Terrible battery!!!!!!!

I had this camera for 6 months and it died. It took 3 months to get it repaired and they made me pay $92.00 to get it back. The battery has died 3 (Three) times. Each time Sony refuses to admit there is a battery problem. Please don't waste your money on this camera, even if it is used!!!!

Stylish. Convenient. Easy to use. Effective for everyday picture-taking. Any strengths this camera has are ruined by its dependence on a flawed and useless battery pack. See my summary on how to avoid this problem.

The infamous rechargeable battery pack, which is TONS more useful on the DSC-P71, as it uses AAs or AA NiMH batteries.

Decided to provide a review of the DSC-P1 for acouple of reasons. Firstly, I thought (at the time) that it would be a great camera, and secondly, it is rather convenient in theory. I can't say the P1 is a "great" camera, but it is a good one, as I said in theory. The biggest flaw with this camera is in the battery pack, used even in later versions of the series. Eventually, Sony figured out their problems and switched power over to AA, but they used to out and out lie about this problem, refusing to admit that it's a design flaw. Get the DSC-P71, same features, same size and shape, and 100% better.

Customer Service

None used. I basically bought this to see if the stories about the battery pack were true. They were. Other DSC-P series cameras use AAs, look for them, and find one that works. The battery packs of the series give the camera the bad reputation. Stick with AAs or AA NiMHs, which the latest 3 models use.

Similar Products Used:

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P71 (the SUPERIOR, and functional version of the DSC-P1). Get this camera if you want to correct the P1's inherent flaws.

Compact Easy to use

Battery has inherent well documented problems - and Sony won't recognize thtt it is a problem. The 8mb memory stick that comes with it is a total scam - you will need to get a 64mb or a 128mb - so count on paying for one of those and they aren't cheap The focus is useless - you will gamble with taking a picutre. 50% won't come out clear. It delays before you can take a picture. Don't expect to take a quick shot. Missing a lot of features that cheaper cameras have. WAY OVER PRICED!!!

I would not recommend this camera to anyone. I would prefer to have purchased one of those cheap plastic throwaways instead. The battery doesn't charge (apparently well known problem), and the view finder is very fragile - mine cracked on the day I bought it. There is a major problem with the focus on it as well. I bought this camera because it was the most expensive casual camera the store had...how could a company as big as Sony dare to sell such a piece of junk with so many inherent problems - and get away with it - don't they test or test market the products they make?

Customer Service

They should go to jail it is so bad. They will rip you off totally to fix problems that are inherent. The worst experience. I am never buying a Sony product again - and I like their TV's.

Similar Products Used:

I have tried many other cameras that are half the price that are better.

Good still, close pictures.

BAttery, quick shots, terrible battery problems!

The Sony DSC-P1 takes great pictures at good resolution when the subjects are CLOSE and STILL. THe camera stopped working after 9 months. I returned it for repair, but it cost $139 (oarts free, labor not!). Now, the battery craps out after 1 picture, when fully charged the night before. It definitely has some kind of battery problem inherent in design. Heyt, this camera is less than 18 months old !!!!!!

Customer Service

Stinks. Pay up for repairing a nearly new, EXPENSIVE purchase!!!

Similar Products Used:

Friends have Canons, which seem a better buy.

Camera Size Zoom Ease of Use

Weak Flash Reliability Lack of manual controls Random Battery Drain Quality Memory Stick Focus mechanism

I bought this camera about a year ago and after 5 months it starting acting up. I have had the camera in for repair once and it is going back for a second time. The camera takes nice and sharp pictures when it decides too. I get about 6 out of 10 picture clear and a number of the non-clear ones are just slightly out of focus. I am convienced that my camera has a automatic focusing issue. I had the LED go out on me and i have the random battery drain problem that is well documented on the net. My suggestion, go with Nikon or Canon. They know how to make a reliable camera you can count on.

Customer Service

Dont get me started. I have never felt so much customer pain before in my life and I know I will have to endure some more before I have a camera that I consider reliable.

Similar Products Used:

Canon S30 Nikon 800