Sony Cybershot DSCP41 4MP Digital Camera

The super-compact DSCP41 features a 1.5-inch LCD monitor, 3x optical zooming (with up to 3.6x Smart Zoom), 5 area multi-point auto focus, and DXP processing-all combining to expand your options without compromising quality. You can even capture short videos with its MPEG Movie VX mode and expect easy printing with PictBridge compatibility.

Blending an amazing array of features for a budget digital camera, the Sony DSCP41 is a perfect point-and-shoot camera for spontaneous moments you'll treasure forever. The DSCP41 offers a 4-megapixel resolution to capture even the tiniest detail, 3x digital zoom, 4-shot burst mode, and a high-resolution movie mode that's limited only by your Memory Stick's capacity. For a step up in price, the Sony DSCP73 offers a 3x optical zoom, A/V connection to view images on your TV, and a histogram display.

Optics and Resolution
The 1/2.7-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 4.1-megapixel effective resolution (2304 x 1728). The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag. The DSCP41 has a fixed focus lens, but you can get closer to the action with its 3x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480; the included 16 MB memory card will store 42 seconds of video at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

More Features

Resolution modes: 2304 x 1728 (4.1MP), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), 640 x 480 (VGA)
1.5-inch, 64K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
Auto Bright Monitoring: To help framing in low-or no-light situations, CCD gain is briefly increased to provide an extra bright display on the LCD viewfinder just before exposure.
Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, SonyÕs Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isnÕt centered in the frame.
Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
Optical Viewfinder: Provides accurate framing at eye level, great for added stability and following fast moving subjects.
Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
Auto Daylight Synchro Fill Flash: If the Multi-Pattern Measuring system determines the subject is backlit or in shadow, fill flash automatically fires to provide optimum exposure.
4 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 4 shots (fine) or 6 shots (standard) at 1.3 frames/sec. even at 4 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.
Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
Playback Zoom: During playback, magnify the image up to 5 times with 17-step playback zoom for a closer look. Scroll to any part of the image with the cursor keys.

Direct Printing
The Cybershot DSCP41 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP41 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 16 MB Memory Stick will store 8 Fine and 14 Standard 4.1-megapixel images. The DSCP41 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included, NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 4 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCP41 digital camera, 16 MB Memory Stick, two AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input.

1 wow
an excellent digital camera.

great pictures come out

great features

great compact size,

love it so much

2 w
nice camera that you can get here http://www.cameras4free.com/default.aspx?r=345693 thanks for read

3 Great!
I got this camera as an X-mas present, to replace my terrible, old digital camera and it works like a dream! The picture quality is excellent and I can easily print and email this great quality pictures. I am still figuring out the video clip part, but I'm sure it must be excellent, if it's anything like the picture taking option.

This camera is also VERY easy to use and to download the pics onto your computer. It doesn't seem to work on my iMac, but it works on our Dell. All you have to do to take a photo is to turn the camera on, push a button, and wait a few seconds. Then if you flick the switch over to the left, you can view or delete the pictures you have taken.

I've taken many pictures so far with it and they all have turned out of better quality than I could've imagined. One thing we had to do though, was to buy another memory stick, since the one they give you doesn't store many photos.

Over-all an excellent deal. The camera was $100 or so cheaper during Christmas time, actually, so if you're waiting for a good deal, they'll most likely put it on sale for next X-mas. I highly recommend this camera!

4 Great camera but prepare to spend some $$$$$$$
I love this camera. It's easy to use, takes great pictures, and has a lot of options. The only problem is that as soon as I got it I had to invest some money in accessories in order to be able to use it on a regular basis...including batteries and charger and a bigger memory card. I also bought a memory card reader.

5 Great camera!
I just bought this camera at Wal-Mart for $187. I love it! I use it to take pictures of my kids' sporting events and assorted other goings-on. It has great picture quality and I like the fact that the camera is small.

I haven't tried filming any video with it...we have a Sony Digital Camcorder (which uses the same memory stick).

