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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P100 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Sony announces four P-series digicams
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 04:36 EST)

Sony USA has today announced four new P-series Cyber-shot digital cameras featuring either four or five megapixel CCD imagers.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41, DSC-P73, DSC-P93 and DSC-P100 will ship this May, and all four cameras share Sony's new "Real Imaging Processor" (the company isn't alone in using the same processor across multiple models - Canon's DIGIC processor springs immediately to mind as another example). The DSC-P41 is the base model, featuring a 4.1 megapixel imager and 5mm fixed focal length lens at a price of $200. Next up in terms of features is the DSC-P73, which couples the same 4.1 megapixel imager with a 6 - 18mm 3x optical zoom lens at a pricepoint of $300. Finally, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 ($350) and DSC-P100 ($400; three body colors available) share the same 5.1 megapixel imager and 3x optical zoom; the top-of-the line P100 adds a larger LCD screen (2.5" vs. 1.5"), three extra scene modes, support for a docking cradle with TV output connectivity and remote control, and power from a rechargeable InfoLithium battery instead of AA batteries - all in a package that is smaller and lighter than the DSC-P93.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P41 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Device: 1/2.7" 4.1 Megapixel Effective Super HAD CCD
Recording Media: Memory Stick Media, Memory Stick PRO Media
Zoom: Fixed Focal Length
Smart Zoom Feature: 0 - 3.6X (at VGA Resolution)
Digital Zoom: Precision, 0 - 3.0X Range
Filter Diameter: N/A
Focal Length: 5mm
Aperture: f2.8
Auto Focus: 5 Area Multi-Point AF
Minimum Focus Distance: 3.9" (10cm)
Macro Mode: Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/8 - 1/1000 sec. (auto), 2 - 1/1000 sec (twilight)
Aperture Range: N/A
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps
Color LCD: 1.5" 67K Pixel LCD Screen
Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro
Red-Eye Reduction: On/Off
Flash Effective Range: 1.6 - 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m)
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
Burst Mode: 4 Shot (JPEG fine), 7 Shot (JPEG std.), 1.7fps
Picture Effects: Sepia, Black & White
ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400
Scene Modes: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Beach
Self-Timer: Yes, 10 Seconds
Video Output: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
Still Image Modes: Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), Burst, Multi-Burst
MPEG Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640 x 480 at 30fps), (MPEG VD Fine requires Memory Stick PRO media) MPEG VD Standard with Audio (640 x 480 at 16fps), Video Mail (160 x 112 at 8fps) with Audio
Microphone/Speaker: Yes/Yes
USB Terminal: Yes, Supports USB 2.0
Cradle Compatible: N/A
Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: Tested to support up to 1GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Compatible Battery: "AA" NiMH, Alkaline
Supplied Software: Picture Package for Sony ver 1.0, USB Driver
OS Compatibility:
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Macintosh OS 9.1/9.2/X (10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
Supplied Accessories: Wrist Strap, MSA-16A 16MB Memory Stick Media, Software CD-ROM
Dimensions: 4" x 2 1/8" x 1 3/8" (101 x 54 x 36mm)
Weight: 5.5 oz (148g) without Supplied Accessories
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P41 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P73
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P73 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Device: 1/2.7" 4.1 Megapixe Effective Super HAD CCD
Recording Media: Memory Stick Media, Memory Stick PRO Media
Zoom: 3X Optical
Smart Zoom Feature: 0 - 3.6X (at VGA Resolution), 10.8X Total
Digital Zoom: Precision, 0 - 2.0X Range, 6X Total
Filter Diameter: Bayonet, 30mm by adaptor
Focal Length: 6 - 18mm
Aperture: f2.8 - 5.2
Auto Focus: 5 Area Multi-Point AF, Center AF, 5-Step Manual
Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7" (50cm)
Macro Focus Distance: 3.9" (10cm)
Shutter Speed:
1/8 - 1/1000 sec. (auto)
2 - 1/1000 sec. (twilight)
30 - 1/1000 sec. (manual)
Aperture Range: N/A
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV steps
Color LCD: 1.5" 67K Pixel LCD Screen
Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro
Red-Eye Reduction: On/Off
Flash Effective Range: 1.6 - 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m)
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
Burst Mode: 4 Shot (JPEG fine), 7 Shot (JPEG std.), 1.7fps
Picture Effects: Sepia, Black & White
ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400
Scene Modes: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Beach
Self-Timer: Yes, 10 Seconds
Video Output: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
Still Image Modes: Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), Burst, Multi-Burst
MPEG Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640 x 480 at 30fps), (MPEG VX Fine requires Memory Stick PRO media) MPEG VX Standard with Audio (640 x 480 at 16fps), Video Mail (160 x 112 at 8fps) with Audio
Microphone/Speaker: Yes/Yes
USB Terminal: Yes, Supports USB 2.0
Cradle Compatible: N/A
Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: Tested to support up to 1GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Compatible Battery: "AA" NiMH, Alkaline
