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  • Testing / Performance

  • Physical Tour

  • Components

  • Design / Layout

  • Modes

  • Control Options

  • Image Parameters

  • Connectivity / Extras

  • Overall Impressions

  • Conclusion

  • Specs

  • Testing / Performance
  • Physical Tour
  • Components
  • Design / Layout
  • Modes
  • Control Options
  • Image Parameters
  • Connectivity / Extras
  • Overall Impressions
  • Conclusion
  • Specs

Testing / Performance


We test each camera's color reproduction capabilities using a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software. We import the images into the software to gauge the degree of variance between the camera's produced color and the ideal. In the chart below, the outer squares represent the hues produced by the camera, while the smaller squares are color-corrected variations of the camera's tones and the small vertical rectangle near the center is the ideal.

 

The chart below depicts the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41's color rendition. The circles are used to represent the camera's produced tones, while the corresponding squares are the tonal ideal. The length of the line linking the two is the margin of error.

 

Color performance on the Cyber-shot DSC-P41 was not astonishing but may suffice if the camera is solely used for snapshots. Many of the tones produced by the P41 are under-saturated, creating a muddy, dull overall appearance to its images. The only tones that were not under-saturated were red and pink hues, which are typically over-saturated by most point-and-shoot cameras to smooth out skin tones. This is a bit unusual as most color error in digital cameras seems to lean towards over-saturation to add vibrancy to the images. Additionally, it was difficult to attain accurate white balance on the camera, as there is no manual control. This forces the user to rely on automatic or preset options that result in inaccurate color rendition. Overall, the camera's color performance is adequate for users who are not as interested in naturalistic representation and advanced precision but rather are looking for an automatic imager that will record decent-looking snapshots.

 

**Still Life Scene
**Below is a copy of our unconventional still life scene recorded by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41. The image was cropped because of difficulty focusing the camera. With no optical zoom or true manual focus options, the user is subjected to the camera's automatic or preset focusing methods. For most deep exterior shots, this may suffice; however, in a tight shot requiring marginal depth of field, the camera could not handle it.

[

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is VERY large!)](../viewer.php?picture=Sony-DSC-P41-StillLifeLG.jpg)


Resolution/Sharpness ***(3.36)***

To test resolution, we use an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the images and determines the actual resolution within the imported image. Since 'megapixels' have become the catchphrase and topical selling point of digital cameras, it is important to understand their place in determining a camera's image clarity and true resolution. Traditionally, resolution has referred to image size, as most frames are described as a measurement of vertical pixels x horizontal pixels. However, as the digital camera market has progressed, the concept of megapixels has become more and more convoluted and it is now necessary to draw a distinction between image size and image clarity. While people often refer to both loosely as resolution, we try to distinguish image sharpness from image size. To do this, we contrast the camera's largest image size (and marketed megapixel count) with the number of pixels actually detected within a captured image. We give the score in a raw numeric megapixel count as well as a percentage score of the 'actual megapixels' contrasted with the total image size. When this is done, cameras that receive 'real resolution' scores of 70-80% of their marketed value are considered 'good' performers, while cameras that record 80-90% are viewed as 'very good' and any camera that exceeds 90% is 'excellent.'

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 received a real resolution score of 3.36 megapixels. This is just over 84% of its projected megapixel count and should be read as a very good score, particularly from a compact point-and-shoot camera. Many of the Cyber-shot models score exceptionally high in terms of resolution and overall performance and the DSC-P41 is no different. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 provides sharp imagery in a small pocket-sized package, surpassing most of its competition within the price bracket.


**Noise Auto ISO ***(3.26)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 does produce images with excellent clarity given optimal lighting. However, once the available light diminishes, so does image quality. The camera seems to have difficulty handling noise and once ISO 200 or 400 speeds are needed the images appear grainy and distorted. Therefore, it will be necessary to utilize the flash often or limit shooting to outdoor situations when optimal clarity is desired.


**Noise Manual ISO ***(3.98)*

For all cameras that have manual ISO settings, we test for noise at each ISO rating. We take the results and put them into a regression analysis to determine an overall noise score. This score represents how well the camera handles noise as light levels are diminished. Our results are plotted in the graph below with the X-axis representing the ISO settings and the Y-axis representing the amount of noise.

