Sony's first P-series compact from 2000 — 3.3MP CCD, 3x zoom, Memory Stick, InfoLithium power
The Cyber-shot DSC-P1 of September 2000 launched Sony's long-running P-series of pocket compacts, promoted as one of the smallest 3-megapixel cameras of its day and priced around $800 at release. Its upright metal body established the early P-series look.
It recorded 3.3-megapixel images through a 3x optical zoom of roughly 39-117mm equivalent, composed on a 1.5-inch LCD, and stored them on Sony's full-size Memory Stick media. Power came from a rechargeable InfoLithium battery pack, and the camera offered automatic operation with manual and scene options plus a built-in flash.
Today the P1 is largely a collector's piece from the dawn of mainstream digital photography, still capable of pleasing daylight snaps with early-CCD colour. Startup and autofocus are slow by any modern measure and the small LCD is dim outdoors.
Batteries are the main concern on a camera this old: original InfoLithium packs are a quarter-century on, so confirm the camera powers up and holds charge, or that usable third-party cells are included. Check Memory Stick contacts, flash operation and the era-typical LCD for dimming or lines.