The *only* complaint I have is the very small memory stick. Other than that, it's great!

6 The best kept secret in tapeless digital video
This camera is a great point and shoot 4 MP digital camera. But there's a lot of those out there, and buying Sony quality needs to be weighed against needing to buy higher priced Memory Stick media (as compared to Compact Flash).

However, where this camera really shines is as the smallest 640x480 30 fps digital video camera out there. Even though you'll need a 1GB Memory Stick Pro card to record 12 minutes of video at the highest setting, it still works out cheaper than buying the closest tapeless digital video competitor from less known and less reliable brands like Mustek. And the quality is definitely better than most of the old VHS camcorders out there that you could pick up for the same price as this camera and a 1GB card. And there's the ability to edit and cut video right on the camera. Which means that you can save memory space by doing a quick edit after your shot.

So if you need a video camera that you know you'll always have with you, and you don't mind doing frequent transfers to your PC, and need a camera that doesn't scream "I am now filming you with my camcorder" to your subject, this might be a good bet.

7 A great camera but you will have to buy a memory card!!
This is a great camera especially at the low amazon price. I recommend this camera for individuals who are looking for their first digital camera or a great bargain. this camera is extremely easy to use even if you have never had a digital camera before. the picture quality is also good. The main complaint I had with this camera was the size of the memory card. If you take pictures at the highest quality you can only take 12 pictures before your memory is full. You can take more on the lower qualities but this defeats the purpose of getting a digital camera in the first place. I bought a much larger memory card to go with this for about 30 bucks and have been quite pleased with the product. Even after buying the memory card this camera is a steal at this price!!

8 I HAD NO INTEREST IN DIGITAL
What a great camera. I had zero interest in a digital camera. My old pentax was just fine. Then my daughter bought a p41 then my other daughter bought one. I was impressed. I was hooked. I bought one while going them one better. I bought mine at Amazon.com and saved $30. Enough of that. Mere words cannot describe my satisfaction with this camera. This camera produces pictures that leap out to you with realism and vibrant colors. It captures every minute detail be it vista or portrait. That it fits in your pocket doesn't hurt either. The P41 is a fun camera with just enough bells and whistles to satisfy the above average photo-nut.
Wil Janson

9 be careful where you buy
Sony's cameras are great. I made a dumb mistake though. I found a lower price at Broadway Photo and bought from them. They then had a salesman call me at home to sell me more, told me the Sony battery was no good (this is very untrue, provided you don't keep them charging all the time), and sent me a shipment with an un-itemized total bill plus a surprising and whopping $40 shipping charge. I should've checked them out at http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1995.html I was shocked when I read the reviews from their customers, too late. Now I have to go to my credit card company and try to undo their game.

10 amazing product !!
This is an amazing price for a Sony 4-Megapixel Digital Camera. I think the reason it's cheaper than most is because it doesn't have an optical zoom. That doesn't bother me; the 3x digital zoom is just fine.

Unlike most, this really is a point-and-shoot camera. It is MUCH faster than my old DSC-P50. It powers on in about 2 seconds and processes an image in less than a second. My DSC-P50 takes about 5 seconds to power on and 10 seconds to process an image.

11 Nice entry level Camera
This is my first digital camera, and I really like it. For its
cost, its worth every dollar.
4MP is good enough for the price, and so is the price.
The only con I guess is the memory card. Memory sticks cost more
then SD cards. Though if you want to own, other Sony items, you can reuse the memory card, but still it can cost something like
$50+ to buy a 256 MB Memory stick - unless you got the $35 one
at Thanksgiving.

12 Best Value in Entry Level Digital Cameras ?
Once properly set up I find the P41 to be an excellent point and shoot camera, similar to a Yashica T4 that we also own as it too has a fixed focal length lens and produces very good images. I started off with a 128M memory stick and NiMH batteries as I considered them required instead of optional items, and so far find that battery life and image storage are not a problem. Another item to consider buying is a case, maybe with room for a couple of extra batteries. The small size, ease of use, and low cost make for a great buy.

