The fun, easy-to-use Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P52 digital camera packs in more pixels and more features than its predecessor. With its 3.2-megapixel resolution, the Cyber-shot DSC-P52 produces stunning images in a diverse range of conditions. The Cyber-shot DSC-P52 adds a 2x optical zoom (the DSC-P32 only offers digital zoom), helping you bring distant subjects closer. It's also one of the first Sony cameras to be compatible with Memory Stick Pro.
Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camera and differentiates it from other models in the Sony lineup.
 | Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: This process captures the scene in two exposures. The second subtracts the noise pattern from the initial shot, resulting in a final beautiful photograph that is virtually noise-free. |
Optics and Resolution
The 3.2-megapixel resolution creates images large enough to print 11-by-17-inch enlargements. The 14-bit DXP system plus Super HAD CCD combine to produce excellent image detail and stunningly smooth contrast and color rendition. The Cyber-shot DSC-P52 offers a 2x optical zoom and 3.2x digital zoom for a 6.4x total.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and a 16 MB Memory Stick is included. The Cyber-shot DSC-P52 is also one of the first Sony cameras to be compatible with optional Memory Stick Pro media, which can extends data capacity up to 1 GB.
Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Movie Mode
You can capture far more than still images with the MPEG Movie VX function. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 30- or 60-second clips, but the Cyber-shot DSC-P52 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. When used with Memory Stick Pro media you can shoot approximately 22 minutes of video.
More Features
- 1.6-inch LCD monitor and true-zoom optical viewfinder for more accurate framing at eye level
- The three-area multipoint autofocus can intelligently focus on the subject and avoids mistakenly focusing on the background
- A multi-burst mode captures 16 images (320 x 240) as part of a single 1,280 x 960 image and plays them back sequentially in the camera
- The Multi-Pattern Measuring feature establishes a maximum exposure value, independently light metering 49 points of the frame, even where pronounced highlight and shadow are not centered
- Five scene modes: twilight, twilight portrait, landscape, snow, and beach
- Built-in flash with red-eye reduction, auto, forced on, forced off, and slow-syncro modes
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by the NH-AA-DA rechargeable NiMH battery (included). It measures 4.7 by 2.3 by 1.3 inches and weighs 7.9 ounces. This package includes the Cyber-shot DSC-P52 digital camera, 16 MB Memory Stick, battery and battery charger (BC-CS2), USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
1 Died before 2 years with lite use < 300 pictures
I won't argue with the quality of the pictures, but this camera is rigged to die. Expensive to repair or replace. Mine went just like Shelley. The shutter motor will not fully open the shutter. The camera is useless for taking pictures. Repair will be (according to the SONY web site) at least $171 + Shipping or more. As my warranty is dead I took the liberty of removing the back of the camera. Why do I say rigged to die? The circuitry on the back of the cammera is supported by 2 watch type batteries. These are permanently attached to the thin layer circuity connected to the LCD screen and other controls. When these batteries go there is no way to replace them without replacing the entire LCD panel. A pretty cheap way to ensure cash flow for SONY. This is only economical if your budget can afford a new camera every two years or less.
2 A Decent Digital Camera for the Price
Having lived with the DSC-P52 for almost 2 years now, I feel that it's time to throw in my 2 cents! I'd previously used a Minolta Dynax SLR, but this Sony was my first digital camera and I've never looked back since.
I've divided this review into segments:
EASE OF USE:
Using the camera is child's play. I only read the manual briefly, but I quickly became accustomed to the controls. The large LCD display makes taking decent photos a piece of cake. It's very easy to navigate your way through the functions.
ERGONOMICS:
The camera fits nicely in the hand and feels quite sturdy. It may seem a little brick-like by today's standards, but it means that camera shake is kept to a minimum.
QUALITY OF PHOTOS:
The quality of the photos is superb. I've taken hundreds of photos - holidays, weddings, portraits of family and friends. There are limitations, however. The shutter speed isn't particularly fast, so don't expect spectacular results if your subject moves quickly. I intend to invest in a digital SLR in the future to address this problem.
