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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

Using the industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software, we tested the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 for color accuracy. This method allows us to look at the color reproduction of each digital camera and determine its level of error. The image below is the chart after it has been run through the software. The outer squares are the colors produced by the camera, the inner squares are corrected for error, and the small vertical rectangles represent the ideal color that should be produced.

 

 

 

The next image is a graph displaying the color reproduction of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93. Each circle-square pair represents a color on the GretagMacbeth chart. The circles symbolize the colors produced by the camera and the squares symbolize the ideal color. Circles being pulled away from the center of the graph indicate over-saturated color values, and circles pulled inward indicate under-saturated colors. The greater the distance between each pair, the larger the degree of color error.

 

 

 

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is one of the few digital cameras we’ve tested that has a mean saturation score lower than 100%. Most digital cameras on the market today (point-and-shoot and DSLR) tend to over-saturate tones to produce more vibrant colors. The Sony DSC-P93 has a mean saturation score of 97.34%. As you can see from the graph, there are quite a few colors that are under-saturated, particularly in the blues and into the greens. Colors 9 and 15 are consistently over-saturated in all the digital cameras we have tested, which is intentionally done to create rich skin tones.

 

The closest the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 comes to producing accurate color is in colors numbered 7 and 2, which is a pretty poor turnout. With its overall score of 6.28, I was surprised at the performance of the DSC-P93 as compared to other Sony models in this range. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P100 achieves a score of 8.51, while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 hits 9.76 as its score.

**Still Life Scene
**Below is an image of our ebullient still-life scene, taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93.

[

Click on the image above to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked image is very large!)](../viewer.php?picture=Sony_P93_still_LG.jpg)

**

Resolution / Sharpness ***(3.08)*
**We conduct resolution tests on all the cameras we review using an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The software helps us to interpret the resolution of the imported images and determine a percentage of the total pixels used. While a camera’s megapixel count is a reflection of the total pixels or size of the images it produces, it does not completely account for the image quality. This can be somewhat misleading, as manufacturers now describe the camera by the household megapixel count. While it is still important, we feel it is more revealing to determine the actual resolution composing the image rather then gauging the image purely by its size. In doing this, we determine the resolution of the image as well as the percentage of pixels that are utilized. Therefore, a camera that receives a "real resolution" score of 80-89% of its described megapixel count (or largest image size) is considered a good performance, while anything above 90% is remarkable.

 

The Sony DSC-P93 produced images around 3.1 megapixels at a proper exposure. This is roughly 61% of the total pixels — not a stellar performance by any means. The DSC-P100 performed far beyond the P93, producing images at 4.17 megapixels of resolution (83% of the total pixels) and proved to be a more advanced camera in many instances. While the 3.1 megapixels the P93 produced is not horrible, it is not a strong performance and, for roughly US $50 more, there's no reason to not upgrade to the DSC-P100.


**Noise Auto ISO ***(5.38)*

As a pocket-sized point-and-shooter, many of the P93’s users will rely on the camera’s automatic assistance to provide clean imagery without tedious measuring. Unfortunately, the DSC-P93 will not handle these settings at the caliber of a trained manual user, or even that of an advanced automatic imager. The noise levels apparent in images rated at auto ISO are adequate on the P93, but certainly not stellar. This does not appear to be an isolated instance, as the superior DSC-P100 is also plagued by noise despite its advanced image quality.

**

**Noise Manual ISO ***(6.80)*

Manual ISO settings are imperative to a specific type of shooter. A manual user who is accustomed to setting their ISO speeds may feel a bit constrained by the DSC-P93. While it does provide the standard three ISO settings to choose from (ISO 100, 200, 400), there is really nothing beyond any other camera. This is a problem because, although the P93 is competent at ISO 100 and adequate at 200, images taken at ISO 400 are fraught with noise. This forces the user down to the 200 rating, where illumination issues arise. Most point-and-shoot cameras are used outside or with the assistance of a flash, so the DSC-P93 is sufficient. However, if something beyond this is desired, the DSC-P93 may let you down.