We initially had a lot of soft images which were due to the default 'auto' settings. The 'frame' autofocus didn't work well at all in what seemed like a majority of cases and per more technical reviews the noise increases with the effective film speed, which probably explains most of the complaints about soft images. I set it up in a 'program' mode with the 'center' autofocus, left the 'multi-pattern' exposure on and fixed the effective film speed at ISO 100, and now it behaves pretty much like a good 35mm point and shoot film camera.

Using an effective ISO 100 film means that in low light you have a shallow depth of field, the effective shutter speed will be low and the flash won't have much reach, so you need to focus carefully, recompose your shot and carefully press the shutter, just like with a film camera. I find that close up shots aren't a problem although for a scene with a lot of detail you might need to provide an object to focus on, remove it, and finish the shot. 'Jaggies' that you see when looking at the images will be due low computer screen resolution, so you'll either need to increase it or increase the image size.

I bought it for the kids but will probably pick up another if they end up on sale.

13 Best Bet
I bought this camera from Amazon with some Christmas money I recieved. It came shortly after ordering, and when I opened it, I was delighted! There isn't much bad to say about this camera, but since I belive in being positive, I'll list the pro's first.
PROS:
- Small, lightwieght. Easy to carry in a pocket.
- Powers on and off in less than a second
- Movie quality is excellent, though not quite a replacement for a JVC
- Easy to use
- More features than expected
- Good Waranty (Year long, any repairs or replacements free)
-Arrray of picture quality is avalible based on your memory capacity
-Sleek Style

CONS:
-Battery life limited, though the problem in eaily solved by buying NiMH rechargeable batteries which last about 2.5ish hours.
-Only comes with a 16 megabyte memory card, though a digital camera owner should expect to buy more memory.

Overall this camera is excellent. You should not hesitate when buying this camera, it's something you won't regret!

14 No other camera can throw this off in terms of value
I received this camera for Christmas this morning. I am really pleased for it thus far, especially seeing how it was only $180. It is my first Digital Camera, so to me, the image quality is great. I have nothing to compare it to, but its great for me. The camera is stylish on the design and very small for a camera. It's about the length of your 4 fingers, excluding your thumb, put together. It is very easy to use, I didn't have to use the manual to find out how to do most things. I needed the manual to learn more about some of the photograph settings/options/modifiers, but when it came to just taking/deleting simple pictures, or shooting video clips, it was easy and no manual reading was necessary. Hooking up to my PC was very simple, plug and play into the USB drive and the camera shows up as an external drive, so the software isn't necessary. I installed the software but didn't prefer it over the external drive, but the software was still pretty good when it came to sorting your photos. All the shooting modes are easy, and neat(such as black and white). It's easy to use the self-timer, flash, and zoom. The image viewer is a breeze.

The included batteries it came with ran out after about an hour and a half, that was me taking at least 25 shots and shooting 5 movies, and deleting a lot(who knows if thats good or bad battery life based on all the stuff I did). But luckily, I also got Energizer Rechargable NiMH batteries with the 30 minute charger for Christmas too, so those came in real handy. Those batteries on a single charge lasted about 2 hours(many shots and several movies). It is highly recommended to get NiMH rechargables.