PIXELS:
Even though this camera is capable of taking 3.2M photos, I rarely using this setting. For one, it uses an enormous amount of memory stick space. For enlargements up to A4, 2M pixels is more than adequate
VALUE:
Overall, the camera is good value for money. I would invest in either a 64mb or, better still, a 128mb memory stick as the 16mb specimen provided is fairly useless.
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
I most certainly would, but it depends what you intend to use if for. As mentioned earlier, this camera is ideal for snapping friends, family members, and special events such as weddings and holidays. Just remember the shutter speed limitations for your Brands Hatch days!
3 Sony CAN take abuse!
I purchased my DSC P-52 two years ago for $425 CDN, and it has never failed me.
I do not understand why people seem to have problems with this camera. However, read my other reviews, and you'll see that I am no stranger to bad luck. I suspect there are always a couple of lemons out ther, or perhaps these people are extremely careless with it, or possibly use it in locations which are sandy. A few grains of sand will destroy a camera.
I also do not understand why people do not use their Warranty. This camera comes with a ONE YEAR warranty, so there are no excuses for saying "Sony sucks, my camera broke after 6 months and they won't fix it!" All Sony products come with a minimum 1 year warranty in Canada. Can someone please let me know if the warranties are less in the U.S.?
I have dropped my Sony on numerous occasions. I might even go so far as to say I've "abused" it, and the half-centimeter dent in the metal piece surrounding the lens is proof of that. Despite the rough-handling, this camera has never given me a single problem.
I find this camera to be extremely solid and well-constructed for an essentially plastic unit - My only complaint being the cheap paint that rubs off the buttons on the backside. Tsk Tsk Sony.
4 2 year lifespan
Based on my experience and the experience of others on this forum, it seems this camera has a two year lifespan. My shutter stopped functioning just one month shy of having the camera for two years. Considering it was a $280 investment and I shot only 1496 pictures with it, I am disappointed. I may not buy a Sony again, and will purchase an extended warranty with my next camera.
5 Good camera notheless, but!
I Have to agree. I have used this camera many times for Wakeboarding photography and all i wished for was for a
bigger zoom range. But i lived with it and the pictures
this camera takes in well-lit invoirments is great!
The quality is mostly well enough to be edited.
The only thing i don't like about this camera is when
you take pictures in places with low-light activity, and
on the pictures you can see some red graininess, especially
on skin surfaces. Second is the memory. Unfortunately here
it's impossible to buy memory (128 Mb = $255), so
i had to stick with the 16 MB. It doesn't hurt, and it's
not really a downside, because of the fact that anyone could
spend a few more $$$ on some extra memory, that isn't
very expencive.
What i enjoy of using this camera is the rechargeables. Enough said. Thank you Sony!
I think light photographers would make good use of this camera,
but alot of light is needed for perfect shots. That's my lesson
well learned.
A few months ago, the LCD started melting, then the whole screen whent poofy.
So now i'm planning it's funeral, because it spent a good 1 1/2 year taking great pictures.
I don't expect more than that.
And you people shouldn't complain about it breaking and stuff cos probably you let it fall off your
table and it suddenly broke infront of your eyes. It's your fault. deal with it.
6 Well, it was great for2 years...
Worked great for two years, for vacation and fun photos, and for my web page and printed business pieces.
Broke yesterday while in the middle of shooting. Same problem other reviewers are having with the lens buzzing...seems to be stuck.
Sony quoted repairs ($185.11 on 3/14/05) are more than the cost of the camera. I may be able to get it fixed locally for $48.60 evaluation fee, plus the cost of the actual repair, or they may have to send it to Sony too!
Well, at least I had it 2 years! Can anyone recommend a more reliable brand?
7 Sony DSCP52 Cyber-shot 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zo
Had this item for less than one year, used it only seldom with great care...it broke and Sony wants $175 to fix it. NEVER buy a sony
8 CAMERA BROKE - Piece of JUNK
Camera broke after having it for only a few months. The lens cover is stuck half open and half closed. When I turn it on or off it just vibrates and returns to that half & half position. I haven't even used it a dozen times. Called Sony to have it fixed and they said that it would cost over $100 just to look at it....I will never buy another Sony again. Very disappointed.