Supplied Software: Picture Package for Sony ver 1.0, USB Driver
OS Compatibility:
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Macintosh OS 9.1/9.2/X (10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
Supplied Accessories: NH-AA-DA Rechargeable AA Batteries, BC-CS2 Battery Charger, A/V and USB Cables, Wrist Strap, MSA-16A 16MB Memory Stick Media, Software CD-ROM
Dimensions: 4 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 1 3/8" (117x54x36mm)
Weight: 7.0 oz (190g) (without supplied accessories)
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P73 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P93 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Device: 1/1.8" 5.1 Megapixel Effective Super HAD CCD
Recording Media: Memory Stick Media, Memory Stick PRO Media
Zoom: 3X Optical
Smart Zoom Feature: 0 - 4.0X (at VGA Resolution), 12X Total
Digital Zoom: Precision, 0 - 2.0X Range, 6X Total
Filter Diameter: Bayonet, 30mm by adaptor
Focal Length: 7.9 - 23.7mm
Aperture: f2.8 - 5.2
Auto Focus: 5 Area Multi-Point AF, Center AF, 5-Step Manual
Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7" (50cm)
Macro Mode: 3.9" (10cm)
Shutter Speed:
1/8 - 1/1000 sec. (auto)
2 - 1/1000 sec. (twilight)
30 - 1/1000 sec. (manual)
Aperture Range: N/A
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV steps
Color LCD: 1.5" 123K Pixel LCD Screen
Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro
Red-Eye Reduction: On/Off
Flash Effective Range: 1.6 - 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m)
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
Burst Mode: 4 Shot (JPEG fine), 7 Shot (JPEG std.), 1.7fps
Picture Effects: Sepia, Black & White
ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400
Scene Modes: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Beach
Self-Timer: Yes, 10 Seconds
Video Output: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
Still Image Modes: Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), Burst, Multi-Burst
MPEG Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640 x 480 at 30fps), (MPEG VX Fine requires Memory Stick PRO media) MPEG VX Standard with Audio (640 x 480 at 16fps), Video Mail (160 x 112 at 8fps) with Audio
Microphone/Speaker: Yes/Yes
USB Terminal: Yes, Supports USB 2.0
Cradle Compatible: N/A
Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: Tested to support up to 1GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Compatible Battery: "AA" NiMH, Alkaline
Supplied Software: Picture Package for Sony ver 1.0, USB Driver
OS Compatibility:
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Macintosh OS 9.1/9.2/X (10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
Supplied Accessories: NH-AA-DA Rechargeable AA Batteries, BC-CS2 Battery Charger, A/V and USB Cables, Wrist Strap, MSA-32A 32MB Memory Stick Media, Software CD-ROM
Dimensions: 4 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 1 3/8" (117 x 54 x 36mm)
Weight: 7.0 oz (190g) (without supplied accessories
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P93 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Sony DSC-P100
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P100 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Device: 1/1.8" 5.1 Megapixel Effective Super HAD CCD
Recording Media: Memory Stick Media, Memory Stick PRO Media
Zoom: 3X Optical
Smart Zoom Feature: 0 - 4.0X (at VGA Resolution), 12X Total
Digital Zoom: Precision, 0 - 2.0X range, 6X Total
Filter Diameter: 30mm, requires adaptor
Focal Length: 7.9 - 23.7mm
Aperture: f2.8 - 5.2
Auto Focus: 5 Area Multi-Point AF, Center AF, 5-Step Manual
Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7" (50cm)
Macro Mode: 3.9" (10cm)
Shutter Speed:
1/8 - 1/1000 sec. (auto)
2 - 1/1000 sec. (twilight)
30 - 1/1000 sec. (manual)
Aperture Range: N/A
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps
Color LCD: 2.5" 123K Pixel LCD Screen
Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro
Red-Eye Reduction: On/Off
Flash Effective Range: 1.6 - 12.5 ft. (0.5 - 3.8m)
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
Burst Mode: 4 Shot (JPEG fine), 7 Shot (JPEG std.), 1.7fps
Picture Effects: Sepia, Black & White
ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400
Scene Modes: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter
Self-Timer: Yes, 10 Seconds
Video Output: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
Still Image Modes: Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), Burst, Multi-Burst
MPEG Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640 x 480 at 30fps), (MPEG VX Fine requires Memory Stick PRO media) MPEG VX Standard with Audio (640 x 480 at 16fps), Video Mail (160 x 112 at 8fps) with Audio
Microphone/Speaker: Yes/Yes
USB Terminal: Yes, Supports USB 2.0
Cradle Compatible: Yes
Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: Tested to support up to 1GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Compatible Battery: NP-FR1 InfoLithium Rechargeable
Supplied Software: Picture Package for Sony ver 1.0, USB Driver
OS Compatibility:
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/XP Home/XP Pro
Macintosh OS 9.1/9.2/X (10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
Supplied Accessories: NP-FR1 Rechargeable Infoithium Battery, AC-LS5 Battery Charger, A/V and USB Cables, Wrist Strap, MSA-32A 32MB Memory Stick Media, Software CD-ROM
Dimensions: 4 1/4" x 2 1/8" x1" (108 x 52 x 26mm
Weight: 5.8 oz (158g) (without supplied media)
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-P100 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Original Source Press Release:

