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124 of 128 found the following review helpful:
 Not just because I bought itApr 14, 2003
Usually the best reviews come from those indivduals that just bought something and haven't found the bad news, or are unwilling to accept that they made a bad decision. I had read the reviews on almost every 3-5MP digital cam on Amazon.com, and had several in the final running for my actual purchase. This camera won the contest because of its high quality user interface, low light performance, and most of all its video mode capabilities. Its the only camera I've seen that does a reasonably high quality video mode, with no time limits other than what your storage capability is. Also the resolution of the video mode, and the fact that its in a very compatible format sealed the deal for me. This camera is very intelligent when using the "auto" settings, and could definitely help anyone take better pictures. For those like me, most of the features are manually controlable as well, in addition to saving manual settings to your own program. One thing that didn't get mentioned in previous information about this camera is that it saves the settings information as part of each picture, so that you can go back later and compare which settings are working best for you and your picture taking styles. I already recorded several movies and was astounded at the audio/video quality that I was presented with, I was able to connect it directly to the T.V. and the frame-rates and resolution were just fine for home-movie quality recording. If you get tired of only having a camera, or only having a camcorder, and never both. You have to take a look at this thing. Also, this camera comes with 4 effects like Sepia, Black and White, Solarize, and Negative. I was very pleased to find out that these effects can be used in BOTH the camera mode and video mode. I was also amazed to see that in video mode that the zoom is available for use, and that the camera utilizes an auto-focus, much like your average camcorder. For what I do, I did not need 5 megapixel. I mostly print images smaller than 8x10, and much of my work ends up on my websites. So I wanted to trade extra megapixels for features. This was absolutely the right choice for me. Also, the camera came with 2 nickel metal hydride AA batteries as well as a charger, USB cable, and television intervace RCA cables. That is a lot of toys for the over-all price. This camera has also gotten great marks for battery performance, and I wasn't able to kill them after playing all afternoon and evening on about half of a full charge. I ended up having to put it on never-ending slide show mode to drain the batteries all the way down. It took over 4 hours even then.
39 of 40 found the following review helpful:
 My First Digital CameraSep 28, 2003
By cherrielectric
"Praise Addict"
I have always put off getting a digital camera because I did not have much faith in the current "at home" printing technology. But I changed my mind when I discovered I can have digital pictures printed profesionally. I bought the Sony DSC-P72 in August this year and have not regretted my decision. This is my first digital camera. I like that it takes clear and crisp pictures. It's flash and AF illuminator are powerful. Allows some manual control over the settings to give help me get better pictures. Menus are very user-friendly. It took me only less than 2 hours to figure them out. I also like the rechargeable batteries that came with it. But if you're planning to go on trips better have an extra pair or two ready. It also takes normal AA batteries. Only two things I didn't like, the measly 16MB memory stick and the "slow" battery charger. Get a 256MB memory stick and you're on your way to taking tons of pictures and a (fast) travel charger. For those who are complaining that the camera cannot take multiple shots in quick succession, read the camera's instruction manual again. You can either shoot in clip motion, multi-burst mode, or burst mode. However, the picture quality will suffer if you use one of these modes. Better shoot with a film camera since we all know that as of now, film cameras are still faster than digital. Overall, I like this camera and I'm glad that I got this one as my first.
27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Plenty of features... best in daylightMay 11, 2003
By superman2k3
"superman2k3"
Pro's
1. Has all the desirable features like video out, only 2 AA batteries, decent movies w/sound etc.
2. Nice build quality, the battery compartment door is the best I have seen so far.
3. Bundled rechargeable batteries and 4hr world charger are excellent.
4. Smart Zoom is useful feature and works much better than digital zoom on other cameras.
5. Fast shooting time (with option to take a burst of 2 pics), if you turn flash off.
6. The lens retracts itself when you are in view mode for a while, very sensible feature to protect the lens.
7. Very good battery life inspite of bright LCD.Con's
1. Not really pocketable, thick/bulky/long. Included errata says the correct thickness is 37mm. Sony P8 or Nikon 2100/3100 or Canon S200 are smaller in size.
2. Only a superfine 1.5MB size available in auto mode for 3MP images.
3. Proprietary MS/MS Pro is 2 to 5 times cost of CF cards. And still can't be used even in many Sony devices which need MS MagicGate or MS Duo version.
4. White balance and colors for indoor/flash pics are bad.
5. Very less control over what camera will shoot. No action mode for fast shutter. Most flash or low light pics are blurry because camera chooses 1/40 sec or slower shutter speed.
6. Lens is noisy and a bit slow to startup/zoom/shutdown.
7. Colors are very saturated and many pictures are not crisp. If lens was brighter and took low light/flash pictures better it would have been a superb camera. Every digital camera has its limitations, choose the one you like the best and enjoy!
27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 Nice pictures. Cool gadgetFeb 02, 2004
I bought the camera 2 months ago, never failled. It takes very good pictures, good quality, EXEPT at night
CONS:
1 the shots come up blury and with a low definition. I actually couldn't recognize myself in a picture that was taken at night.
2 The memory stick that is included doesn't have much storage room (about 10 pics in 3.2 mp)
3 Zoom is not that great.
4 In pictures taken with flash, takes to long to reactivate for use again. AND the long time between the pressing of the botton and the actual picture being took makes the "moment" you want to preserve not possible.
5 I don't like the software that's included, but is user friendly and VERY easy to use PROS:
1 Very good quality pictures (with daylight)
2 Very easy to use
3 battery life is amazing
4 High conectivity PC (UBS) or TV (very easy to do so) I would recomend to buy this camera if you are not professional, 3.2 is MORE than enough for the size of pictures you would need-
31 of 33 found the following review helpful:
Solid camera for a good price...A must TRY!!!Apr 27, 2003
By Roy Chan
After searching for months and reading many reports I purchased the Sony DSC-P72. The camera was a snap to use for this first time digital owner. Menu is excellent, focus does a terrific job, and the download to my computer was instint. Picture quality after I enlarged to 12 by 14 was superb. Sony supplies you with ni-mh batteries and charger, plus can use regular AA batteries.With Optical zoom, 3.2 megapixels, charger the $329.00 was normal but with sony quality. Memory stick media is getting cheap too, I purchased 128 m for $40.00 and 256 is available. I don't need more functions or 4 or 5 meg after using this camera!
I also compared with our Canon A-70 to her Sony P-72 and I still love my A-70 though. Her P-72 was the same price and takes great shots as well. It just lacks manual aperature control and shutter control against the A70's ability to do so. However, the P-72 takes sweet shots too for the person who just wants the camera to do all of the work. Sony is top quality as well. But hey, this is a camera, not a camcorder! What are you waiting for? Get it now!
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