The memory stick inlcuded is only 16 MB, which holds 8 images or about 40 seconds of movie shooting on 640x480(on 160x120, I got about 5 minutes of video, but this made the battery meter go way down). When taking pictures, you can change the resolution from 4 megapixels to 3 megapixels or 1 mega pixel to save size. This doesn't throw off the image quality any, it just makes the image "smaller", in terms of how big it would be on a computer screen. There is absolutley no difference between a 1 megapixel shot and a 4 megapixel shot when viewed on the camera's LCD. A 1 mega pixel shot can take up 1280 x 960 pixels on a computer screen while still retaining its image quality. Most computers have their default screen resolution set to 1024x768 pixels, so a 1 mega pixel shot would cover more than the whole computer screen while still retaining its image quality. A 4 mega pixel shot can take up 2304 x 1704 pixels on a computer screen while still retaining its image quality. If you were to try to blow up the 1 mega pixel shot to fit 2304 x 1704 pixels, it would have to enlarge each picture, blurring the image and making it look bad. So if you are just interested in sharing images with your friends through email and such with small images that take up, for example, about 1/4 of the screen, whether you take a 1 mega pixel shot or 4 mega pixel shot really won't matter since they would be the same. Therefore, you could save space on the memory card by just taking 1 or 3 mega pixel pictures. I got a 128MB Memory Stick PRO for the Camera so I could store more pictures and use the 640x480 FINE mode in movie shooting. With the Memory Stick Pro I can fit over 50 images, most likely over 30 minutes of video(not recommended since this would drain the battery down way before it hit 30 minutes) on 160x120 video, and over 5 minutes probably on 640x480 video setting, so the memory stick upgrade is pretty big.

The movie shooting should have a 320x240 setting in between 160x120 and 640x480, but it doesn't. This isn't too big of a hassle, because the movie quality isn't AMAZING, its just for quick little clips on spur of the moment events. The 160x120 mode is fine for most things, especially for me, so I don't plan on using the 640x480 anyway.

The "cons" aren't big deals(remedied by getting rechargable batteries and a bigger memory stick, which nullifies any cons) and certainly don't weigh down the camera's greatness at all.
Value, intuitiveness, ease of use, design, size, quality, and fun are all bundled into this camera and I recommend it to anyone who just wants an easy to use camera with a high resolution to take pictures of anything that could happen in the future that they would want to capture and save to enjoy for years to come.

15 Not that great
I bought this nice little camera hoping to have a nice easy camera with great picture quality. Sorry to say I have had nothing but poor pictures. To be honest I got better pics out a 1.3 megapixal Kodak. I have used it in both good and poor lighting, inside and out and have taken only one fair shot. I will be returning this one and maybe trying something else. I have used other sonys with great sucess, this one is just not worth the money.

16 Great camera!
A very good camera for the price. Very easy to use and produces excellent quality photos!

17 Powerful features, compact but watch for blurring
I bought this based in prior experience with Sony's easy to use yet effective cameras. So far I am not dissapointed. The unit is pocket sized, if not smaller, packs a ton of features into a tight footprint yet is easy to use. My only beef so far is it seems to easily blur pictures indoors. I have taken many pictures with my old 1.2 MP camera and noticed the "hand" indicating low light/possible blurring but was always able to be stable enough to get away without flash. On ths unit you MUST use flash or a tripod or else those family trips will be memories......ONLY. Also, I get a wierd clicking when playing back video shot in quiet conditions. I would have also preferred to zoom in on video, though the hi res video spec (only when used with PRO Memory stick) is sweet.

18 Awesome camera for the price!
My husband just bought this for me and I'm very, very pleased! The only thing I would have liked is optical zoom, but this camera is still worth it as I don't plan on obsessively using the zoom. It powers on and off very fast (~1 second?). There isn't a very noticeable delay when you take a picture. The delay is more obvious when you use the flash. Downloading on to your PC should be a breeze. The USB is very fast, even on my ol' Windows 98. The instruction booklet is pretty straight forward.

There are two negatives but don't let these dissuade you from buying the camera, especially for under $200!

1. You MUST buy a decent sized memomy stick (pro) if you want to take continuous high resolution pics. 128MB and higher. The supplied 16MB just won't cut it if you are a high resolution junkie.

2. I highly recommend buying NiMH rechargeable batteries. The batteries that are supplied (regular double A's) lasted a couple of hours.

19 This Camera is the best!
I love this camera!!! I got it for my boyfriend for Christmas and now I am either going to keep it or buy one for myself. It was an extra bonus for me because I did not know that the video clip feature was included. I gave this product 5 stars but the only negative is that the batteries do go quickly but that is not such a big deal...You definately need more memory however. You will not be disapointed with this product.

