Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93A Digital Camera

After +20 years years of using Olympus cameras, I bought my first Sony DSCP92 in 2003 and was converted to Sony instantly - and I've never looked back.

I enjoyed 2 years of using my DSCP92 then bought the DSCP93 for my father - although it will be some time before I can bring myself to part with it!

An important feature for me is the facility to make video clips with sound and this camera offers 3 different video resolutions including the addition of a 'fine' quality video mode (when used with Pro versions of the Memory Sticks) which produces excellent picture quality and the precision zoom, in addition to smart zoom, is another new feature not found on the DSCP92.

I am particularly impressed by the flash. I used my DSCP92 for photographing rabbits close-up and even when the flash was set to the minimum level in close-up mode, their colours were often washed out - not so with the DSCP93 and this has made it a winner for me.

I like having the mode 'wheel' around the shutter release as it reminds me to switch from auto mode to actually use more of the features offered by the camera, although the auto mode is perfectly adequate for almost all pictures - but it's nice to be a little creative every now and then. However, it's unfortunate that the mode wheel icons cannot be seen in the dark - but they are indicated on the LCD screen so all is not lost and Sony comes up trumps once more.

I also like the sepia and black and white picture effects although this is at the loss of the solarize as offered by the DSCP92. The other loss I noticed immediately, was the facility to add voice to photographs which I found especially useful when out on a 2-3 day shooting spree taking a number of photos at various locations - it was handy to add a quick voice memo to a shot as a reminder of where the pic was taken or add a Grid Reference. I've overcome this by adding a quick, low-resolution video clip but I do miss the voice memo facility.

As always, the build quality is nothing short of excellent, as per all Sony products I've owned and it couldn't be easier to use, either for a complete novice or a more experienced amateur photographer looking for a point and shoot model which offers increased options for creativity.

Unlike many current models, the DSCP93 uses AA batteries which are cheap to buy and charge either at home or, with the use of an adapter, can be charged in your car as you drive along. Some cameras use expensive lithium batteries which can only be charged from the mains so if you run out of power in the middle of nowhere, then you're stuck! Again, the DSCP93 wins on this score and I carry 4 spare sets on each outing.

So, in summary, the camera is a doddle to use, feels good, is small enough to pop in a pocket and produces excellent results.

Memory sticks tend to be more expensive than other media but they are robust and I feel it's worth paying that little bit extra.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another and, should my father insist I hand over this camera when he reads this review, then I will be placing my order without delay!

Buy in confidence - you won't be disappointed.