Sony Cybershot DSCP100 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Optics and Resolution
The DSCP100 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens--the first time this lens has been used with a Cybershot P-series camera. The Vario-Tessar lens is specially constructed for very compact cameras, and its design allows for quick autofocusing. It has a 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom, for a combined 6x.

The 1/1.8-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to reach each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 5.1-megapixel effective resolution (2,592 x 1,944). The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality, improved response time and battery life, and decreased shutter lag.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second, VGA size (640 x 480); the included 32 MB memory card will store 87 seconds at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable for e-mailing to friends and family.

More Features

About Multi-Pattern Measuring

Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes an optimum exposure value, even for scenes in which pronounced highlights and shadows are not centered in the frame.

• Resolution Modes: 2,592 x 1,944 (5.1 MP), 2,592 x 1,728 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2,048 x 1,536 (3 MP), 1,280 x 960 (1 MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA)
• 1.8-Inch LCD Monitor: The high-resolution 134K LCD makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• Live Histogram Display: Available for capture and playback, the live histogram displays pixel concentration for each luminosity value, making it easy to determine correct exposure.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring Autofocus helps you anticipate action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• Five-Area Multi-Point Autofocus: By evaluating five separate focus areas in the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistaken focusing on the background.
• Autofocus Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject in low- or no-light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes an optimum exposure value, even for scenes in which highlights and shadows aren't centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures sixteen 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1,280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially (selectable intervals 1/7.5, 1/15, and 1/30 second).
• Manual Exposure Mode: Shutter speeds adjustable in 46 steps (1/1000 to 30 seconds) and two-step aperture control.
• Scene Selection Mode: With nine scene modes, parameters can be matched to shooting conditions. Choose from Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, or High-Speed Shutter.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting one from the other, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and redeye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• Nine-Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 9 shots (fine) or 15 shots (standard) at 1.2 frames per second, even at 5 MP. Perfect for high-speed subjects or fast-moving action, including sports.

About Slow Shutter Noise Reduction

This process captures the scene in two exposures. The second subtracts the noise pattern from the initial shot, resulting in a final photograph that is beautiful and virtually noise-free.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP100 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media for storage up to 1 GB. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 fine and 23 standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCP100 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward-compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable Sony InfoLithitum (lithium-ion) battery, which provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, with no "memory effect" (see "Tech Talk," below). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from your camera to your PC.

It measures 4.25 by 2.13 by 1 inch (W x H x D) and weighs 5.8 ounces without the Memory Stick.

What's in the Box
The package contains the Sony DSCP100 digital camera, a 32 MB Memory Stick, a rechargeable InfoLithium battery (NP-FR1), a battery charger (AC-LS5), A/V and USB cables, a wrist strap, and a CD-ROM with photo editing software for Windows PCs.

Cybershot Station and Photo Vault
The Cybershot DSCP100 digital camera is compatible with two optional add-ons from Sony that can help you present your photos or store them when you're on the go. The Cybershot Station (CSS-PHA) charges the camera's batteries while enabling you to play photo slideshows on your TV. The included infrared remote controls the camera while it's docked in the station and makes it easy to send pictures to PictBridge-compatible printers.

The optional PhotoVault mini-CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when traveling. It burns images to mini CD-Rs without a PC interface--just connect it to your camera with a USB cable. The PhotoVault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features built-in photo-album functionality, letting you display photos on a television screen using the TV's standard AV input.

Tech Talk

• Memory Effect: A phenomenon that occurs when rechargeable batteries are continually operated to a low level (such as 25%), then recharged. In such cases, the batteries can end up losing the rest of their capacity. Lithium-ion batteries, such as Sony's InfoLithium, aren't very susceptible to this effect, and NiMH batteries are at even less risk. NiCad batteries, on the other hand, are the most susceptible.

First off, this camera starts up in less than a second or so--truly fast compared to other similarly priced cameras. This feature is essential when attempting to capture that oh so special kodak...er...sony moment in a blink.

