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Sony CyberShot DSC-P50 Sony develops an affordable, full-featured 2.1-megapixel compact digicam with great picture quality! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CyberShot DSC-P50 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 CyberShot DSC-P50 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: 4/4/2001

Video Out
Both US and Japanese models of the P50 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 come with a PAL cable). Once connected to the TV, you can review images and movies or record them to video tape.


Power
The P50 is powered by two AA batteries, or an optional NP-FS11 InfoLITHIUM battery pack with an AC adapter that doubles as an in-camera battery charger. (We strongly advise buying a battery pack since it will provide longer operation than AA batteries, and will quickly pay for itself by eliminating the cost of battery replacements.) The InfoLITHIUM battery packs actually exchange information with the camera, reporting approximately how many minutes of battery life are left. This information is displayed on the LCD monitor with a small battery graphic. The AC adapter plugs into a small socket on the camera's back panel (lower left corner). It can run the camera without a battery inserted, or charge the battery when the camera isn't in use. According to Sony, its newly developed low-power circuitry and power management system enables the DSC-P50 to operate up to 60 minutes on two AA cells (1,100 shots), or a claimed120 minutes on the optional InfoLITHIUM S battery (2,200 shots). Due to the construction of the P50's power system, we weren't able to perform our usual power-consumption tests. We did however have a sample of the (highly recommended) InfoLITHIUM battery pack for the camera, and used it to determine runtimes. (Which generally show a somewhat shorter operating time than the 120 minutes claimed by Sony.)

The following runtimes were reported by the P50 with a freshly charged InfoLITHIUM battery, in Capture and Playback modes. (Note that the runtime with the LCD turned off will doubtless be longer than what is indicated on the LCD monitor, but we can't tell what that time is, since the time-remaining readout is only shown on the LCD screen.) The smaller "S" series InfoLITHIUM battery used in the P50 doesn't have the power capacity of its larger siblings, and the smaller size of the P50 doesn't translate directly to lower power consumption. Thus, the battery life is pretty good, but not nearly as long as the Sony cameras that use the larger InfoLITHIUM cells. We'd strongly advise buying and carrying a second battery, or at least carrying a couple backup AA batteries at all times. (Another advantage of the Li-Ion technology used in the InfoLITHIUM batteries is that they don't "self-discharge" like conventional NiMH rechargeable cells do, and so can hold their charge for months on the shelf or in your camera bag.)

Operating Mode	Battery Life
Capture Mode, w/LCD	74 minutes
Image Playback	84 minutes

Included Software
The P50 comes with a USB cable for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh. Also included is a software CD loaded with MGI PhotoSuite SE and MGI VideoWave III SE. Two versions of MGI PhotoSuite are included on the CD. The first, Version 8.1, is compatible with Windows 95/98/98Se/Me/2000/NT4.0. The second, Version 1.1, is compatible with Macintosh OS 7.6.1 to 9.0. Unfortunately for Mac users, VideoWave III SE is compatible with Windows systems only (the same versions as PhotoSuite). MGI PhotoSuite SE 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 you to really get creative with your images. MGI's VideoWave III SE provides minor video editing and enhancement tools, allowing you to cut out frames, add music, and apply creative effects.


In the Box
Included in the box are the following:

• Sony DSC-P50 digital camera
• Lens cap with strap
• Wrist strap
• 4MB Memory Stick
• Two sets of AA batteries
• NTSC video cable (PAL for European models)
• USB cable
• Software CD containing MGI PhotoSuite SE 8.1 (Windows) & 1.1 (Mac), MGI VideoWave III SE (Windows), and USB drivers