9 Great Camera - but breaks easily and OUTRAGEOUS repair Fees
I bought two of these cameras as gifts. The first one broke after less than a weeks use and took the repair department 3 months to return the camera. The second one broke just after the warranty expired and Sony informed me that it is $150 plus shipping and handling just to look at it. I will never buy a Sony digital camera again and advise anyone looking to buy a digital camera in general to reconsider. I also have a Canon and their service is even more expensive.
10 Repair cost as much as new camera
This was a nice camera while it worked. It was broken after 9 months and the cost was $171 to repair. I could not find repair centers on the internet and tried to call Sony customer support. I never talked to a person because the wait was 34 minutes. I finally found a repair site but the cost was outragous. I could buy a new camera just like the broken one for $190. Never again for Sony. Too bad because I did like their products. Repair is too expensive and too much hassle.
11 broken in 7 months! Hardly ever used! Sony says tough luck!
Sony dscp52 no longer opens the lens cover buzzes and acts erratically.
This camera susrained no physical damage yet couged it up in 7 months.
I contacted sony about this camera and the "customer service" rep informed me that even though the parts were still under warranty the labor charge for this 200 buck camera would come to 150 bucks.
150 bucks!!!!!
I told them iI was not satisfied with their charges and they told me that that was the flat rate for labor and there was nothing else they could do.
What a ripoff!
Beware of sony's repair policies folks.....
12 Good features, easy to use, very poor reliability-support
I have owned this camera for less than a year. I have actually really enjoyed owning it. Very easy to use, nice features. I have always been impressed with the pictures. About 5 days ago my wife turned it on and it started making a loud clicking noise and flashing an error code. I did a little google search and it turns out that quite a few people have had mechanical failures with this model and it has to be sent back for repair. Well, if you are outside the 90 day warranty period you are responsible for labor, and Sony charges at a flat rate of $140 for anything...hmm. Almost the cost of a new camera. This is simply outrageous. Highway robbery. I am having serious thoughts about just ditching the camera and going non-Sony because of this experience.
Read around at some of the problems people have had with this camera before buying - and Sony's unwillingness to take responsibility for it. That is my advise.
13 Nice camera with great pics, but too slow
This little camera takes wonderful quality pics. It's also got a video feature with sound which is really nice. So if you are in the market for still photography great. If however you want action shots (like trying to catch the perfect pic of a 2 year old) you are out of luck. It just outthinks itself. By the time it's done analyzing to make sure you get the best possible pic for that shot you've missed the shot. The so called burst feature doesn't make it any faster, neither does eliminating some of the auto features. About the only way you are going to get the shot is to record a movie and then capture the individual screens later.
14 Don't buy this camera
Mine broke after 6 months of normal use. I won't recommend anyone to buy this camera. The picture quality is very good when it worked.
15 This is a GEM!
This camera is a great gem for the price and offers great versatility. The camera is very good quality (sturdy) and can take a few bumps and scratches, unlike many other flimsy cameras in this price range. I have owned digital cameras before and many of the typical problems are solved with the P52. I take a lot of pictures at family events, and vacations. Its a great take along camera.
PROS -
- The camera turns on super fast, like in 2-3 seconds it is ready to take a shot. (this is an annoying problem with many digital cameras) And it also saves the pictures to the memory card is very fast, less than 1 second and its ready again to shoot.
- The battery useage is excellent. Even with regular alkaline batteries I've been able to take pictures for several hours, at 2Mpix Normal setting. With the included rechargeable Sony batteries it is superb on battery life.
- Camera menu is very extensive IF you want to use it. If not you can leave it on "Auto" and the pictures turn out great, most of the time.
- Can take pictures in COMPLETE DARKNESS. This I have done many times using the flash on red-eye reduction setting, it works in a regular size room (10 x 14). Great for sneaking up on sleeping family members and taking funny pictures. The flash is very powerful up to about 9-10 feet.