Speed Timing
Start-up to First Shot (7.3)

The Sony DSC-P93 doesn’t suffer from the lag problems that many digital cameras on the market do, but it’s certainly not the fastest operating camera I’ve ever come across, taking approximately 2.7 seconds to start up and take its first shot. The Sony DSC-P93’s performance is pretty standard comparatively.

 

Shot to Shot (8.54)

Although the Sony DSC-P93 doesn’t instantly shoot one shot after another, users will only have to wait a second and a half before the camera is ready to take another shot.

 

Shutter to Shot (8.36)

The Sony DSC-P93 is a little better at cutting out the shutter button lag time than many digital cameras on the market, but still produced a .32 second wait in between pressing the shutter and capturing a picture. This is not a problem for most users and is pretty common across the board.

Physical Tour

 

 

 


**

Front ***(7.5)*

Most of the front left side of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is taken up by its 3x optical zoom lens, although its close placement to the rounded side of the camera made my left hand want to wander onto the lens surface at times when shooting pictures. To the right of the viewfinder, at the top of the camera body, is the viewfinder window, with the self timer lamp, and AF illuminator located below it. The microphone is located near the bottom of the camera body, and was also easily muffled with my oversized left hand at times when in awkward shooting setups. To the right of the viewfinder window is the built-in flash, with variable settings, positioned neatly above the scooped out shallow polished silver depression which is perfectly suited as a designed resting spot for those wandering right hand fingers. This design feature allowed for comfortable gripping and ease in shooting, a much appreciated addition.


**

Back***(7.0)*

The back of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 features a 1.5-inch LCD screen on the left side of the camera body, with the real image optical viewfinder located above and slightly to the right. The viewfinder’s small compact size makes it nearly impossible to use, forcing the user to rely primarily on the LCD screen as a reference point for image capture. To the left of the viewfinder are three LED lights, which signal, from top to bottom; Self timer/recording lamp, AE/AF lock lamp, and the Flash charge lamp.

 

Beneath the viewfinder and alongside the LCD screen is the LCD status button, which controls the on/off functionality of the LCD screen and status of the overall image. Beneath this button is the Menu button which can be engaged to control the manual settings and other parameters of images captured by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93. Beside these buttons to the right is the four-way controller, which controls the up/down/left/right/enter functions within the settings in the menu, and when the menu is off, controls the Flash (up), Self-timer (down), Quick review (left), and Macro zoom (right), respectively.

 

The Enter button is located in the center of the four-way controller. Next to the down button, slightly to the right, the user will find the Burst shooting mode/Trash button, burst functioning when in normal camera operation, and trash operating when the camera is in Playback/edit mode. Beneath all of these controls, and flush with the bottom of the camera, is the port cover for the USB, A/V out, and DC in jacks. A slight tab on the left bottom corner of this port cover allows the user to easily and simply flip the cover open; however, its hinge is a little flimsy in overall construction, a worrisome feature when looking at long term usage.

 

In the upper right-hand corner on the back of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93, the user will find the Wide Angle and Telephoto zoom buttons, which control Wide Angle to the left, and Telephoto to the right. A slight shallow depression has been set into the body of the camera, slightly to the left of these buttons, a consciously designed feature which allows the user to let the thumb of the right hand rest without worrying about slipping it onto the viewfinder or another control. This feature, although slight, is greatly appreciated during long term shooting, or in inclement weather situations.


**

Left Side ***(7.0)*

Aside from the smooth rounded edge there are no functional features available on the left side of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93.


**

Right Side ***(7.5)*

The right side of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 features a terminal cover which can be opened by depressing the open button located in the center of the right side. By pushing down and sliding forward at the same time, the user is able to access the battery slot for the two double AA batteries, and the Memory Card Slot. This feature is cleanly and consciously designed. Without frustration or flummoxing irritation I was quickly able to decipher and access these features with ease. The eyelet for the wrist strap is located on the bottom of the camera near the right side, along with the playback speaker for the unit.


