Sony DPP-EX50 Picture Station allows you to edit your images, add text and other creative features, and print high quality pictures.

Memory (5.5)
The Sony DSC-P100 uses a memory stick to store its images, which is a pretty robust and reliable media. The camera comes with a 32MB card which isn’t bad compared to some other bundles, but it’s almost standard procedure to buy a larger card right away. The memory stick format is only compatible with Sony products, but it spans the range of Sony’s consumer electronic manufacturing line. If you’re a Sony junkie life couldn’t be sweeter, but if you’re not married to the company then you might get a little annoyed. Many of the higher-end Sony digital cameras have dual media capabilities (such as the Sony DSC-F828) in which you can use both a MemoryStick and a CompactFlash card. I would have liked to see this option in the Sony DSC-P100 as well. What about the little guys, Sony?

Other features (6.0)
Sony offers a Cyber-shot Station CSS-PHA that connects the camera to a TV or PC computer to play back images while also charging the camera’s batteries. The camera can also be connected to a PictBridge compatible printer (e.g. Sony Picture Station DPP-EX50) and is operable via remote control.