Secondly, the camera is beautiful. Sony got it right this time when designing a sturdy, compact and lightweight technological masterpiece. True, it's not as small as its even lighter cousin--the T-1, or the Pentax Optio S4i and Casio Ex-z4, but it passes the pants pocket test with flying colors. Additionally, when compared to the T-1, this camera uses the regular memory stick size and not the smaller duo like the T-1. Sooooo, if you already own a sony, this is a natural upgrade.

Some other excellent features on the P-100 are the manual overides. You can adjust the shutter speed and aperature which, for a camera in this class, is a true rarity.

Unlike the T-1, this cam does have a tripod mount, a no brainer for any serious photographer. I also am enjoying the extremely high quality video mode; although not the most important selling point, having the ability to take camcorder like videos with sound for unlimited amounts of time (unlike 30 second segments from many other cams) is handy.

Another amazing feature is the battery life. I remember my first sony digital camera--the DSC-P50 2.1 mega pixel. It's battery life was dismal. My P-72 was slightly improved, but still suffered from chronic battery munchies. The P-100 fully charged can take pictures for over 200 minutes! If you're on the display modes, it can last almost double that--another breathtaking accomplishment. The info lithium works well in calculating the remaining battery life--a major complaint from owners of other cameras like Canon that lack this feature. Lastly, it is a proprietary battery, so purchasing an additional one is recommended.

Needless to say, the 1.8" lcd is gorgeous, just like the past sony cameras I've had. It's extremely hi-res and I have no difficulty seeing it in sunlight. The lcd's navigation is similar to earlier sony cams with a few new additions like a light metering box.

Overall, I'm tremendously pleased with the picture quality from this puppy. I envision this camera lasting well into early-mid 2005 when Sony will release yet another improvement. Until then, I highly recommend this for most anybody who appreciates quality and functionality incorporated into a lightweight package.


Sony P100 review (plus Canon S500, Fuji F610 and others)   June 19, 2004
Sushil Pant (TAS, Australia)
47 out of 50 found this review helpful

Ultra-compact digicam comparison: which ultra-compact camera should I buy? Make sure you read the whole thing - it'll give you an idea of what to look for yourself.

Considered: Fuji F610, Sony T1, Sony T11, Sony P100, Pentax Optio S4i, Canon S500, Nikon 3700/5200.

Fuji 610 (72 x 93 x 31 mm)
Pros: excellent camera with awesome image quality. Claim that vertical design will limit camera shake - maybe. Video quality excellent at 640 x 480 (30fps). xD picture cards cheap.

Cons: Larger than canon s500 and sonyp100 - but not a huge problem considering the better features (especially the amount of manual controls with shutter/aperture). BUT - NO AF ASSIST LAMP: therefore poor low light performance. Not able to switch off digital zoom such that the optical switches over to digital automatically - which will reduce image quality stored. But the clincher here is the lack of AF assist lamp.

Sony P100 (108 x 51.5 x 26.6 mm)
Pros: It's a Sony: their attention to detail is always guaranteed. Nine scene selections which makes shooting for amateurs so much simpler and takes you up that extra notch - read excerpt below. Option of attaching a wide-angle telephoto lens down the track - should you start to take your photography (more) seriously. Excellent video quality at 640 x 480 (30fps or 17pfs), size unlimitied). AF assist lamp. Battery life indicator: provides estimated mins remaining. Battery has also been found to be of exceptional stamina - compared to other digicams of this size.