SONY PROMOTES 'WORRY-FREE' PHOTOGRAPHY WITH NEW CYBER-SHOT CAMERA LINE-UP

Benefits of Real Imaging Processor Find Their Way to Entire Line-up

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Amid the flurry of high-tech/high-end digital cameras introduced at the annual digital imaging trade show, Sony demonstrates its keen sense of consumer needs with the introduction of its new Cyber-shot® compact P- and basic P-series cameras, designed for taking great pictures simply.

So that the cameras' settings can be quickly determined behind-the-scenes, Sony incorporated its new Real Imaging Processor™ circuit on the new Cyber-shot DSC-P100, -P93, -P73 and -P41 cameras. Measured in fast start-up and shot-to-shot times rather than megahertz, key benefits of the processor translate into making the Cyber-shot cameras always ready to great pictures. All cameras will be available this May.

"Throughout the coming years, we'll see a greater number of people trying out a digital camera for the first time, and we're making sure that Cyber-shot cameras improve upon their film camera experience," said Greg Young, Sony Electronics' director of digital camera marketing.

Cyber-shot P100 Camera: Compact and Full Featured
Don't let its size fool you. The Cyber-shot compact P100 digital camera is a stylish, pocket-size camera with specifications typically found only on more full-sized, high-end five-megapixel cameras. At about one-inch thin, it is easy to hold and use.

For the first time in a Cyber-shot P-series camera, Sony is offering a Carl Zeiss® Vario Tessar® 3X optical zoom lens to complement the high resolution for great picture clarity. However, the advancements of this camera lie beyond these basic specifications.

So that pictures are captured in-focus with the proper lighting exposure, the camera enlists the aid of a smart auto-focusing and exposure system-meaning that even if the subject is off-center and in a difficult lighting situation, the camera can automatically make the necessary adjustments. Additionally, six preset scene modes are available so that the user can quickly select the best setting for the shooting conditions.

For those wanting greater flexibility, the Cyber-shot P100 camera also features manual flash and exposure settings, and it accepts the VAD-PHB lens adaptor bracket allowing use of telephoto and wide angle conversion lenses.

Available in three striking colors (red, blue and silver), the stylish P100 camera will sell for an estimated $400. A 32MB Memory Stick® memory card, InfoLithium™ battery and AC adapter are included.

Cyber-shot Station: The Perfect Companion
Finally there's a better place to put the digital camera other than a desk or table drawer. Designed to reside next to a TV or PC, the new Cyber-shot Station™ CSS-PHA camera accessory, available in May for about $80, accommodates the Cyber-shot DSC-P100 camera for playing back slideshows on a TV, while charging the camera's batteries.

The bundled infrared remote controller intelligently commands the docked camera via the Cyber-shot station to toggle between captured videos and still pictures. And when connected to a PictBridge™ interface compatible printer such as the new Sony PictureStation® DPP-EX50 digital photo printer, printing a specific image is easy as a press of the remote controller's button.

Cyber-shot Basic P-series: The Only Basic Feature is the Price
Intelligent enough to capture great pictures, but simple enough for the first-time digital camera user, Sony's line of P-series point-and-shoot cameras help to take the guess work out of digital photography. Like their fully-featured sibling, the P100, the P41, P73 and P93 cameras offer intelligent auto-focus and auto-exposure systems.

Unlike other cameras in this category, the new P-series cameras seem to sip battery power. Thanks in large part to the Real Imaging Processor circuit, the cameras are able to take up to 400 shots between charging.

Additionally, the new processor enables features such as burst mode. The DSC-P41 and -P73 models capture 4 shots at 1.3 fps, while the DSC-P93 camera captures 9 shots at 1.2 fps. And with an optional high speed Memory Stick PRO™ media card, all three cameras can capture video clips in TV quality resolution (VGA) and motion (30fps).

While both the DSC-P41 and -P73 models come with four megapixels of resolution, the latter features a 3X optical zoom lens. Users looking for more will find the P93 model's five-megapixel 3X optical zoom lens accommodates their needs nicely.

Both the P73 and P93 cameras offer manual exposure control and histogram display for greater user control in image quality. The lens' outer ring on both cameras can be removed so that the camera can accommodate various conversion lenses.

All of these cameras come bundled with a 16MB Memory Stick card. The Cyber-shot DSC-P41 will sell for about $200. Bundled with rechargeable batteries and a power charger, the DSC-P73 and DSC-P93 cameras will retail for about $300 and $350, respectively.

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