20 Great camera but missing the obvious
I bought this camera after several of my customers said some very good things about this camera (I am a Sony technician but this did not affect my review.) I have to agree it's a great camera...personally I have never owned a good quality camera over 1 MegaPixel. However I did have a Vivitar 3 MegaPixel once but promptly returned it due to bad pictures. This camera takes SUPERB pictures they are very clear and of high quality. I do however have a few gripes about this camera. One it is quite heavy compared to other digital camersa...another thing is Sony needs to include at LEAST a 64 MB memory stick (however I would perfer a 128 MB stick for a good price ratio). Also for such a nice camera rechargable batteries would have been a good thing to have...and also a charger to charge the batteries while they are still in the camera. I did have some NiMH rechargeable batteries from my previous digital camera so that wasn't an issue. I normally use the VGA (email) mode anyway because most of my pictures are just posted to a public site to share with my friends and family. I do however love having the option to take some great 4 MegaPixel shots of items I sell on ebay...previously the images were dull to say the least. I really love this camera it is the best I've ever owned...and 8x10 prints looks GREAT!

21 very bad battery life
the battery dies every 2 minutes. then you have to let it rest for 20minutes so you can take pictures for another 2 minutes. I bought the camera yesterday at 5pm and i've replaced the batteries 4 times already. bad bad bad.... the camera itself is very good. but alkaline batteries are not the way to go. I might try the nickel batteries, but i will definitely return the camera in a few days...

22 Just what I hoped it would be!
Great digital camera! Easy to use with high quality photos. I'm very satisfied with it.

23 Great deal..!!!
I was looking for a compact, good quality pictures and low cost and guess what..! Sony DSCP41 has all that. It is the smallest of all Sony Cybertshots and it's a powerfull 4.1 megapixel camera. I rated this Digital camera 5 stars because it is the best deal you can get. One of the things I like the most is the fact that you can take your picture in a 4.1MP quality for printing and then you can change it in your memory stick for e-mail quality which take much less memory space when sending your photos to friends or family and still keep your 4MP original picture.

If you need a camera to see your pictures directly from the camera to your TV, or need lots of zoom power, this is not the camera you need and instead you need to paid about 150 dollars more for these two combine feasures. Can't complaint for this camera because is really a great deal.

24 A fantastic consumer level digital camera
If you are just an amateur photographer that is either finally switching from analog to digital or just want a decent camera to take on family vacations or school projects, this is a great camera. It is small, lightweight, and does just about anything you could possibly need it to do. It won't take pictures of hummingbirds feeding across a forest bed, but it will take a decent photo of the grand canyon. The quality of the optical zoom is really good, but the picture is sacrificed slightly as you try to artifically enhance it with the digital zoom. The battery life is good enough to take on extended trips from your hotel or on a hike without having to carry around a charger or spare batteries. If you plan on taking lots of high quality large photos, you will need to get a larger memory stick (64 MB will work, 128 MB even better), but the memory stick it comes with will be enough to photograph your child's birthday party as long as you download the photos onto your computer afterwards. At 4 MegaPixels, this camera will pick up individual hairs on a persons head and it will even be able to clearly define a flea in the hair. There are 5 MegaPixel cameras out there, but at the consumer level there is really no point in spending the money on one (5 MP won't come in handy unless you are student taking pictures through a microscope or a telescope) All around, while Sony's camera lenses may not compare with Canon or Olympus, Sony makes up for it with their superior knowledge of how to make a great consumer digital device and turn it into a decent digital camera. It is a great value for the price.

25 Nice camera, but not as inexpensive as it seems
I bought this camera three months ago and so far I'm happy with it. This is my first true digital camera, so I can't compare it with other models.

