Sony DSC P200
Best Camera for super-compact use

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Finding the right camera is never easy, but the task is significantly easier by simply investigating your own needs and expectations. Just because a camera is right for one person does not mean the same camera is right for everyone. However, a simple comparison of features, options, and resolution aids the new camera shopper in making an educated decision without all the nonsense.

The Sony DSC P200 is dimensionally a super-compact camera at 105 by 52 by 28mm, or 4.1 by 2.1 by 1.1-inches, with a weight of only 180g, or 6.3-ounces. Since the release of this Sony DSC P200 super-compact camera, the camera has quickly become one of the smallest of the cyber-shooters on the market today making it perfect for leisure, travel, and/or business.

Of course, size isn’t everything especially when taking into consideration the amount of technology in that space. The Sony DSC P200 offers a 50mm, or 2-inch, LCD viewing screen with a resolution of up to 134,000 pixels. The CCD is a whopping 7.2-megapixel with 3X zoom lens capabilities delivering sharper, clearer pictures with capabilities of producing magnificent images of any size perfect for print.

The image quality of the Sony DSC P200 is extreme with an aggressive anti-noise production allowing for even the most subtle details to be captured in lifelike perfection. Setup mode is easily accessed through the hefty LCD menu making customization easy and at the user’s fingertips.

Of course, the memory- and battery-type are something every camera user should be concerned about. Some memory and batteries are easier and cheaper to purchase than others. Obviously, when the time comes to purchase a new battery or additional memory, a great camera will be virtually useless if the battery and/or memory is no longer available. The Sony DSC P200 utilizes a very popular Sony Memory Stick, and with the purchase of a new Sony DSC P200, the user gets a 32Mb memory stick absolutely free. An InfoLITHIUM battery unit completes the package.

Another popular super-compact camera available today is the Canon SD40 Digital ELPH. While the Canon SD40 is slightly smaller in dimensions than the Sony DSC P200 measuring in at 96 by 45 by 24mm, or 3.8 by 1.8 by .9-inches, investigating and comparing the other features is a must. The 1.8-inch LCD viewing screen has veered many potential customers away, but the 118,000 pixels capability is considered acceptable by today’s standards.

Additionally, the Canon SD40 offers a 7.1-megapixel capability with a meagre 2.4X zoom. While the zoom is considered sufficient, many users find the location of the zoom button to be at the best inconvenient. Again, the zoom is considerably faster than other super-compacts, but the quality of the zoom images were less than consistent with a lot of unnecessary chrome noise.

As for the memory and battery, one aspect of the Canon SD40 many users find excellent is the multiple types of memory cards / memory sticks compatible with this super-compact camera. The Canon SD40 utilizes SD and MMC memory cards and cards up to 1GB are relatively cost-effective. The Canon SD40 comes with a 16-Mb SD card and a lithium-ion proprietary battery pack.

For the final analysis, the Casio Exilim S770 super-compact camera is investigated. The Casio Exilim S770 offers a comparable product when considering dimensions with both the Sony and the Canon. With dimensions of 95 by 61 by 17mm, or 3.7 by 2.4 by .7-inches, the Casio Exilim S770 offers a super-compact size, and weighing in at only 127g, or 4.4-ounces, this camera is built for people on the move.

However, how do the other important features compare? The Casio Exilim S770 offers an impressive 7.2 mega pixels and impressive 3X zoom with an easy to operate zoom button. The 2.8-inch LCD screen size is definitely impressive when compared to the industry standard. Even better, the 230,400 pixels allows for crystal clear imagery with a photo true to life.

Finally, the battery and memory used in conjunction with the Casio Exilim S770 makes for an impressive camera. The memory is a traditional SDHC / MMC / SD memory card popular today with many cameras, and found at many popular locations. The battery is a proprietary LiIon battery pack, and allows for continued use between charges.

When comparing the Sony DSC P200, the Canon SD40, and the Casio Exilim S770, the features speak for themselves. The cost-effectiveness of all three choices is roughly the same, and the Sony DSC P200 has offered a more cost-effective product with similar features to the Casio Exilim S770. A good camera is definitely chosen by the user, and the right camera will offer a lifetime of images and photos to remember that first step, that first trip to the ocean, and that first dance. When you want excellence in a super-compact camera, the best choice just may be the Sony DSC P200.