**

While it is nice to see manual ISO settings offered on a point-and-shoot camera, the results were a bit disappointing. The camera seems to have such a strong imager but even with added noise reduction features (slow shutter NR), the camera cannot control noise levels. This combined with the necessary reliance on digital zoom is a recipe for distortion. Unfortunately, with the P41, users will have to accept the need for an abundance of lighting or will have to accept sub-par images.

Speed / Timing
*Start-up to First Shot (8.92)
*Speed is one of the Cyber-shot P41's strongest attributes, booting up and recording an image in just over a second (1.08).

Shot to Shot Time (8.61)

Although the camera is not reliant on its burst mode, the rapid shot to shot time is only slowed by the camera's need to write the images to the card. When shooting relative short bursts, the camera is very quick for a point-and-shoot.

Shutter to Shot Time (8.92)

The P41 contains a quick response time that will cut down on unwanted lag between images.

Physical Tour

 


**

Front (8.0)**

The front of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 features a fixed focal length lens off to the left side of the camera body, with a retractable lens cover. Directly above the lens ring, the user will find the viewfinder window for real image viewing. To the left of the viewfinder and located on the sleek silver lens ring is the two-in-one Self-Timer lamp and AF illuminator. To the right of the viewfinder is the in-camera microphone which is denoted by a sequence of seven dots. Located at the top of the camera body in the center of the front face is the in-camera flash, positioned aptly out of the way, so as not to get covered by bulky hands during shooting. A glossy silver scallop runs vertically along the right side of the front frame enabling the user to cup this feature with a finger of the right hand to steady the camera during shooting. This is a practical design feature that blends into the camera's styling while providing added stability and advanced handling. These design subtitles place the Cyber-shot series above many of its peers and create an effective blend of aesthetic appeal and practical application. ****


Back ***(7.5)***

On the left side of the DSC-P41's back frame, the user will find the 1.5-inch, 40320 pixel LCD screen. Above the LCD is the somewhat poorly positioned real image viewfinder, situated so that when engaged, the user will have to press his or her face flush to the LCD monitor. To the right of the viewfinder are three LED lights, which run vertically alongside the edge of the finder window. The top lamp signals Self-timer/recording in red, the middle button signals AE/AF lock in green, and the bottom light signals flash charging. To the right of these controls is the Display button, which controls the LCD screen on/off functionality, as well as the amount of information displayed on the LCD screen. The mode switch located to the right of these LED lights allows the user to switch between View/Edit mode, Still Image Shot, and Movie Shot mode. These modes are accessed by sliding the switch horizontally along the top of the camera body. Located in the upper right corner of the back of the DSC-P41 is the Wide Angle/Telephoto zoom control, which doubles in playback as a multi-up controller.

 

The four-way controller is located to the right of the LCD screen and controls in-menu functions as well as doubling as a secondary control function. The up arrow doubles as the flash control when the menu is off, the down arrow controls the self-timer, the right arrow controls the meter settings, and the left arrow allows the user to check the last image shot and return to normal shooting mode. The centrally located circular button, when pressed, sets the control choices dictated by the four-way controller. Beneath the four-way controller and slightly to the left is the Menu button, and to the lower right is the Image Size/Delete button. At the base of the camera body on the right half of the camera body, the user can access the ports underneath by lifting the cover by the tab located to the left side, and at the base of the camera. Once opened, the user will be able to access the DC in port and the USB port. The user can also find the recessed Reset button, which allows for all controls manipulated by the user to be reset.


**

Left Side (8.5)**

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41’s left side is free of any features. The profile is a smoothly rounded edge, a design feature on all the cameras within the Cyber-shot P-series.


**

Right Side (8.0)**

The right side of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 features the port for the two AA batteries and slot for the 16MB Sony MemoryStick. To access these ports, the user must depress the small button on the port cover and push forward towards the front of the camera body. Once the port is open, the user will find the memory stick port towards the back of the camera, and the battery port located directly in front.


**

Top ***(8.0)*

On the top of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are two features available for engagement. In the middle of the camera body, off-center to the right, is the brushed silver shutter button. To the left of this is the gray Power button, which when engaged, will light up a green LED light located to the right of it.

