Sony'snew DSC-P9 and DSC-P7 are almost identical in appearance.
Both are finished in metal, both have a 3X zoom lens. They only differ
in resolution: the P9 has a 4 megapixel resolution, the P7 a 3.2 megapixel
resolution.
The DSC-P7's metal body is a slightly lighter shade than the DSC-P9, and
has its resolution stamped in black letters while the 4.0 megapixel marking
of the DSC-P9 is made of embossed metal.
The
Sony DSC-P7 and P9 are physically small cameras, which are easily slipped
into a pocket. Impeccably finished, these cameras are designed to provide
point and shoot ease in an elegant and solid package.
In view of the fact that the DSC-P7 and DSC-P9 are so similar, unless
otherwise specified in this review, the functions and features describe
here apply to both models.
The P7 and P9 are sleek and simple cameras to operate. The cameras are
turned on by a power switch located to the left of the top mounted Mode
Dial, which is indicated by a small green LED fitted between the switch
and the Mode Dial. The shutter release is embedded directly at the centre
of the Mode Dial, and offers auto focus and auto exposure lock when pressed
halfway.
The Mode Dial provides 3 Recording modes, in addition to the Playback
and Setup positions:
Auto Mode:
fully automatic recording mode, but the camera indicates the shutter
speed and aperture it will use on the LCD screen.
Scene
Mode: provides a choice of 3 programs, selected in the camera
menu:
Twilight
mode: the CCD sensitivity is set to 100 ISO, and the shutter
speed can be as low as 2 seconds. Noise reduction is used at
shutter speeds below 1/2 second;
Twilight
Portrait Mode: as above but the flash is forced on to capture
the foreground;
Landscape
Mode: the flash is forced off and the sensitivity of the CCD
is automatically adjusted between 100 and 320 ISO.
Movie/Clip
Motion Mode/Multi Burst: to record one of 3 separate types
of moving images (see Characteristics for a breakdown of each).
Playback:
to review captured images.
Setup:
to set basic parameters for the camera such as date and time.
The
zoom button activates the 3X optical zoom and, if desired, an additional
3X digital zoom which can be enabled in the camera's Setup menu. The zoom
button also serves as a tool to view thumbnails of the photos in the camera,
or magnify an image presented on the screen up to 5 times.
The
Multifunction control is used to navigate the menus and make selections
by pressing it at the centre, but also serves to control some common
photographic functions:
Flash
Mode: On, Off, Auto (Redeye reduction must be enabled in the Setup
Menu.)
Macro
Mode: minimum distance of 10 cm (3.9 in.) in wide angle, and 60
cm (23.4 in.) at the maximum telephoto.
Self-timer:
10 second delay.
Instant
Review: Plays back the last captured image without having to change
the Mode Dial setting.
Two more
buttons complete the controls available to the user on both the DSC-P7
and DSC-P9. Both are positioned directly below the Multifunction control.
On the left is a button used to turn on or off the 1.5 inch LCD screen,
or remove most of the information overlay that is normally visible.
On the right is the Menu button that calls up the menu appropriate to
the mode in use.
Both the DSC-P7 and P9 are very simple cameras to operate. Compact and
very well finished, they join a growing field of small, solid and yet
highly usable digital cameras that offer high resolution images.
The P7 and P9 are sleek and simple cameras to operate. The cameras are
turned on by a power switch located to the left of the top mounted Mode
Dial, which is indicated by a small green LED fitted between the switch
and the Mode Dial. The shutter release is embedded directly at the centre
of the Mode Dial, and offers auto focus and auto exposure lock when pressed
halfway.