Setup was a bit confusing at first. Let me explain. If your computer is running Windows XP and you want to use the Microsoft Scanner & Camera Wizard (which I highly recommend) to copy and transfer images/videos to your hard drive, you need to first turn on the camera, turn on the LCD screen, go into setup and change the USB setting from "Normal" to "PTP". Otherwise the Scanner & Camera Wizard will not launch when the camera is plugged in. At least it didn't on my computer. The instruction manual from Sony does not mention this. If you're using XP, you don't need to install the Sony driver or "Picture Package" program included with the CD-ROM.

This camera comes with a 16MB memory stick, which stores all your images and videos. After a while, you're going to want to get a memory stick that holds more data so that you don't have to repeatedly format the stick to free up space. For example, you can only record 43 seconds of video with a 16MB memory stick. With a 128MB memory stick you can record over 5 minutes of video and many more snapshots. A 512MB memory stick gives you even more space.

The Sony DSCP41 comes with 2 alkaline batteries, which will expire after about 2-3 hours of use. So you'll need to get rechargeable batteries and a rechargeable powerpack. That will cost you about $50-55.

There is no included camera case, so you'll have to get one of those too, assuming you want to protect your camera. I got a cheap one for about $8. Now the total price tag for everything is around $300. Not so cheap anymore, is it?

For the first few weeks, I used the lowest pixel size, VGA (640x480) to take snapshots. However, I became unhappy with the picture quality at that setting, and boosted it to 1MP (mega pixel.) Now images looks much better. As expected, images at the 4.1MP pixel rate come out even sharper. However, pics at that size are HUGE, so you will probably want to shrink them down a bit before emailing.

The LCD screen allows you to preview the pics and videos you've taken before transferring them to your computer. You can even hear the videos you recorded, although the camera speakers are not very good. If you don't like a pic or video, you can delete it from the camera's memory before transferring it to your computer.

The DSCP41 can record video clips with sound. However, if you move the camera too fast, the video comes out blurry. Recorded sound quality is quite good.

There are a lot of small buttons on the back of the camera that control a variety of settings. This may seem intimidating at first, but if you're patient and study the instruction manual you'll figure it out eventually. The DSCP41 camera is quite small, and you'll want to avoid getting dirt or fingerprints on the lenses & LCD screen. No easy task if you have big hands.

Unplugging the USB cord from the Sony DSCP41 is somewhat of a nuisance. You have to pull fairly hard to get it loose, yet be careful not to damage the camera or cord at the same time.

So to summarize, this is a good camera with a lot of features. However, the accessories I mentioned will add a lot more to your bill.

26 excellent
I bought the Sony DSC-P41, and I love everything about it. SUPER fast turn-on and off, switching from camera to viewing pictures, and from picture to picture. I just love that in a camera. Also, there are so many features that I can turn on and off with the press of a button.
There have been many concerns about battery usage. Yes, the camera comes with 2 "sony stamina" alkaline batteries, and these will last about 45 minutes USING the LCD monitor (which I don't recommend too much), but it will last 2 hours (switching on and off) without the monitor. I have ordered 4 NiMH batteries (2350 mAH) from ebay, and I have heard that these will last MUCH longer..."hours on end". I am looking forward to those.
Also, the camera comes with the 16 MB card...which will NOT do. I guess sony needs more money, so I bought a 128 MB stick. This holds about 74 pictures at 4.1 MP. it cost about $45.
don't get this camera unless you are willing to spend an extra $60 (or more) on accessories to make this camera more fantastic. GREAT DIGITAL CAMERA!!!

27 Great Small Camera
Great picture quality (4.1 M) for the size and price! Recommend you buy the suggested batteries, but I use the normal alkaline and have no problem! The camera has a series of hidden features!