CONS
- The pictures tend to have redish atifacts in them, particularly when taking very close up shots of people.
- Pictures taken out doors can sometimes look too bright, almost washed out. You can make some adjustments to the ISO to fix this problem.
- Movie mode eats up the memory stick quickly, so I had to upgrade to a 256MB Memory Stick Pro ($65 at www.buy.com) and now its great.
- Marco mode ...forget it, not good on this camera. So if you plan on taking close up shots of flowers or something, choose another camera.
Overall this a gem of a camera for any regular picture taking, and can even be used by kids without having to fiddle with a lot of controls. Just press the power button and you are ready to take pictures. It really takes the hassle out of digital photography.
16 You get what you pay for
This is my first venture into digital...heard a lot about megapixels..settled for 3.1. Now I wish I had gone for a less mp with big zoom. At VGA setting, you still get good 4'X6'. You can size up to higher resolutions afterwards for cropping or editing. However, this seriously lacks good zoom. If you wish not to distract your subjects, this isn't the right choice.
Also, it needs tons of light to take good pics and I hate to use its off-balanced flash. It can't even capture simple movements in burst mode without making it blurry.
I don't understand why they have this movie mode. It has such a horrible quality, Sony should not put its name on such a product.
Now positives:
Good entry level point and shoot camera.
17 If Only
If only this camera had a larger zoom range! This is what I keep asking myself time after time. I love the picture quality of the camera, and the fact that you can switch the mega-pixel range from under 1 mega-pixel to 3.2 mega-pixels comes in very handy indeed. I purchased this camera because of the size, just small enough to carry around wherever I go and yet, large enough so that my fat fingers have space to get to all the buttons.
I highly recommend this little gem! So, why only four stars, well, I would have liked a larger zoom and IMO EVERYONE has room for improvement.
Ciao!
18 Great Camera!!
This is my second digital camera purchase (from an HP 318). I have truly enjoyed this camera, and have yet to find a flaw in it. I have yet to take a bad quality picture with this camera. It takes a few days for my batteries to wear down, about the same time as normal batteries from my old camera (but at least they're rechargeable).
I'd reccommend this camera to everyone...it's really worth the cost.
19 Absolutely Fantastic Camera!
This P-52 Cybershot camera is an incredible value, and I couldn't be happier with it. I've compared this camera with 2003 Canon, Fuji, HP photosmart and Kodak models, and the Sony wins hands down. Except in the case of the Canon, the Sony P-52 is far superior. There are almost too many pros to even list.
=====PROS=====
-The most advanced "Super H.A.D. CCD" exclusive to Sony.
-CCD is 2x as sensitive as any other company's CCD, & 6 dB less digital noise!
-beautiful, accurate colour
-extremely versatile lens takes perfect pics from 3 inches away
-very fast autofocus (1/2 a second)
-autofocus illuminator light for taking pics in the dark
-extremely fast start-up. Around 1.5 seconds!
-very fast LCD: almost no lapse time from real life to LCD.
-LCD has 6 settings for good viewing indoors or out.
-Aperture stays open up to 2 full seconds in dark. Anything longer can damage the CCD, or let in too many unwanted artifacts
-full array of manual functions (aperture [ev], focus & ISO)
-snow mode keeps the detail of the white snow
-beach mode captures the perfect blue of the water
-up to 1 GIG of memory - supports memory stick Pro!
-5 pic size settings - VGA, 1.2 mp, 2.0 mp 2.8 mp & 3.1 mp
-2.8 mp is "3:2 ratio" for perfect 4 x 6 photos
-cool multi-burst mode. Takes 2 pictures in a row, under 1 second. 16-shot option as well.
-smart flash. Even when taking picture in daylight, will sense if it is needed, and come on appropriately.
-Smart Zoom. Not a digital zoom. Picture quality does not degrade like standard digital zooms.
-very long battery life. 2 Ni-mh "Stamina" AA batteries last 67% longer than 2002 batteries.