**

Top ***(7.0)*

The top of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93’s body features a Mode dial on the right side, which allows users to change between both Custom image presets, and Shooting modes such as Automatic, Video, and Manual Modes. The Shutter button is located at the center of the Mode Dial, with the ovoid power button and light located to the left of dial. The following settings are available on the Mode dial; Automatic, Program Auto Shooting, Manual, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Candle, Landscape, Beach, Soft Snap, Set up, Movie, and Playback/Editing. I find it useful to have these various modes located on one dial, preventing the user from having to search through various Menu settings.

Components

**Viewfinder ***(4.0)*

The Viewfinder on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is an optical real image viewfinder, small enough to make its functionality infinitely frustrating, and forcing the user to primarily use the LCD screen for image capturing. The viewfinder, like most on digital cameras in the consumer realm is ludicrous in both placement and size, my eyelashes immediately obstructing any chance I could possibly have of actually using it. When paired with my tendency to rub my nose sweat on the LCD directly beneath, it made me reconsider ever choosing it as a viewing option.

 

**LCD Screen ***(6.0)*

The LCD screen for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is a 1.5-inch TFT screen, with 560 x 240 pixels of resolution. While this is sufficient for a point-and-shoot LCD monitor, it is not on par with many other Cyber-shot cameras, many of which are similar in mass and volume to the DSC-P93 but contain up to 2.5" LCD displays.

 

**Flash ***(6.5)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 comes equipped with a built-in flash, with preset options available when the camera is placed within the camera mode. Once in camera mode, the user can press the up arrow on the four-way controller (which doubles as the flash select button) until the proper preset is highlighted on

the LCD screen. Choices are Auto Flash, Forced Flash, Slow Synchro, and No Flash.

 

**Zoom Lens ***(6.5)*

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93 is equipped with a 3x optical zoom lens, with capabilities of 2x digital zoom, although it should be recognized that engaging the digital zoom will result in a compromised image quality overall.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance*(7.0)*

With its long slender body, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 differs from the traditionally designed digital cameras modeled on point-and-shoot film cameras of previous generations. It has polished silver features, with slick grips that actually helped during shooting. The left side is a hemisphere that is contoured around the lens barrel on the left side. This is an aesthetically distinct but aggravating detail, since my left hand never truly had a comfortable place to rest during shooting. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 has a similar shape to its sibling model, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P100, but with a much wider body. If you like the general design, but want something larger to hold on to, then the DSC-P93 is probably more your style. However, it’s not going to be as easy to slip into your pocket.

 

Size / Portability*(8.0)*

With two AA batteries and its long body, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 can fit into a user’s hand. However, due to the width of its bod, most people will find that long-term carrying can be a hassle without a case. Similar to the size and shape of a small electric razor, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 isn’t a digital camera that can easily be thrown into one’s pocket and forgotten about. With an approximate volume of 13.5 in³,(4.6 x 2.1 x 1.4 in), and an overall weight of 8.3 oz. (including batteries) you might want to invest in a small carrying case to transport this little darling.

 

Handling Ability*(6.0)*

The handling on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is comparable to other cameras within this price range, with many of the same buttons situated in the same general vicinity. The left side is problematic, with its rounded edge making gripping complicated. However, the clever scallops on the front and back alleviate grip fatigue in the right hand during shooting, allowing for a steadier and cleaner shot. I also found the wider body easier to grip than many other digital cameras, which have bodies too thin to give adequate leverage.

 

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

The overall button positioning on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is clever and well laid-out, with plenty of space between each function. This is primarily due to small button size, but each button is raised enough so as not to cause any problems. That said, I would greatly appreciate either color differentiation between symbols on the Mode dial, or an LED beneath the dial so that specific Modes can be clearly lit in low or no light situations where my eyes could not see specific settings without looking at the LCD. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 doesn’t suffer from poorly situated buttons causing accidental depression, but the small size of the zoom buttons made it so that I occasionally pressed the wrong feature during deployment.