Components

**Viewfinder ***(3.5)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 comes equipped with a real image optical viewfinder, located on the back of the camera body, directly above the LCD screen. It is exceptionally undersized and misplaced, forcing this reviewer to spend more time cleaning the LCD screen of my face sweat than actually using the viewfinder. Since zoom and other alterations to the image are not registered within the viewfinder, it is more convenient to use the LCD screen.

**LCD Screen ***(5.5)*

Since the included viewfinder is impractical for at least continuous usage, the user is directed to rely on the LCD screen for both composing and viewing images. Therefore, it is necessary to have adequate visibility and range in the camera's LCD monitor. On the DSC-P41, there is a decent range of motion available prior to solarization and discoloration of the onscreen image; however, the fact that the screen is embedded in the camera body, necessitates viewing images straight on. This model is equipped with a 1.5-inch 280 x 240 pixel TFT screen. While this is a decent size screen for some point-and-shoot cameras, it is diminished from the rest of the Cyber-shot series. The resolution has also been sacrificed slightly, providing the user with an adequate, but not exceptional viewing screen.

**Flash ***(7.5)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 comes equipped with an in-camera flash, mounted in the central area of the camera's front face. It is neatly positioned away from marauding fingers and the edge of the camera. It is possible to control the flash with the up arrow on the four-way controller. When the camera is in normal still mode, the user can choose between Auto, Forced Flash, Slow Synchro, or No Flash. When the mode is decided, the user can then enter the onscreen LCD menu and choose the level of flash via the Menu subsection labeled Flash +-. This is perhaps the hidden gem on the DSC-P41 and should be seen by the user as an advanced opportunity to shape the image.

**Zoom Lens ***(2.0)*

The major drawback with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 is the lack of any optical zoom option, forcing the user to instead rely on a fixed focal length image if full quality is essential. There is a 3x digital zoom included on the camera; however, the user will have to sacrifice quality each time a closer viewing perspective is desired. Many other camera models within the same price range, MP range, and size range all come equipped with optical zoom as well as digital zoom, providing the user an opportunity to zoom in on a scene without sacrificing the image quality. As you may or may not be aware of, digital zoom is a means of enlarging the pixels compositing the image and thus blowing up the view. Each time digital zoom is engaged, there is severe degradation of quality and the image becomes more distorted. This is a MAJOR drawback to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 and for this reason alone, I would suggest at least looking into other models. While the DSC-P41 will grant the user clear imagery, it will have to be at a fixed focal length because once the zoom is utilized, the camera's excellent quality is severely diminished.

Design / Layout


**Model Design / Appearance ***(8.0)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 has a low slung, horizontal design, with plenty of surface area for the right hand to stabilize during shooting. The body is brushed silver, with silver grip highlights, and a polished silver lens ring. The lens is recessed into the camera body and is covered by a handy retractable lens cover. The left side of the camera is rounded, smooth, and free of features. The back of the camera has an appropriately sized LCD screen, and a port cover running along the bottom of the camera body, in a light gray color similar to that of the light gray used in the buttons and controls throughout the camera. All in all, the P41 sports an attractive compact frame with strong aesthetic appeal.

**Size / Portability ***(8.0)*

With its compact size, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 is perfect for slipping into a pocket, and since it only uses two double AA batteries, the overall weight of the camera is not excessive. This said, if longer shooting occasions occur, the user may want to bring along extra batteries, as the life of these batteries is fairly short (a downside to only using two batteries at a time). The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 weighs in at 5 ounces and fits neatly into the palm of a hand for simple carrying.

**Handling Ability ***(7.0)*

The overall handling on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 is fairly strong. My hands fit neatly onto even this small bodied model, without me having to worry about covering the flash, microphone, or the lens face. The manual features available to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are mostly accessed through the menu via the LCD screen, a slight hassle if fast immediate control changes are needed. The port cover on the back of the camera is neatly situated to allow the user to shoot or access camera features while using either the USB or the DC in port.

**Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size ***(6.0)*

Given the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41’s compact frame, the overall size of the buttons on the outside of the camera body are somewhat small, although their spacing is generous enough to allow for fairly quick access during shooting. The recessed 1.5-inch LCD screen fits the camera body nicely and compensates for the scant viewfinder, which is a bit too small for actual use. All of the control buttons are clearly labeled and relatively self explanatory, although some of the symbols are a little arcane and require the user to reference the manual to discover their purpose.

