Sony's mid-range 2003 Cyber-shot — 3.2MP CCD, 39-117mm equiv 3x zoom, AA power, Memory Stick storage.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P72 was a mid-range compact in Sony's 2003 P-series, succeeding the DSC-P71. It slotted between the budget P52 and the premium P10, sharing the P52's 3.2-megapixel resolution but with a longer 3x zoom and AA-battery convenience.
It combines a 3.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD with a 3x optical zoom equivalent to 39-117mm, plus Sony's Smart Zoom digital extension. Framing is via optical viewfinder or a 1.5in 123k-dot LCD, exposure is automatic with scene modes, images and MPEG movies record to Memory Stick, and power comes from two AA cells with NiMH rechargeables supplied new.
A friendly, simple snapshot camera for early-digicam enthusiasts, with the AA power supply making it one of the easier vintage Cyber-shots to keep running. Resolution suits prints to around A4; there is no manual exposure control.
Testing used units is easy with fresh AA cells. The bigger question is media: it needs Memory Stick (not SD), so confirm a working stick comes with it and remember early models cap out at small capacities. Check the lens cover and telescoping barrel, flash charge time, and LCD for bleed or scratches.