Sony's 2002 P-series compact — 3.2MP CCD, 3x 39-117mm zoom, optical viewfinder, AA power, Memory Stick.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P71 was a 3.2-megapixel model in Sony's early P-series of compact digicams, released in spring 2002. It sat in the middle of the then five-line Cyber-shot range, offering a telescoping zoom in a body similar in size to the original DSC-P1, and notably switched from Sony's InfoLITHIUM packs to ordinary AA power.
The 3.2-megapixel CCD delivered a maximum 2048x1536 pixels through a 3x zoom equivalent to 39-117mm at f/2.8-5.3. Composition was via a 1.5-inch LCD or a real-image optical viewfinder, with an AF illuminator for low light. Exposure was automatic with ISO 100-400, shutter speeds from 2 seconds to 1/1000, and three scene modes. Silent 320x240 MPEG movies, Clip Motion GIFs and Multi Burst rounded out capture; storage was a full-size Memory Stick, power two AA cells with NiMH and charger supplied.
It suits collectors of early-2000s digicams and anyone curious about the first wave of mass-market 3-megapixel compacts. Handling is simple, with a clear mode dial and one of the era's better menu systems, but the tiny screen, two-second maximum exposure and slow telephoto aperture set clear limits for low light.
AA power is an advantage on the used market — no proprietary battery worries, though NiMH cells are strongly recommended. It takes original full-size Memory Sticks with a practical 128MB ceiling, so confirm one is included. Check the sliding lens cover opens fully, the lens telescopes without grinding, and the LCD backlight works.