**Menu ***(8.0)*

The menu on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 allows the user to select among a series of in-camera settings that are normally found on an external mode dial on other digital models. To access the menu the user must merely press the Menu button located beneath the four-way controller, beside the LCD screen. The initial window allows the user to select between Auto, Program, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft snap, Beach, and Candle modes. When the camera is taken out of Auto mode and placed in Program mode, the user is allowed to access (via the right and left arrows) the following controls: Exposure, Focus, White Balance, ISO, Picture Quality, Mode, Interval, Flash level, and Picture Effect. When in movie mode, the user can access the Exposure, Focus, White Balance, and Picture Effect. And finally, when set in Playback mode, the user can access Folder, Protect, Print order, and Print.

The nice thing about the Cyber-shot menus is that all settings are superimposed over the live action feed. This enables the user to perceive the potential alterations prior to selection and determine if the mode is needed.

**Ease of Use ***(6.5)*

This camera is meant to be easy to use, with manual controls almost non-existent. The user is left with preset options and pre-packaged choices, making this a camera perhaps best suited for those users seeking an automatic snapshot imager. The Focus distance becomes aggravating quickly, forcing the Auto Focus setting which will also draw substantial frustration. Otherwise, the presets are all self explanatory, and the menu is easy and quick to navigate to alter what few options exist.

Modes


**Auto Mode ***(7.0)*

When the camera is set in Auto mode, the functions available through the menu are drastically abbreviated, limiting the user's choices to burst shooting and overall camera set-up. Automatic alterations on the Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are registered fairly quickly with the exception of automatic focusing, which seems to have substantial lag time.

**Movie Mode ***(7.0)*

When the camera is placed in Movie Mode it is possible to record video at 16 or 30 fps in three separate quality settings of Fine (640), Standard (640), and 160 formats. To record in Fine mode, the user must purchase a larger optional memory card. It is possible to record up to 11 minutes and 12 seconds in 160 format, and 42 seconds in Standard (640) format. The user can control the Exposure evaluation, the Focus setting, White Balance Presets, and Picture effects when in movie mode on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41. Simultaneous audio is recorded via an in-camera microphone located on the front of the camera and played back via a speaker located on the bottom of the camera. The audio quality is not surprisingly poor, but it's still pretty awful. However, with a low-end digital camera designed for still image capture. the user shouldn't expect anything better, and the mere fact this model has a microphone at all is a pleasant bonus.

**Drive / Burst Mode ***(6.5)*

Burst shooting mode allows the user to shoot a series of photos in rapid succession, avoiding the lag time between shots that will be experienced when shooting in regular mode. This setting is available in all modes and the maximum number of shots available is based upon image size and quality. At the highest quality settings and image size available, the user can only shoot 4 shots when using the 16MB memory stick. The most available to the user is 30, and is attainable when the user is shooting in standard or fine image quality settings with the image size set at VGA (Email). When shooting multi burst, the camera will capture 16 images when the Shutter is depressed once, and will be recorded as a single 1M image on the memory stick.

**Playback Mode ***(7.0)*

When the camera is placed in Playback Mode, it is possible for the user to view single images, movies, and multi-up images. When in regular single image playback, it is possible for the user to scan between images by pressing the left and right arrows on the four-way controller and in essence, creating a slide show. The user can also view video captures with audio playback. The user also has the ability to use the Zoom lens to enhance images up to 5x their original size. Once enlarged, it is possible to scan through the image by using the four-way controller as a navigator. To view images in Multi-Up format, the user must press the Wide Angle portion of the Zoom control, at which time up to nine images in thumbnail format will be displayed on the LCD screen. It is then possible to scan between these images and others throughout the memory card index by pressing the four-way controller and highlighting the appropriate choice. This provides the essential features for the user, granting zoom capabilities and a slide show option.

**Custom Image Presets ***(6.0)*

The custom image presets are accessed through the onscreen LCD menu and are located within the same subsection as the Auto and Program settings. These settings allow for the user to choose among various general shooting situations, oriented for specific shooting scenarios. The custom presets included on the Sony Cyber-shot P41 are Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Beach, and Candle modes.