 


**Menu ***(7.5)*

The Menu for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 can only be accessed when the camera is set to specific modes, and is inaccessible entirely when set to Automatic mode. The Menu allows for manual controls, and image specifications to be manipulated and changed prior to or during shooting. The DSC-P93 has the standard Sony menu system that pops up from the bottom, permitting the user to view the image while changing settings. In Manual mode users can adjust focus, metering, white balance, ISO, picture quality, record/drive mode, picture effect, saturation, contrast, and sharpness.

**Ease of Use ***(7.5)*

Overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is a simple camera to use without an overwhelming number of add-ons secreted in some bizarre submenu. It has a straightforward manual control settings menu, although it would be nice to have more controls externally on the camera besides the dual feature four-way controller. Portability is a factor as its bulk and odd dimensions make it a camera suited more for occasions where carrying isn’t essential.

Modes

 

**Auto Mode ***(6.5)*

The Auto mode on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is found on the Mode Dial on top of the camera, and is engaged when set to the green camera symbol. Within Auto mode, the Menu options available in Manual mode become locked and inaccessible. This mode will adjust for all Manual control settings, and allow the user to focus on the basic point-and-shoot methodology of picture taking. The user does have the ability to choose a Recording mode (normal, burst and multiburst), Flash options, and adjust the zoom.

Movie Mode*(7.0)*

To engage the Movie Mode on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 the user must turn the Mode dial to the Film Strip Icon. Once in Movie Mode the user can begin recording by pressing the shutter button. To end a video clip the user must press the shutter again. It is not possible to change settings when shooting, the camera effectively freezes the menu when in record mode. When not recording, the only Menu options available are Exposure, Focus, Metering, White Balance, and Picture Effect.

 

The Cyber-shot DSC-P93 can record video at 640 x 480 pixels of resolution at 30 frames per second in fine quality MPEG files.

 

**Drive / Burst Mode ***(7.0)*

The Burst Mode is available on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 by pressing the Menu button, and scanning left or right until the Rec Mode subsection is highlighted and Burst is selected. This setting allows for a quick succession of images to be captured. The Multi-Burst mode allows recording of up to 16 frames at its highest speed. Users can choose between 7.5, 15, or 30 frames per second. When the shutter is pressed the camera will capture images until the allotted number, based on image size or quality, has been reached. To stop shooting photos before that point, the user must merely lift a finger off the shutter button.

 

**Playback Mode ***(7.0)*

The user can view previously captured still and video footage by setting the camera’s mode dial to the playback mode setting. This setting is represented by a right arrow (or play button) surrounded by a square. When in this mode, the camera will immediately show the last captured photo on the LCD screen. To view up to nine photos at a time the user must merely press the Wide Angle button to establish the Multi PnP mode. The user can then scan through smaller thumbnails of images using the four-way controller and pressing the centrally located enter button to highlight a selected photograph. It is also possible to engage in playback zoom, which will allow the user to move from regular 1x viewing to 5x zoom, using the Telephoto button. To move back to normal mode the Wide Angle button must be deployed.

 

**Custom Image Presets ***(7.5)*

The following custom presets are available via the Mode Dial on the top of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Candle, Landscape, Beach, and Soft Snap. These presets allow a user to continue to point and shoot without the worry or concern of adjusting the camera to a certain lighting or scenic situation, or when the user is worried the automatic setting will not be able to properly adjust to the parameters of a certain more complex situation.

Control Options

**Manual Control Options
**The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is by no means a manual digital camera, but it does contain settings available for adjustment. Accessed through the Menu the following options are featured: White balance, ISO, Exposure, Metering, Shutter speed, and Aperture.

 

 

**Focus ***

Auto (7.0)*

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93’s Auto focus is immediately engaged when the camera is used initially, and can be changed between Multi AF and Center AF in the Menu. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the accuracy of the AF feature and found the images to be softer than many other point-and-shoot digital cameras on the market. I had to take multiple shots of the same scene to come up with an image I was pleased with.


