My exerience with the DSC-P200

I first saw this model whilst traveling with a friend off road, in his 4x4. I took two pictures with it, and did an internet search that evening for my own. As they were no longer manufactured, and new ones could not be found, I bought a used one, from an Amazon seller - cost $225, and came with a semi hard case, and 1GB memory stick.

There was no manual, but plenty were available online, as well as many reviews, so I checked out the features and went to play with it.

Good points: Picture quality amazing - better than most I had seen, and just what I wanted. I travel a lot, riding a sidecar Ural motorcycle, and it fits into my cargo pocket, with spare battery. I record my trips, and anything else I see, and 99% of the shots are clear, in focus, and well balanced. The range of selectable menu options is vast - anything you can do with a manual SLR camera, excepting of course, changing lenses, can be done with this camera. The macro feature is very good, with accurate focus to less than 9 inches. Very useful for recording flowers and bugs - also good at photographing mechanical items on the bike.

Bad points: The camera occasionally records reflections where none can be seen by me. Not the usual sun in lens type, but reflections of light from distant objects.. I will figure it out someday, and there will be no problem anymore.

I cannot think of any other faults, in the year I have used the camera. I have taken over 2,000 pictures with it, approximately - probably more, because I discard many more than I keep.

All in all, this camera is as near perfect for the novice and keen amateur photographer who needs a compact but well featured camera. It is a shame buying new is no longer an option, but a good used one is well worth looking into.