Control Options

Manual Control Options

When the camera is set to Program Mode within the onscreen Menu, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 offers the user the ability to search through sets of options. There are sets of options within the Focus setting (in numeric increments,) White Balance modes, ISO ratings, Picture Quality options, and Picture Effects. There is no pure manual control of focus, exposure, or white balance offered on this model. Manually inclined users will have to upgrade to the Cyber-shot P93, P100, or P150 if true manual control is desired.

 


**Focus ***

Auto (5.5)*

There are two automatic focus settings available on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41, providing both Multipoint and Center AF methods for the user to select between. With Multipoint auto focus, the camera calculates the distance from five areas within the frame. The five segments the image is broken into are: Top, bottom, left, right, and center, allowing for overall focus. This is best used when the user desires the entire shot to be in focus (or as much as the shot's depth of field will allow). The other setting available to the user is the Center AF which focuses the center of the frame entirely. This is commonly used when a single object is the desired subject of the shot. When the Center AF mode is selected, the user can place the subject in the center of the composition and capture the image knowing the subject will be in proper focus.

It should be said that in practice, the automatic focusing on the Sony Cyber-shot P41 is quite disappointing. It is difficult to attain any substantial depth from the camera and when objects are near to the lens, it is almost impossible to attain appropriate focus. ****

 


Manual (2.5)

The focus settings available to the user of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are Auto, Multi AF, Spot AF, and the following manual listings: 0.5m, 1.0m, 3.0m, 7.0m, and infinity. These settings allow the user to shoot at a specified distance and set focus points. Although Sony considers this a 'manual' setting, it is really more of an opportunity to select from a series of preset options. The user cannot directly focus the camera beyond these specifications and parameters and the user should be aware of this when selecting 'manual focus.'

**Metering ***(7.0)*

With metering, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 has two settings available; Multi-pattern metering and a Spot metering setting which is engaged by depressing the right arrow when the camera is not within the onscreen LCD menu. The Multi-pattern setting splinters the image into a series of zones, which are individually rated for lighting, and an overall exposure is attained from the collection of sections. The Spot Metering mode will initiate a crosshair in the middle of the LCD screen for situations when the subject is strongly backlit, or there is a large contrast between foreground and background. Spot metering should be used to expose for a specific object within the frame, where as the Multi-metering Mode should be used when an even overall exposure is desired.

Exposure*(7.0)*

When shooting in situations where a subject is backlit, or in other high contrast situations, the user may find it necessary to make adjustments to the Exposure settings. These are accessed through the onscreen LCD menu, when the camera is not in Auto mode. The range available is from +2 to -2 EV, with settings at every 1/3 EV step. When the setting moves further towards -2, the image will get darker, conversely, the further towards +2 the lighter the overall image. The EV setting is engaged via the up and down arrows on the four-way controller.

 

 

White Balance*(3.5)*

The White Balance settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, and Incandescent presets. There is no manual White Balance available to the user of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 which is a strong drawback of many point-and-shoot cameras. When shooting under difficult lighting or conflicting light sources, it is often helpful for the user to have the option to set the white balance manually as it may be difficult to attain accurate color representation through the preset options. Since the Cyber-shot DSC-P41 is a point-and-shoot camera, many of its users will prefer the automatic white balance setting in which the camera will automatically adapt to the light source. In most instances, this will be sufficient; however, in situations where automatic white balance is not precise enough, there are really no options left for the user.

ISO*(6.0)*

In the onscreen menu, when in program mode, the user can select the desired ISO setting for the lighting and environment. The following speeds are offered: ISO 100, 200, 400, and Auto mode. This is somewhat of a limited range, even for a point-and-shoot camera. While most comparable models will offer an ISO 50 or 80 speed to help decrease the noise present in well lit images, 100 is the lowest setting on the P41. As most are aware of, higher ISO settings apply to lower lighting. When a user is shooting in a darker scene, it may be useful to increase the ISO rating and gain illumination in the shot; the obvious drawback is increased noise. With the Cyber-shot DSC-P41, the user will have a standard ISO range to select from or the user can opt for automatically controlled ISO settings in which the camera handles the setting completely.

 

 

Shutter Speed*(0.0)
*The shutter speeds for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are automatically selected by the camera and range from 2 to 1/1000 seconds. This provides enough flexibility for the user to shoot in lower light situations; however, a tripod will be necessary for shots with longer shutter duration.