-metal threads for tripod. Most other companies use plastic. Bad idea!
-menus are beautiful: incredibly easy to understand and navigate.
-prints at "photo quality" up to 8x10. After that, starts to lose some quality, but 11x14 still looks excellent.
-USB 2.0
-fun modes like Sepia, B&W, Solarize and Negative Art.
-voice function: records audio for 5 seconds after taking a picture. (40 sec. option available too)
-instant "review" button of last pic taken, when the LCD screen is off.
=====Mpeg Movie=====
-film mpegs with sound, limited only by the size of the memory. Example - 128 mb memory stick = 6 minutes of 640x480 or 1.5 hours of "email" quality (160x112)
-filmed at 16 frames per second, although after filming, camera info states that it was filmed at 25 fps.
=====CONS=====
-flash is off too far to the side of the lens. It makes big shadows on the left side of your subject.
-Snow mode seems to overexpose the shot a little.
-Optical viewfinder only shows roughly 80% of actual picture area. Use the LCD.
-only 2x optical zoom. The standard seems to be 3x. Sony needs to catch up here.
-zoom only works before you start filming. Can't change the zoom during filming.
-flash will charge slowly if batteries are running low.
=====CONCLUSION=====
An absolutely perfect and versatile camera. Only a professional photographer would, or could, find fault with it. But a professional would likely be using an SLR style camera worth at least double what this camera is worth.That being said, the price is great and Sony has really found a winner here.
This is a very fast camera in all respects, and that is important. Takes fast (and accurate) pictures, and saves info almost instantly. There are no load times for pictures or movie files, like the Hewlett Packard camera line.
5 stars all the way.
20 some excellent pics; some disappointing pics
We just replaced our ancient HP C-20 (1 MP!!) with this camera. Admittedly we only looked at Sony because we have bought the Sony TV that you can insert the memory stick and watch your pics on the TV (you can hook up this camera to other TVs too).
I guess I was expecting much more from this camera considering the 3.2 MP (which is actually 3.1). After using the camera for two weeks, I have found that the only pictures I would consider excellent are closeups, and objects that are no more than three feet away, in good daylight *and* using the flash. Some pictures we take indoors are very grainy, even on the highest quality settings. I guess we still need to consult the manual on how to get the perfect shot!! In a lot of cases my old HP takes better pics.
By the way, carry your manual with you - mine is dog-eared from having to check it constantly. Definitely purchase another pair of rechargable batteries - they take 6 hours to charge each time. They last several days, with average pic taking and viewing.
Some good points are:
* You can resize the image after taking it (to a different quality or cropping).
*You can take pictures as close as 3 1/4 inches (and they are excellent).
*5 quality settings and then two modes (fine and standard) so really 10 quality settings.
*You can take up to 145 pictures with a 256MB disk at 3.1MP and standard mode (the supplied disk will take 18 with 3.1MP and standard mode).
*3 flash levels (and we find we have to change them constantly depending on the light and the subject).
*Shutterfly.com recommends pics as big as 20x30 (but who wants a huge poster on the wall anyway!).
*The camera shuts off after a few seconds of no use.
*Any settings you change will become defaults the next time you use the camera.
Some bad points:
*Way too much customization!! There are too many menu features and options for a point-and-shoot camera. You miss great shots changing all the settings.
*The flash is so far from the lens that it throws a shadow behind (or above) the subject.
*I can't find anywhere in the manual how to set the LCD screen to display the image for a second after you take it, so you have to change the camera setting to "view" to check each pic as you go
*The flash can take up to FIVE SECONDS to recharge!!
*Grainy sound when recording in movie mode (it really does not replace a movie camera, though I suppose it is not intended to).
*The smart zoom only works at less than 2.0MP, so you are really compromising the picture quality when you zoom.
*The ends of the camera are curved, so when using the self-timer you can only take horizontal pics (the pics are tilted if standing the camera on its end).
All in all, I'm not sure I would purchase this again. Too bad you can't bring home several cameras and take test shots to compare them.
