Sony's 2004 AA-powered compact — 4.1MP CCD, 3x optical zoom, Memory Stick storage
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P73 was a mainstream 2004 P-series compact, the AA-powered sibling to the more upmarket rechargeable-pack models like the DSC-P100. It succeeded the popular DSC-P72 and was one of Sony's volume sellers of the year, so survivors are common on the used market.
It captures 4.1-megapixel images (2304x1728) on a Super HAD CCD through a 3x optical zoom lens, framed on a 1.5-inch LCD. Storage is Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro, connectivity is USB 2.0, and a burst mode manages about 1.3 frames per second for four shots. Two AA cells give roughly 200 shots to CIPA standards with NiMH rechargeables.
As an everyday snapshot camera it is simple and robust, with AA power making it easy to keep alive on holiday. Controls are basic auto-plus-scene-modes, the screen is small by later standards, and the CCD output has the warm mid-2000s character that draws retro digicam buyers.
Check the AA compartment for corrosion and confirm the contacts are bright, verify the zoom extends and retracts without grinding, and make sure the flash cycles. Full-size Memory Stick or MS Pro cards are needed rather than SD, so a bundled card and reader add real value to a listing.