I got this from Imaging-Resource: "Scene mode offers a range of preset exposure modes, including Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft snap, Snow, Beach, High Speed Shutter, Fireworks, and Candle modes. Both Twilight modes optimize the camera for low-light shooting by allowing shutter times as long as two seconds, while Landscape mode sets the camera up for shooting distant subjects. Soft snap mode warms skin tones and sets focus to slightly soft. Snow mode enhances saturation and adjusts exposure, to prevent loss of colour in bright white snow scapes, while Beach mode ensures that blue tones are recorded accurately in lakeside or seaside photos. High-speed shutter mode is for shooting action or bright subjects. Fireworks mode preserves colour in shots of fireworks or other night light displays by fixing the lens aperture at f/5.6 and setting the exposure time to the 2-second maximum. Candle mode slows shutter speeds and biases exposure to keep candlelit scenes looking natural; a tripod is recommended in this model"

Cons: Memory stick: expensive, but prices have come down and will come down further. Definitely get yourself a MS Pro Duo (either a 256, or better still 512MB). Getting the Duo now (which is not much more $) will keep you ahead of the game. Size: slightly longer than Canon S500 but thinner - so not so bad. Overall the cons are not awfully bad.

Sony T1/T11 (T!: 91mm x 60mm x 21mm)
Pros: Awesome design. Very thin. All other pros similar to Sony P100. Nice option of black.

Cons: NO tripod mount - sure it's an ultra-compact which you'd carry around, but sometimes it's nice to mount it for macro and other shots. I would have seriously forked out the extra cash for this camera but the lack of a tripod mount was the clincher.

Canon S500 (87.0 x 57.0 x 27.8 mm)
Pros: Size: I like to use this camera as a benchmark for size comparisons with other cameras. Design and form factor: almost as good as Sony: very elegant. CF - cheap, very cheap. I've previously had the Canon S230 (3.2MP 2X optical) and it was an excellent camera.

Cons: VERY, VERY POOR: no battery life indicator - with the S230 I have been caught out many times, this is especially so when other members of your family use the camera and you have no idea how much charge is left. The solution is to get a spare battery, but Canon should have rectified this issue by now and they have deliberately chosen not to and that tells me something. Video at 320 x 240 (15fps): if you want 640x480 only available at 10pfs: compare this with Sony and Fuji, both at 640x480, 30fps!! Now I know that this is a digital camera and not a camcorder - but it's nice to know that you can take VGA quality shots at an instant - so you're always prepared - because who carries the camcorder everywhere?!!

Pentax Optio S4i ((83 x 52 x 20mm))
Pro: Size. Size. And price.

Cons: No AF assist lamp: therefore poor in low light. Although a good camera, you'll read that it's more a `fun' camera than half-serious like the Sony P100 or Canon S500. Of course the Fuji F610 takes it up a notch as far as manual features go. Also the video quality is poor: similar to the canon S500 - although I would imagine Canon would still do a better job of it.

Nikon 3700 (95.5 x 50 x 31 mm)
Pro: Scene selection. Size.

Cons: Some have claimed a disparity between sound and video - not sure about this though. Appearance: very uninspiring, like the rest of the coolpix family.

CONCLUSIONS
Rank overall:
1. Sony P100 (image quality, scene options, video quality, it's a Sony)
2. Canon S500 (two downfalls - and both quite big - no battery life indicator and low video resolution)
3. Fuji F610 (NO AF assist, can't switch off digital zoom)
If size and form factor the most important and tripod mount absolutely not necessary (e.g. if will be in handbag all the time): Sony T1


Great Pictures, Great Features   July 7, 2004
39 out of 41 found this review helpful

After doing about 2 months of research on a digital camera, I decided on and am very pleased with the Sony P100. I had narrowed my choice between the Canon S410 and the Sony P100. I could not justify paying more for the Canon when the Sony had triple the features. However, I purchased both these cameras so I could compare picture quality for myself. Much to my delight, once I got it home and played with it, I found out the Sony took better pictures. Yes, that's right BETTER pictures than the Canon S410. Isn't that the bottom line? Great pictures have always been #1 on my list. And yes, all the other reviews are correct, it is incredibly fast. I have two young children and I will not be missing many, if any, great memories. I would have to say that the Canon does feel a little more solid in the hand but that is just personal preference. It comes with numerous special features that I hope to learn. But until then, it is nice just knowing they are there when that time comes. Also, strangely enough, the Canon does not have a date stamp option. Something that my husband and I really use. Try it, I think you will be very happy.


