Sony DSC-P2 Digital Camera [2.0MP 3xOptical]

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: If you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder; if you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

The DSC-P2 is designed to be a simple point-and-shoot, so it doesn't have a huge assortment of manual settings. However, more advanced photographers will appreciate the five-step manual focus mode, adjustable ISO, and white-balance settings, and well as the exposure compensation and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarised, and negative images. Other features include a three-area multipoint autofocus and a multiburst function that captures 16 320 x 240 frames with three selectable intervals for convenient motion analysis.

The DSC-P2 uses a proprietary rechargeable InfoLithium battery (model NP-FC10), which can provide power for up to 90 minutes of continuous camera usage. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend purchasing a spare battery.

In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but the DSC-P2 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. It features three MPEG movie modes--video mail (160 x 112), presentation (320 x 240), and HQX (320 x 240)--with 16 fps full-screen playback. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 30 images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 16 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 130 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may also have a built-in Memory Stick reader, which makes transferring as easy as reading a floppy disk.

At 4.5 by 2 by 1.44 inches and 7.5 ounces fully loaded, the DSC-P2 is a very compact and portable digital camera. The package includes the DSC-P2 camera, one rechargeable NP-FC10 InfoLithium battery, AC-LS1 AC adapter/in-camera charger, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 16 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.