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Sony DSC-P1 Sony packs a 3 megapixel CCD and a full 3x optical zoom lens into an exceptionally compact digicam! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet DSC-P1 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on DSC-P1 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 9/12/2000

Video Out
US and Japanese models of the DSC-P1 come with an NTSC video cable for connection to a television set (because there is a PAL setting on the camera, we assume that European models are shipped with a PAL cable). Once connected to the TV, you can review images and movies or record them to video tape.

Power
The DSC-P1 is powered by an NP-FS11 InfoLITHIUM battery pack and comes with an AC adapter and battery charger. The InfoLITHIUM battery packs actually exchange information with the camera, reporting approximately how many minutes of battery life are left, which is an exceptionally handy feature. This information is displayed on the LCD monitor and the smaller information display window with a small battery graphic. Because so many of the DSC-P1's features, menus, and settings are dependent on the large LCD monitor, we highly recommend keeping a second battery pack freshly charged for times when the AC adapter isn't convenient. According to Sony, the DSC-P1 will record approximately one hour (or 1100) shots on a freshly charged battery pack, without using the flash.

Because of the communication between the InfoLITHIUM battery and the camera, we weren't able to conduct our usual tests of power consumption on the DSC-P1. We did note though, the minutes-remaining reported by the camera with a fully charged battery in both record and playback modes, and report them below.

Included Software
A USB cabled is packaged with the DSC-P1, for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh. Also included is a software CD loaded with MGI PhotoSuite 8.1 (with English, Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish and German versions), MGI Video Wave SE, and USB drivers, compatible with Windows 3.1x, 95, 98 and NT as well as Mac OS 7.5 and higher. MGI PhotoSuite retrieves images from the camera in a very organized manner, allowing you to view them through a slide show or an album and then set them up for printing. In addition to the traditional editing and manipulation tools, PhotoSuite offers a variety of templates to help you turn your images into mock magazine covers, sports cards, greeting cards and calendars. Combined with the camera's own internal picture effects menu, MGI PhotoSuite SE allows quite a bit of creativity with your images. MGI Video Wave allows you to play back your captured movie files and perform simple editing on them.