Manual (0.0)

It is possible to manually set focal ranges for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 by entering the Menu and selecting the Focus subsection in the Menu. The following settings (in addition to Center AF and Multi AF) are available for adjustment: infinity, 7.0m, 3.0m, 1.0m, 0.5m.****


 

****Metering *****(6.0)*

Metering controls on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 are engaged through the onscreen Menu (in all modes except Auto mode). The two settings available for metering are Spot and Multi; spot allows for the centrally located object to be the primary focus of the light meter reading, and when in Multi Metering mode, the camera takes multiple meter readings from the overall frame.**
**

****Exposure *****(7.0)*

To control the EV settings when the camera is in Manual Mode, the user must enter the menu and select the EV settings subsection by using the left or right buttons on the four-way controller. The exposure controls the amount of light the CCD acquires during the capturing of an image. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 has a range of +2.0 EV to -2.0 EV in 1/3 EV incremental settings.**

White Balance***(4.0)
When the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is in Manual mode, it is possible to adjust the White balance settings, which allows for adjustments in color conditions to be either captured or overridden by the settings engaged. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 offers Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, and Fluorescent White balance settings, which I found to be limiting and frustrating when shooting. Similar to the problems I had with the AF system, I had to use trial and error to come up with an acceptable white balance. That said, I was never fully satisfied with the result, obtaining images with a slight rosy, brown, or bluish cast. I would have liked to see at least one manual white balance setting and am quite baffled as to why Sony hasn’t caught up with the rest of the point-and-shoot world to include these options.***


****ISO*****(6.0)*

ISO settings on digital cameras control the amount of light sensitivity, so when shooting fast moving objects or in dark conditions, faster settings should be used. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93’s default setting is Auto ISO, but the following ISO settings are also available in the Menu: 100, 200, 400. This is a pretty standard range for a small digital point-and-shoot camera and will perform best in well lit situations, but may give the user problems when the light gets dim, requiring the use of the built-flash.****


****Shutter Speed*****(6.0)
Shutter Speed is controlled by pressing the Enter button in the center of the four-way controller and entering the Set menu located on the bottom of the LCD screen. The shutter speeds have an available range of 1/1000 of a second to 30 seconds. These settings are controlled by pressing the up and down arrow buttons of the four-way control. This is a pretty standard range for point-and-shoots and it gives users the flexibility to take semi-long shots as well as fast sports or actions pictures.***

****Aperture*****(7.0)
*Aperture on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 is set by pressing the left and right arrows while in the same Menu as Shutter Speed. Two different aperture ranges are available, depending on zoom position. If the zoom is set fully to Wide Angle, the range is f/2.8-f/5.6, and if the zoom is set fully to Telephoto the range is f/5.2-f/10.

 

Image Parameters

**
**

****Picture Quality****/ Size Options*****(6.0)*

Picture Quality settings allow for more or less memory to be used while also either enhancing or impairing overall image quality. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 has two settings available, Fine and Standard. There are three image size settings available with this camera model; 5M, which is 2592 x 1944 pixels, 4M, 2304 x 1944 pixels, and VGA, 640 x 480 pixel format. This is a pretty standard setup comparatively and should not impair the user in any way.****


****Picture Effects Mode*****(6.5)*

Picture Effect settings can be controlled via the onscreen LCD menu by using the left or right arrows of the four-way controller until P. Effect is highlighted. The number of effects available is slightly limited, being reserved to just two settings, Sepia and Black and White. Some digital cameras offer multiple color settings to allow for a little more control, but P93 users will have to rely on software to play with their images.

Connectivity / Extras

********Connectivity**
***Software (6.0)*

This model by Sony is equipped with a CD-ROM entitled Picture Package Ver. 1.0, which allows for image editing on personal computers prior to printing or other distribution.

 

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.5)

On the back of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 in the bottom right corner of the camera body, underneath a port cover, are the camera’s DC in jack, the USB jack, and the A/V out mono jack. On the right side of the camera body is the battery insertion slot and the Memory Card slot.

 

Direct Print Options (4.0)

It is possible to engage in direct printing with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93; however, the printer being used must be PictBridge compliant. The connection between the camera and the printer is established via the USB ports on both units.

