Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DSC-P2 Digital Camera [2.0MP 3xOptical]

This is a terrific camera for beginners or more advanced users. Two megapixels are more than enough for most people and the lens is terrific. The 3x optical zoom is perfect if you find that you subject is generally a small dot in the distance in all your photos. The camera also records video and for once this can include sound and the length is only limited by the size of the memory stick. The battery lasts for ages and tells you exactly how long you have left but sadly only sony make them and a spare is defintely recommended. As is a second memory stick rather than the woefully small one supplied. All in all a great camera only let down by the own brand accessories and the fact that it is priced just higher than cameras with similar specs.

I've just received this, and it's fantastic. The small size and aluminium body really give it a feel of quality, and it really does fit in your pocket comfortably (unlike many of the P2's "pocket sized" rivals). The menu system and connection to the computer (I'm using a PC, and the camera only has USB) are so simple that I was able to take pictures within 5 minutes of opening the box.

The P2 has a 3x optical zoom, which seems typical for cameras of this level. There's also a 2x digital zoom, although I prefer to save extra zooming for the software. The software adds the camera as a removable drive, which makes transferring files by drag-and-drop simple (I'm using Win98, although 2000, XP and MacOS are supported). You can also delete files using this method. The picture quality is great, and you can zoom in to photos you've taken in the camera's "play" mode to check people are smiling, etc. There are also movie modes (MPEG), and the ability to combine a sequence of shots in an animated gif, although I'm not sure how useful the latter feature will turn out to be.

The InfoLithium battery supplied lets you know how long you've got left to shoot, and is still going strong after an hour's continual use. The 16MB Memory Stick supplied is OK if you're going to take medium-quality shots (which look fine on my PC screen), but I'll probably be investing in at least a 64MB card in the next month or so. The only bad things I've noticed so far is that the AC adaptor is almost as big as the camera, which means it isn't all that convenient to transport - why can't it be like a phone charger? Also, the door covering the DC-in, USB, and A/V-out is a bit flimsy - I'd prefer it to feel as sturdy as the battery/memory cover.

Overall, very impressed... I'm off to take some more photos!

This is part of the Sony ultra compact range, including the DSC-P2, P7 and P9. These are better specced than the P31/P51/P71 and are much smaller with metallic cases. The trouble with them all has been the price, but this deal on the P2 is well worth taking up. You get the style of the Canon Ixus V2, with more features for much less money.
The quality of images is excellent. Two megapixel resolution is plenty. You can make photo quality prints up to 10x8". The battery life is good, though it only takes the proprietary Sony battery, so you can't stick in a couple of AAs when power runs down, which is a shame. The AF illuminator helps the camera to focus in low light. This is a 'must have' feature, often overlooked, which is missing from many competing cameras. Memory Sticks are still 'Pound per Megabyte' more expensive than CompactFlash or SmartMedia, but not by as much as they were 6 months ago.
Movie mode is not of much interest to me, but this model supports HQX, which enables you to record as much as you want up to the limit of the inserted memory. This is far better than on most other models.
The P2 is very cute, metal cased, well featured and now finally affordable. If you like the look of the P9, but can't afford the price tag, then the P2 makes a worthwhile compromise.

It has all the features of the Sony DSC-P9, only difference is that the DSC-P2 has a 2MP sensor. This is plenty for most people and it also makes the camera more affordable.

The camera itself is well made with the main body contructed primarily of metal, slight problem is the cover for the connection cables as it feels a bit flimsy.

It is extremely easy to use so most people should be start shooting straight away. It also has enough features to keep the more advanced users happy.

An advantage for Windows XP users is that you just need to plug the camera in using the supplied USB cable and it will be recognised as an extra drive imediately, no drivers to install.

If you decide to purchase this camera I would suggest you purchase an extra battery as well as a larger memory stick as the one supllied can only store around 15 photos at the highest resolution. You should also purchase a carry case to protect this superb camera from knocks and scatches.

I've just purchased a Sony P-2 and I have to say I have no regrets at all!
It's small and light and takes great, clear pictures.
What's the point of having a camera if you can't take it with you whilst you're on the go? The camera fits snugly into my pocket and is extremely easy to use.
It feels solid and is very well made--looks trendy too!
All in all, highly recommended---a great buy.