28 Very good camera and price balance
I got this camera because I find on the "Cybershot DSCP41 4MP" a very good balance between Product & Price, some good things are that doesn't need a software to connect it to my computer, has a very good resolution, and the videos have good sound, also is one of the smallest of the Sony Cybershot family, but something you need to know is that this camera has a USB cable to connect it to the computer, but doesn't have a A/V cable to connect it to your TV as many cameras, not even if you have already this cable you will be able to do it, not a problem for me but think about it for you, besides the Memory Stick that cames with the product It's only 16 Mb (only about 12 pics on Max resolution, wich is the idea to use all resolution, If is not, what is the point to get a 4 Mega pixel camera??) I suggest you to buy also a "Sony MSA128A 128 MB Memory Stick" for about $50 and the "SanDisk SDDR-97-A15 MS reader" for $15, and you'll see that you have a good camera team for a very good price, I already buy here on amazon all the things than on my review suggest for every one, and I'm happy with them

29 Excellent BUT...
* UPDATE *
My original review slated the battery life but it looks like I jumped the gun on that. Since the review the battery life seems better and I have used the camera over longer periods of intense snapping without problems. This to me means that this is the best damn camera ever and it should get 5 STARS!

The original review was:

This camera is fantastic, excellent quality and very usable. Packed with lots of features but still easy to use out of the box.

My only gripe is that the batteries do not last very long. I have had this over a week and do not use it that much but have already gone through the batteries that cam with it and two other sets. I know cameras eat batteries but this was still a susprise!

Its almost like it drains them when it is turned off. A beautiful camera but the power problems left a bad taste in my mouth.

If this isn't a worry for you then I would recommend it cos it is a fantastic camera but I thnk I would have made a different choice if I had had this experience.

30 excellent camera!
I'm very happy with this camera...however, I'm not satisfied with the memory stick. You would definitely to purchase AT LEAST 128mb, in my opinion.

31 Amazing Camera For An Amazing Price
This camera is one of the best deals that I have found on the internet for a camera with over 4 megapixles, thus the reason for me purchasing the DSCP41. The camera has amazing picture quality and has plenty of image filters for those who look to take breathtaking pictures. The camera can be used as an easy point an shoot camera with amazing quality for somebody who is looking for something simple, but can also be a favorite for experts as it allows for indepth customization with plenty of extra features. This camera is the top in its class and I reccomend it to anybody no matter what skill level or image quality you are looking for.

32 Awesome Camera!
This is an amazing price for a Sony 4-Megapixel Digital Camera. I think the reason it's cheaper than most is because it doesn't have an optical zoom. That doesn't bother me; the 3x digital zoom is just fine.

Unlike most, this really is a point-and-shoot camera. It is MUCH faster than my old DSC-P50. It powers on in about 2 seconds and processes an image in less than a second. My DSC-P50 takes about 5 seconds to power on and 10 seconds to process an image.

The still picture quality is amazing. The video clips it shoots are not bad, but it's no substitute for a video camera. The sound quality is good on a computer but the built-in speaker is not very loud.

The battery life is good with alkalines and excellent with 2000 mAh NiMH batteries; I have had the camera over a week now and have taken about 50 pictures, viewed them, downloaded them, and I still am using the same pair of NiMH batteries.

My only complaint is that it doesn't include the NiMH batteries or a sufficient Memory Stick. The included 16MB Memory Stick only stores 8 pictures! A 256MB Memory Stick will store 120-130 pictures at 4-Megapixel quality.

Overall, this is a perfect digital camera for anyone who needs a lightweight, compact camera that shoots great quality pictures for a great price.

33 WOW!! $200 For a good looking 4MP Sony Digital Camera??!!
I should have bought this camera on Amazon instead of Circuit City's online site. Amazon doesn't tax you and will also give you a $25 coupon on some digital camera accessory purchases, and also if you buy $250 or more of electronics at Amazon, they'll give you a $50 certificate on your next purchase. So, if you buy this camera and then buy the SanDisk Memory Stick Pro (256MB for ~$60), you'll get that $50 certificate (act FAST!! offer ends AUGUST 1). With that $50 certificate, you can purchase those much needed rechargables on your next purchase, or go to Costco like me and buy that $20 Panasonic charger with 6 AA and 2AAA batteries in the package. Those batteries are good for digital cameras (2100 mAH). Not to bad for $20.

