Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P8

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P8 is the most stylish camera we tested. Weighing 7.0 ounces, it feels solid and stable in the hand, and all the control dials and buttons are truly responsive. And when we opened the access panel to remove the Memory Stick, the battery remained securely in place. Anyone who has fumbled on the floor for lost components can appreciate this.

The menu system on the 1.8-inch LCD is sophisticated, with clever but small icons. The DSC-P8 packs a full feature set, including a viewable histogram—a nice touch. There are multiple configurations for white balance (adjusting only to flash is convenient), meterings, and exposure, which enthusiasts require.

Other notable features include abundant auto settings, multiple video settings (with audio), and the ability to shoot video in macro mode. Sony's 3X optical zoom lens has a 35-mm equivalent of 39 to 117 mm. But the placement of the zoom control feels awkward when you're peering through the viewfinder with your left eye.

The DSC-P8 scored about average on our pixel transition test, which measures perceived sharpness. Resolution results for this 3.2-megapixel camera were below average for the group, though acceptable for a camera of its class. Performance timings were average for boot-up and very good for recycle time. Our jury particularly liked the sample image with the flash.

Like HP, Sony claims that its camera is USB 2.0–compatible. But we found no difference in transfer time using USB 1.1 or 2.0 connections, indicating that the DSC-P8 is limited to USB 2.0 full-speed transfers, not high-speed. The Memory Stick itself may be the bottleneck, but conversations with Sony were inconclusive at best.

The DSC-P8 comes with Sony's proprietary 16MB Memory Stick and NP-FC11 InfoLithium rechargeable battery, along with an AC adapter for in-camera recharging; we'd like all cameras to include such an item. This sleek and stylish product is sure to please a novice or enthusiast photographer.