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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P7 · Sony Japan exact-model launch press photograph

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P7
Photo 1 of 2

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P7 · Sony Japan exact-model launch press photograph

Sony · Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot DSC-P7

Released 2002

A 3.2-megapixel aluminium pocket camera with a 39–117 mm equivalent zoom, optical viewfinder and MPEG-1 movies with sound.

Model history · 3 models, 2000–2002
  1. 2000Cyber-shot DSC-P1Compare
  2. 2001Cyber-shot DSC-P5Compare
  3. 2002Cyber-shot DSC-P7
Type
Compact
Sensor
1/1.8-type
Megapixels
3.2
Lens
39–117 mm equivalent
Video
320 × 240 at 16.6 fps
Body weight
176.5 g

Image and sensor

Camera type
Compact
Sensor format
1/1.8-type
Sensor type
Super HAD CCD
Effective resolution
3.2 MP
Largest image
2048 × 1536
RAW recording
No
Standard ISO range
100–400
Sensor detail
1/1.8-type Super HAD CCD; UK markets 3.2 effective megapixels, exact P7 manual table specifies approximately 3.21 million effective and 3.34 million total photosites. The 8.93 mm optical designation is not physical sensor width
Image formats
Exif 2.2 JPEG Fine or Standard; animated GIF for Clip Motion; no RAW or TIFF
Image processor
14-bit DXP analogue-to-digital conversion; maker confirms Clear Colour NR, Clear Luminance NR and NR Slow Shutter

Lens and shooting

Built-in lens
39–117 mm equivalent
Maximum aperture
f/2.8–5.6
Optical zoom
3×
Lens detail
Sony 3× zoom, actual 8–24 mm, 39–117 mm equivalent, F2.8–5.6; UK macro specification 10 cm. Not a Carl Zeiss lens
Autofocus
Three-area multi-point or centre AF with illuminator and monitoring autofocus. Preset distances 0.5, 1, 3, 7 m or infinity, not continuously adjustable manual focus
Burst detail
Multi Burst records 16 reduced-resolution frames as one 1280×960 composite. Selectable intervals 1/7.5, 1/15 or 1/30 second NTSC; 1/6.3, 1/12.5 or 1/25 second PAL. This is not a full-resolution continuous burst rate
Flash
Built-in flash; ISO Auto approximately 0.5–3.8 m wide or 0.6–2.4 m telephoto. Auto, forced, off and red-eye reduction; no accessory shoe
Exposure controls
Automatic exposure and Twilight, Twilight Portrait and Landscape scenes; no manual exposure or aperture/shutter priority. ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps; automatic white balance plus daylight, cloudy, fluorescent and incandescent presets; no custom white balance

Video

Highest video resolution
320 × 240 at 16.6 fps
Video detail
MPEG-1 with monaural sound; HQX 320×240 at approximately 16.6 fps per UK specification, plus 160×112 mail mode. Clip Motion is animated GIF and Multi Burst a composite still
Audio
Electret condenser microphone and dynamic speaker; monaural MPEG-1 movies and voice annotation with still images

Screen and viewfinder

Viewfinder
Optical
Screen size
1.5″
Screen dots
123,200
Touchscreen
No
Tilting screen
No
Display detail
Fixed 1.5-type TFT with 123200 colour-subpixel dots (560×220); UK specifies approximately 100% LCD field coverage
Viewfinder detail
Real-image optical viewfinder; Imaging Resource measured approximately 79% frame coverage at both zoom endpoints

Connections and design

Bluetooth
No
Battery life (maker's claim)
120 photographs
Body weight
176.5 g
Release detail
Sony announced planned Japanese availability on 13 July 2002. Imaging Resource's August 2002 tested review lists availability as Now; earliest actual worldwide retail month remains unresolved, so year precision retained. Sony explicitly identifies DSC-P7 as successor to DSC-P5
Recording media
Memory Stick; 16 MB card supplied. Exact manual also permits MagicGate Memory Stick without its copyright-protection functions; Memory Stick PRO support not established
Ports
USB mini-B (UK explicitly says not Hi-Speed USB 2.0), monaural A/V minijack and DC IN
Battery life detail
NP-FC10 lithium-ion, 3.6 V, 675 mAh / 2.4 Wh. Maker average-condition test at 25°C: approximately 120 shots / 60 minutes LCD on, one Fine shot every 30 seconds, alternate zoom endpoints, flash every other shot and power cycle every ten shots; not labelled CIPA. Continuous 160×112 mail movies approximately 80 minutes LCD on or 110 minutes LCD off
Charging
In-camera charging with AC-LS1A adapter, camera off; approximately 150 minutes at 25°C. Adapter also powers camera externally
Dimensions
114×51.5×35.8 mm width×height×depth excluding protrusions
Weight detail
Approximately 176.5 g body only (UK specifications); UK gives 205.5 g loaded, rounded to 206 g including NP-FC10, Memory Stick and strap in manual
Materials
Aluminium body described in Sony UK brochure; no waterproof rating established
In the box
NP-FC10 battery, AC-LS1A adapter and mains lead, USB and A/V cables, 16 MB Memory Stick, wrist strap, software CD and instructions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Optical viewfinder and compact aluminium body
  • Focus presets and AF illuminator

Cons

  • No RAW or manual exposure
  • Movie resolution limited to 320×240

Closest rivals

Model
TypeSensorMegapixelsLensVideoBody weightReleased
Compact1/1.8-type3.2139–117 mm equivalent320 × 240226 g2002
Compact1/1.8-type439–117 mm equivalent320 × 240 at 16.6 fps176.5 g2002
Compact1/1.8-type538–114 mm equivalent640 × 480 at 16.6 fps172 g2003

Previous model: Cyber-shot DSC-P5.

Sources

  1. sony.co.uk/electronics/support/compact-cameras-dscp-series/dsc-p7/specifications
  2. sony.co.uk/electronics/support/compact-cameras-dsc-p-series/dsc-p7/manuals
  3. sony.jp/cyber-shot/emdown/data/P7_opening.pdf
  4. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200206/02-0619
  5. submin.com/tinycams/sony/cyber_shot_files/dsc_fseries_en.pdf
  6. old.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/P7/P7A.HTM

Photo: Sony Japan exact-model launch press photograph

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