First Thoughts: Sony Cyber-shot P200

The Sony Cyber-shot P200 sports a 7.2 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and Carl Zeiss lens in a very compact package.  Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a closer look at the camera and providing you with a full review.  However, for now, here are some pics and quick thoughts about the camera.

The box includes the camera, InfoLithium battery, 32MB Memory Stick, manual, software CD, AC adapter and cable to connect the camera to a PC or TV.

On top of the camera, there is a flush-mounted power button and a slightly raised shutter release.

The back of the camera has the 2" LCD, viewfinder, shooting mode dial, zoom control and the familiar 5 way control pad for navigating through the various camera menus.

There is a door on the right side for inserting the Memory Stick media and the battery.  The battery is held in by a little lever to prevent it from sliding out when you open the batter door.  Another interesting little thing is that there is a little door within this larger door to insert the AC adapter when charging.  This little door (within a door) looks a little weak -- time will tell if it can last.

Here's a shot in hand.  The camera is meant to be held with the right hand, but I needed to make the shot with my right hand.  The camera is a bit tough to hold with one hand.  The horizontally elongated body makes it act like a lever in your right hand, so if you hold the camera with your right hand while positioning your finger for the shutter release, you may find yourself gripping harder than is comfortable.  I haven't had a chance to try different grips yet, but I would imagine that you could extend a finger along the bottom of the camera to help stabilize.

Check back with us in a few weeks for the full review.  We'll show some sample images, test a few things out and figure out who this camera suits best.