Sony's Cyber-shot digital cameras have always had a bit of an edge in the style stakes and the latest model is no exception.

The DSC-P9 has a similar design to previous models, which means it looks nothing like cameras from other manufacturers but it is comfortable and intuitive to use. It's also small enough to slip into a trouser pocket without causing embarrassment and its aluminium case should protect it from accidental knocks.

A small button on top of the camera turns it on and a dial around the shutter release button flicks between the various modes. For simple point-and-click use, that's probably all you need to know but there is some limited scope for fiddling with focus, exposure settings and white balance settings. You can also take photos for email purposes, and even record up to five seconds of audio with an image.

In addition to shooting 16 successive frames at intervals down to 1/25th of a second, the DSC-P9 can capture movies at resolutions of up to 320 x 240. The length is limited only by the amount of free memory and you can even perform some rudimentary editing on the camera.

The DSC-P9 has a maximum still image resolution of 2272 x 1704 (almost four megapixels), which is more than enough for producing detailed images at A4 size, if not larger. Image quality is generally very good, with natural colours and plenty of detail.

Unfortunately, images can only be captured as compressed JPEGs and there's no top-quality uncompressed TIFF mode, as on earlier models. This results in some softening of images, even at the highest resolution but it's probably only discernable to hardened digital camera nerds.

Images are stored on Memory Stick and a 16MB stick is included. This holds just seven images at the highest resolution or 40 seconds of video at the highest setting. A more positive Sony-specific benefit is the InfoLithium rechargeable battery that lasts up to 1,800 shots and can be recharged in the camera.

DETAILS
Price: £529Contact: Sony 0900 424424

www.sonystyle-europe.com