Editorial Review:Product Description:Sony's DSC-P31 is the Cyber-shot digital still camera that takes performance off the charts. This camera isn't just easy to use and quick to master, it's loaded with high-performance features that put creative control in your capable hands. Choose from multiple MPEG movie modes, auto-focus options, and features that help you get perfect results! And play back your images 2.0 MegaPixel (effective) images and movies with zoom and trimming functions right in the color LCD viewfinder. It's not just a camera. It's a Cyber-shot digital camera.
Amazon.com Product Description:Sony's DSC-P31 combines compact dimensions with an affordable 2-megapixel sensor and AA battery power. If you're looking for a take-anywhere camera that's easy to use and produces sharp images, the P31 is worth a closer look.
Optics and Resolution The DSC-P31's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution, you'll need to step up to a 3- or 4-megapixel model like the DSC-P71 or DSC-P9.
The autofocus lens does not have a true optical zoom, but a 2x digital zoom (6x total) works in much the same way. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's not as useful as a true zoom lens. In low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance, and special circuitry automatically reduces the 'static' that typically plagues nighttime digital shots.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.6-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll capture, use the LCD display.
More Features Though the P31 is designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, there are several options for more adventurous photographers, including manual focus with macro, adjustable ISO and white balance settings, exposure compensation, and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarized, and negative images.
Power The P31 uses two AA batteries--a pair of high-capacity nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeables and charger are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend getting a second pair of batteries so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.
Movie Mode In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but in EX mode, the P31 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 8 MB stick holds approximately 12 images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 12 images per outing you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 200 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may already have a built-in Memory Stick reader.
Size At 4.2 by 2.3 by 1.6 inches and 8.5 ounces fully loaded, the P31 is an extremely compact and portable digital camera.
Contents and Recommended Accessories The package includes the DSC-P31 camera, two rechargeable NH-AA-D1 rechargeable batteries, BC-CS1 charger, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 8 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a spare set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity memory stick. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.
--Shane Burnett Pros: - 2-megapixel resolution is perfect for most users
- Compact dimensions make it easy to bring this camera along on outings
- Point-and-shoot operation makes it easy for even beginners to get great results
Cons: - No optical zoom lens
- Movie mode lacks sound
- Proprietary Memory Stick memory card format less common and more expensive than other formats
Accessories:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Good camera, but it's starting to tire.
This was my mom's, handed down to me about two years ago. I love the camera itself, it is small, easy to use, and versatile. I have no upgrades on it, it has the 8MB stick, which is pretty much nothing right now. I have some problems with the light reduction, but it hasn't become a big problem. It usually happens when the batteries run dead. Still, a highly reccommended product.
Rating: -
Broke after 8 months
Overall, this is an excellant camera as far as quality of pictures, features, ease of use. I loved it until it just quit taking pictures. After speaking to 3 sony tech support representitives and answering the same questions, they finally came to the conclusion that it was broke. Duh! I didnt drop, mis-use or abuse it. It just quit taking pictures. Sony's 90 day warrenty made matters worse as it will cost $148.00 to fix the camera. I was a big buyer of Sony products until this happened. You would think after spending $289.00 on the camera, it would come with a longer warrenty. Lesson learned! My rating for Sony is a 0 but the camera is a 4 star.
Rating: 
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Do not buy this Camera if you do not have 1 GB memory stick
Consumes lot of memory. [900k/ picture]
Takes good picture in Dim night light but worst pictures in day bright light..
Think twice before buying it.....
Rating: -
Great Camera, but the zoom is terrible.
If you are looking for a simple, point and click camera for good quality, no frills pictures, this is your camera. The pictures, for the most part, are great. However, if you want to zoom in, to get certain angles, upgrade to the sony with a zoom lens, the p-51, I think.
Rating: 
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Great Camera for the price.
I own a rather large camera (2 Mega pixel) with a large lens which I love to carry around when I want to do zoom photography.
I wanted to get something a bit smaller to take with me to parties and other events, something that I could have at hand for snapshots and the like.
This camera is pretty good and versatile for the price.
I also use Sony's new format Memory Stick Duo adapter (which I can also use in my Sony Ericsson phone), and is also the "Magic Gate" in which you can save several "licensed" formats.
I recommend it.