Aperture*(0.0)*

The Aperture settings on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 are entirely controlled by the camera and are balanced with the automatic Shutter Speed settings to achieve a proper exposure. The aperture range available to the user is f/2.8-f/5.6. This is a limited minimum aperture rating and will limit the user's ability to attain significant depth of field.

 

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options*(6.0)*

There are two image parameters available on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41: quality and size of the image captured. The following settings are accessed via Delete/Image Size button located on the back of the camera body, beneath the four-way control: 4M, 3:2M, 3M, 1M, and VGA/Email. For Picture Quality, the user must enter the onscreen Menu, and scan horizontally using the right and left arrows until the Picture Quality subsection is highlighted. Once engaged, the user can choose between Fine and Standard settings.

Picture Effects Mode*(6.5)*

There are two Picture Effects settings available on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41. They are located within the onscreen LCD menu, when the camera is not in Auto mode. The settings are accessible once the subsection is highlighted and engaged by using the right and left arrows on the four-way controller. The user can choose to use either the Sepia or Black & White effects when desired. These two options are fairly standard and should be an expected feature on most digital cameras.

Connectivity / Extras

 

 

**Connectivity **
Software (5.5)

With the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41, Windows users are given the Picture Package CD-ROM, while Macintosh users can install ImageMixer VCD2. With this software the user can edit images and create image and video CDs on their personal computers, or print images using PictBridge compliant printers.**

**

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0)

This camera has one port cover, located on the back of the camera body along the base of the camera, on the right side. When the tab located on the left bottom edge is pulled up, two ports are revealed. The ports available are the DC in port and the USB port. On the right side of the camera body, the user will find the memory stick and battery cover, which is opened when a small tab located in the middle of the cover is depressed, and the entire piece slide towards the front of the camera.**

**

Direct Print Options (6.5)

This camera is Direct Print ready, and is compatible to PictBridge compliant printers, allowing the user to print without a personal computer; just make sure that the printer and camera are compatible.

 

Memory (4.5)

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 comes equipped with a 16MB Sony MemoryStick, which allows the user to store at least 8 and at most 243 images, although quality of image and image size will create variables within this range. The minimum is reached with the largest image size at the highest quality setting, while the maximum of 243 is attained via the lowest image quality with the VGA (Email) format. It is only possible to record movies to the 16MB memory stick in the two lowest quality settings, with the minimum time at 640 standard being 42 seconds, and at 160, 11 minutes and 12 seconds, if the card is empty prior to engagement.

 

Other Features (7.0)
***Slow Shutter Noise Reduction
*This feature allows for less digital noise to become apparent when slower shutter speeds are used, a common result of slow shutter settings on many digital cameras. Noise will appear as pixel distortion on the final image, and can be quite apparent when shooting at night, when such colors as deep black are easily compromised.

**

Real Image Processor

With the Real Image Processor, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 allows for the camera to start up and shoot at a faster rate with supposedly shorter lag time.

 

Overall Impressions

Value*(7.5)*

With a retail price online of US $179.95, this camera is immediately placed in the "budget" end of the digital camera market. That said, this small, compact, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera is capable of both still and video images, audio, flash control, and several preset options, and packs a 4.0 MP CCD. The lack of real manual control can be irksome, and the lack of optical zoom is confusing in a price bracket where most other models offered today have optical zoom available to their users as a standard feature.

 

**Comparisons
***[*

Nikon Coolpix 2200*](../specs/Nikon/CoolPix%202200.htm) - *This camera put out by Nikon has a 3x optical/4x digital zoom and retails online for less than the Sony Cyber-shot at only US $149.95. It, too, is a point-and-shoot model, and the low price is perhaps reflective of the fact that this camera comes equipped only with a 1/3.2-inch, 2.0 effective MP CCD. It comes with a variety of Picture Effects, although its video speed is also slower than that of the Cyber-shot at 15 fps in all three settings. It has a built-in memory of 14.5MB and is capable of accepting SD compatible memory cards. Finally, this camera has a 1.6-inch LCD with a real image optical zoom viewfinder, which is slightly better than the optical viewfinder available with the Sony.