 

Memory (6.0)

The DSC-P93 is compatible with both MemoryStick and MemoryStick Pro up to 1GB; there is 32MB of storage included.****


****Other Features*****(7.0)*
Smart Zoom - So, supposedly this feature actually manages to minimize degradation of an image during digital zoom engagement, but due to the fact that it goes only one step beyond the optical zoom rating, that isn’t too surprising; really horrible image quality concerns typically won’t arise till a much higher digital zoom rating has been applied.

 

Live Histogram Display - This feature allows the user to view the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value, allowing for a simpler way to evaluate proper exposure settings and tonal values.

 

Overall Impressions

**
**

****Value*****(7.0)*

With a 5.0 MP CCD, 3x optical zoom, and both automatic and manual capabilities easily within a beginner user’s control, this camera comes in at a reasonable price of US $329.95. It has direct print and computer editing software available, along with video and still capture capability, making this camera a great introduction into the digital camera realm.****


****Comparisons**
*

****Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P100 - This camera, at US $399.95, is also by Sony and is meant as an indicator of what a slightly more expensive model by the same manufacturer can achieve. It has the same 5.0 MP, and 3x optical, 2x digital zoom capabilities, but it does have Slow Shutter//Noise Reduction features, along with superior video options.***

***

****Konica Minolta DiMage Z1* - Although it has a smaller 3.1 MP CCD, the DiMage Z1 does have the distinct advantage over both of the Sony models due to its 10x optical zoom capability and comparable pricing. With only a 0.3 second delay for focus, the speed is paired with the Super Macro Mode, Dark Noise Reduction, along with the option to increase flash capabilities beyond the in-camera flash.**
**


***

****Fujifilm FinePix A340* - This camera has a slightly lower cost at US $294.95, and though it is equipped to engage in 360 degree panorama photos, it has smaller 4.0 MP capabilities, along with a 3x optical zoom. Its physical design is highly reminiscent of 35mm point-and-shoot film cameras. It is a direct print capable camera, intended more for the purely point-and-shoot enthusiast, without many manual controls beyond white balance.****

***

****Canon PowerShot SD10* - This model by Canon comes equipped with a 4.0 MP CCD. While it is slightly smaller, its slim and compact design makes it a much more portable camera for many users, not to mention it comes in a variety of colors (what fun!). This camera is also equipped with a Super Macro Mode similar to the Konica, and is also direct print capable. There is no viewfinder on this model, so the 1.5-inch LCD screen must be used for all image viewing done by the user.****



****Who It’s For**
***Point-and-Shooters* - This camera is made for the point-and-shoot enthusiast, with its plenty of image presets on the mode dial and its Automatic setting. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 users can enjoy the luxury of never needing to think.

 

Budget Consumers - With a low price of around US $329.95, this works out well for the consumer looking for a point-and-shoot camera with other options available.

 

Gadget Freaks - I’m sure the gadget freak would be amused for a short period of time, but it’s a basic no frills point-and-shoot digital camera. The gadget freak should be content knowing its low slung design is perfect for sitting on top of your computer monitor or other flat surfaces without the possibility of easily getting knocked over.

 

Manual Control Freaks - It’s got great manual control and its set up, which is unfortunately on the LCD screen, still provides fast access and use without overt hassle. This makes it perfect for those users looking for manual manipulation.

 

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - I don’t really see this camera being of much use for the pro or serious hobbyist, due to its reliance on the point-and-shoot format, although manual controls are available.

Conclusion




****Conclusion**
**This camera has point-and-shoot reliance, a large 1/1.8' 5.1 MP Super HAD CCD, along with manual control options easily contained within the onscreen 1.5-inch LCD menu screen. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 also has plenty of manual control, but is also easily engaged in image presets along with purely Automatic Mode settings. It is direct print capable and offers image editing options through personal computers. Video capture is possible at 30 fps in 640 x 480 format with audio. Overall, this camera, although a bit bulky and somewhat cumbersome in its functionality, is able to overcome these shortcomings to provide the point-and-shoot consumer a strong candidate for image quality, manual control options, and hybrid shooting possibilities.

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.

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