I've used this camera for about a month, and its going great. Decided to buy screen protectors for it (saw some at Radioshack for ~6.00), and also just purchased that SanDisk 256MB Memory Stick Pro. That'll store about 100+ pictures on 4MP. The camera does eat up a lot of batteries, so rechargables are a must. Quality is excellent, but the zoom is only pretty good. But hey, it's only $200 and what do you expect? My girlfriend has an Aiptek, and although their price on their products are ~100, the aiptek digital cameras can't shoot in low to no light conditions at all. This sony definitely can.

I also found a Minolta 4MP camera with opt. zoom for $220 at Amazon, but the appearance and size of it is not comparable to this Sony DSCP41. I'd pick this one even though it lacks the opt. zoom. Also, to the person that wrote about how this Sony digicam's lens is not protected, yah it isn't really that protected. Luckily the shutter comes on when it is not in use for about a min. or when you turn it off. Just not smudge the lens and clean it once in a while and it will be fine.

34 Batteries
I don't own this but was thinking about it... it says "The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included, NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 4 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries. "
Realize the word recomended after rechargeables... it says alkline included... so that would be your problem

35 It has my approval
This camera is very nice for the price that I paid for it. The only 2 drawbacks/complaints are that (1) It does not come with rechargeable batteries like the ad states (2) You have to buy a larger memory card. Overall, this camera has many features that I can use. My husband is delpoyed and it is a great way to say hello using the recording feature and the pictures are excellant. I would recommend this to a person wanting good quality pictures but don't want to pay a lot of money.

36 This camera does NOT come with rechargeables!!!
I just received mine, and even though AMAZON advertises it as coming with rechargeables, it does not. You will find mention of rechargeables under the FEATURES column. I have contacted AMAZON and am waiting to remedy my complaint.

I have a DSC-P32, so I am assuming this will be just as good. I rate it a 3 because SONY has normally provided rechargeables (it did with my P32), so I am disappointed.

37 Amanda in Paris, TN
I bought this camera for several different reasons, but for the price who could go wrong. The absolute only reason I rate this camera with 4 stars is becuase I have not owned it long enough to learn all the ins and outs. However, do not be alarmed...the lens is protected and so far I love it. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a compact size with all the bells and whistles!

38 This camera is a safe bet.
For one reason or another I have owned an aiptek, a mustek, and now a sony and I must say the sony blows them all away. The picture quality is amazing. It does pretty good in low light conditions, but don't expect any small digital camera to do as well as a regular video camera. I think it has to do with aperture, or the amount of light that such a small lens can let it. Anyway it does better then the others. It's nice and small, the batteries seem to last a long time, you can learn to use it's basic functions in just a few minutes. The video quality is very impressive.

My only criticism (besides all small digital camera low light capabilities) is the file size of the video. You can choose 640x480 fine or standard, and then all the way down to 160x something with nothing in between. Almost every other camera on the market does the 320x240 setting. The reason it would be so crucial for this camera is because with a 512MB memory stick (the most expensive type) you can only take 6 minutes of video on 640fine and 22 minutes on standard, while you can take almost 6 hours of video on the 160 setting. Why the gap? I think the smart sony people don't want these little cameras crashing the camcorder market but that's just speculation. The quality between the 160 and 640 are not comparable. On my Mustek DV 4000 512 MB got you almost two hours of video at 640, though notably not as crisp as the sony. Now the one thing that every darn manufacturer should do is post actual pics and video of the camera. Here's a 640 standard video that would take up 512MB in 22 minutes. www.achadwick.com/media/sonysample.mpg , incase that is bleeped that it is achadwick dot com slash media slash sonysample dot mpg no spaces.

39 Looks like a good camera, but....
This camera looks great and I have been looking all around for a camera too!! I love Sony they always have great products and I have always had good luck with them in the past. 4 megapixels is pretty good for the price here on Amazon. The only problem it looks like with this camera is that the lens do not seem very protected.