**

[**

**Pentax Optio30*](../specs/Pentax/Optio%20S40.htm) - *On the Pentax, the user will also find (like the Nikon, and unlike the Sony) an optical zoom capability. This camera comes with a 3x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom. It’s classified as a point-and-shoot model, and retails for US $179.95, a price comparable to that of the Sony. It too, like the Nikon, has a small CCD, measuring only 1/2.7 inches and offering 3.34 MP, although it does have a number of Picture Effects. Four still image modes and two video modes allow the user to shoot video at a frame rate of 15 fps, with no ability to record audio. This camera has a built-in memory of 16MB, an optional slot for SD/MMC memory cards, and shoots in a four-in-one burst mode. This camera is not webcam ready and has no video out, although it is PictBridge ready. The LCD screen is 1.6 inches and is complemented by an actual image zoom viewfinder.

**

[**

**Canon PowerShot A400*](../specs/Canon/PowerShot%20A400.htm) - *This sleek portable camera has a similarly sized body to that of the Sony, though with a more horizontal frame and a shorter height. The camera also retails for US $179.99. The 1/3.2-inch, 3.3 MP CCD is still slightly smaller than that of the Sony, with slower fps speeds than that of the Sony, at 15 and 10 fps. 1.3 shots per second make up the burst mode speed with manual control settings. The camera accepts a SD memory card and comes with a 16MB memory card with four still image sizes and three image quality settings. Three video settings are also available, with a top speed of 15 fps. It has video output, and is PictBridge compatible. This camera weights 5.8 oz, with a 1.5-inch LCD with a real image zoom viewfinder.

**

[**

**Fujifilm FinePix A340*](../specs/Fuji/FinePix%20A340.htm) - *For slightly more than the Sony Cyber-shot, this model by Fujifilm retails for around US $199.95. The optical zoom is at 3x, the digital zoom at 1.7x, and it has a 1/2.7-inch 4.23 (4.0 effective) MP CCD. This point-and-shoot camera has manual control settings available in white balance. This camera shoots at 1.5 fps in burst mode, comes with three image sizes for still images, and two image sizes with video footage. This camera also has video out capability, and is capable of Direct Print PictBridge options. Several different scene modes and Picture Effects settings are available. It should be noted that there is no audio recording available on this camera model.

 

 

**Who It’s For
***Point-and-Shooters*

This camera is definitely meant for the point-and-shoot user. Easy menu settings and presets abound. This camera is set up for users looking to avoid hassles when shooting pictures.**

**

Budget Consumers

For the budget consumer, the low price of US $179.95 is an attractive start, and the fact that this camera does have a 4.0 MP CCD is admirable. It serves the purpose, and comes with flexibility that, paired with price, makes this camera a feasible option.**

**

Gadget Freaks

If you’re a gadget freak, this camera is not meant for you. It isn't set up for a user seeking an excessive number of neat features. The presets are standard, and the picture effects are scarce. As a straightforward low-priced model, your best bet is to search elsewhere.**

**

Manual Control Freaks

This camera does not have the manual controls that the manual control freak will desire or want when picking up a camera. It is a point-and-shoot model, and unabashed in its role. **

**

Pros / Serious Hobbyists

There would be no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to pick up this camera. The lack of optical zoom, the limited presets, the lack of picture effects, the point-and-shoot format… none of these are compelling attributes sought by this market.

Conclusion

 

 

**Conclusion
**With the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41, the user will get a compact, attractive, point-and-shoot camera that can easily slide into your pocket for a day trip. It has a surprisingly large 1/2.7-inch 4 MP CCD and records images at exceptional resolution, especially considering that this camera retails for around US $179.95. The LCD measures 1.5 inches with 67K pixels, and is paired with a small real image viewfinder. This camera can shoot in five still image formats, and at video speeds of 8, 16, and 30 fps in MPEG format. Its presets are fairly limited, forcing the user to choose among options already dictated by the camera, and although manual focus does exist, it’s only as a series of distance settings, which must be chosen individually through the onscreen menu. The camera is PictBridge direct-print ready, although there is no video/audio out, and the user must rely upon either card readers or the USB port located on the back of the camera. This camera, by its design, price, and the manufacturer's intent, is a fitting model for those users seeking a simple, large-CCD point-and-shoot camera with movie modes and a straightforward design.

Specs

Specs Table
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Meet the tester

James Murray

James Murray

Editor

James Murray is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

See all of James Murray's reviews

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