Fast start-up and short shutter-lag times with good optics   September 13, 2004
Mehmet C. Mocan (Boston, MA United States)
39 out of 45 found this review helpful

I am impressed with the overall performance and image quality of the P100. It really has a very fast start up time as well as a very short shutter lag (0.3-0.5s )also as mentioned at imaging-resource.com. It rivals some of the D-SLR's on these parameters! It has a Carl-Zeiss lens that provides excellent quality iamges. The colors and saturation of images are well balanced, I do not feel to play around with imaging software to make them look better. In addition, it is light and thin, can be carried around w/out much hassle. It has a great macro. Finally, the battery goes and goes and goes without dying out... Overall I am very satisfied with P100 and would definitely recommend it as a full features high-quality P&S camera.


The P100   June 29, 2004
38 out of 38 found this review helpful

Here are some of my initial impressions after using the P100 for a week now. These are things that I had read about that I thought might be a concern before I bought the camera, and now that I've actually been able to use it here's what I have found so far:

1) Sharpness of photos: very good. There is an option to adjust the default setting to +1 sharpness or -1 sharpness depending on what you like. I chose to increase the sharpness and find this captures all the details, facial features, environment, crisp and clean.

2) Size: this is very compact which I like and is very portable. It also feels sturdy, so no complaints. I feel like this is something I can take with me very easily without any hassle.

3) Movie mode: this was a key factor in luring me to this model. After shooting some movies, I plugged in the supplied cable to my TV (AV cables) and voila! I was watching my footage on the 34" screen and it looked great. I used the 640x480, 30 frames per second, fine mode (the highest quality setting on the camera) and was very impressed. User tip: the focus needs to be set at a fixed distance such as 0.5m for closeups, all the way to infinity if shooting landscapes. If left on multifocus or centerfocus the camera focus will constantly be adjusting to every movement in the frame causing a very disorienting effect. Caveat: this is not a camcorder and could never include all the functions of a dedicated camcorder. But, for someone like me who only wants to carry one device and keep things at a minimum this is a fantastic gadget. With the 1GB memory stick pro (which you will have to fork over some $$ for), you can shoot about 12 mins at the highest quality setting (so I bought two of them).

4) Startup time and lag time: startup time is virtually nil. Press the on button and it's running. Amazing. Lag time will depend on your settings, most importanly, how you set the flash settings. So this will vary from user to user. On the basic 'auto' mode, the lag time from pressing the shutter to the shot being taken in only a couple of seconds. When using the 'red eye reduction' flash mode, it's probably around 4-5 seconds lag.

5) Battery duration: aboout 2-2.5 hours depending on what you're doing, viewing, etc. Full battery charge takes about 3 hours.

The main things I was looking for in improvements over my last Sony 3megapixel digital camera were:
1) would it be faster: overall, yes
2) smaller size: yes (I don't think a smaller camera would be user-friendly)
3) improved video: yes

I'm a nit-picker when it comes to electronic devices, but have found the P100 to meet or exceed my expectations. If there were one thing I would like to see improvement on (and this applies to all digital cameras) is achieving a zero-second lag time when it comes to pressing the shutter and having the picture being snapped. This might not be possible, but I would like to see instantaneous click-to-shot times.

----- update to my initial review ------

I went and bought the 'base station' for the camera. My main reason for getting this was for ease in hooking up the camera to my tv. You can hook the camera up to your tv without the base station, but because the cable connection in the camera is on the bottom of the camera, it means you have to lay the camera on its front or back which I didn't like doing. I can keep the station hooked up to the TV at all times, it doubles as a charger for the battery, and it has it's own remote so you can sit on the couch and scroll through the picturs and movies. You can also zoom in on pictures (and the pictures hold their sharpness--amazing zoom detail). Pricey but a handy accessory.

P100 cybsershot case: this is the black case 'made for the P100' which has the square metal "logo" on the top flap. This is a POOR case for the camera. While I like the materials, the closure is velcro and the camera fit is too snug, so it feels like the flap will pop open. My suggestion would be to look for a different case.