21 Happy with the Sony DSCP52
This was our first purchase of a digital camera, and we have been very pleased with it. We bought the camera because of the wide range of features, the competitive price, and the Sony name (to which I'm admittedly partial). A big selling point was the fact that with the expanded memory stick (a separate purchase) you can shoot up to 90 minutes of video - nothing else on the market in this price range even compares to that!
We have found this camera to be easy to use, and it takes great pictures. I would recommend definitely recommend this to others looking for a good value when buying a digital camera.
22 Great Camera
Great camera! How ever two minor things wrong with it......One, The 16MB memory stick that comes with it is too small. Second, the 2x Optical Zoom is not powerful enough for excellent close ups. However it does take excellent pics!
23 Best digital camera on the market
I purchased the Sony DSCP52 a week ago and I am VERY impressed. The picture quality is excellent (3.2MP), the screen is easier to see than many other digital cameras I've seen, and the battery life is much longer than many others I've looked at. Sony makes the best digital camera on the market.
24 Most Bang for the Buck....this is the Best Camera
Its a sweet deal for a sweet 3.2 pixel camera. Got it for $239, then added a Lexar 128 MB memory stick for $39 bucks. The P7 may have one more X of optical zoom (and be a bit smaller when turned off), but who cares...? Smart zoom corrects that without losing resolution and/or you can clean it up on the PC if need be any way. The movie feature is fun to play with, and the overall features are very user-friendly and intuitive. You'd have to be a moron not to love this camera. But do your homework, read reviews, ask your sketchy buddies, see what they like or dislike about digital cameras. I gurantee you'll be back to Sony and buying this model or its big brothas.
25 Good pictures-bad warranty
Camera broke five months after purchase. Warranty lasted for three months.
26 Inexpensive and Awesome!
What else can be said but WOW! - I have used several different cameras in the Sony family and this is by far the BEST of the line to date! It's so easy to use - out of the box - I installed the rechargable batteries, plugged in the provided 16MB Memory Stick and I was taking pictures! I haven't read the manual yet, which I do recommened for advanced features, but anyone can use it right out of the box! I also recommend getting a SanDisk Memory Stick reader as well, to help pull the pictures off the camera onto your PC. We got this camera for work, and I have it for home and several of my family and friends plan to get this one too! Why not you?? A+A+A+A+A+)
27 Easy to use...
After thorough research of which digital camera I wanted to purchase, I finally decided to get the Sony DSCP52. This is one of the best buys I have ever made. It's extremely easy to use, and the pictures come out great in every enviorment I have tried. I would recommend purchasing an additional 128MB memory stick with the camera, the 16MB that are included are not enough for long outings or for video feture this camera includes. Great product!!!!
28 IT IS GREAT!!!!!
if you want a digital camera which enables you take excellent pictures and record video with many interesting features YOU have to buy this camera. It has an excellent functionalities/price relationship
29 First Digital Camera-well pleased
Not too complicated for first time user of any digital camera.
Pleased with performance of camera and picture quality.
Memory stick media compatible w/Sony PDA is a nice bonus.
30 Its a good deal
I am very much satisfied with this camera, very sleek, smart camera. The resolution of the screen is also excellent. The best part is the battery last for ages.
31 Outstanding performance
I loved my new Sony Digital Camera. Now I can either take digital photos and tape my family and friends.
32 Last yr's lens, this yr's electronics.
As you would expect from a Sony camera, it has good picture quality in daylight. The night shots are not so good since it has only a 2 sec twilight mode. And the lens isn't very bright either. (P72/P32 have brighter F2.8 lens)
Battery life is excellent and LCD screen is good. World charger and NiMH batteries are included.
Check out the specs of this model carefully, its different from P72/P32. This one is 2in thick, has old & slow 2x zoom lens and is bulky.
Its a shame Sony tries to sell 3MP/2x instead of popular combination of 2MP/3x. Not to mention the extra cost of propreitary memory sticks compared to CF/SD cards. There are so many better camera's in market than this for a lower cost, I don't see any reason for this to sell.
