Remember the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 announced earlier this month? Digital Camera Resource Page (DCRP) has gotten a pre-production unit and written an in-depth coverage on their hands-on experience.

For the busy readers out there, here are the delicious stuffs:

• The DSC-T9 is the first Sony ultra-compact camera to feature an optical image stabilization (OIS) system, which is uncommon on ultra-thin cameras.
• The OIS system doesn’t do miracles, but it’s handy.
• It has above average battery life (240 shots, using CIPA standard).
• InfoLithium batteries tell you exactly how many minutes you have left before you run out of juice.
• Typical charging time is 170 minutes.
• It is a very small camera.
• T9’s flash is a bit stronger than previous T-series models.
• You cannot attach an external flash. (Even if you can, that’ll look odd on this ultra-compact!)
• LCD “gains up” automatically in low-light situations, and easy to view in bright outdoors.
• No optical viewfinder.
• Auto-focus speed is good, typically just 0.1 - 0.3 seconds to lock focus.
• Shot-to-shot speed is only a delay of a little over a second.
• Side show feature allows transitions and musics. Music can be uploaded to the camera.

According to Sony, the Cyber-shot DSC-T9 will be available in January 2006 for about US$450 at SonyStyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and authorized dealers nationwide. Why not worldwide?

And for those who can’t wait can pre-order right now.

[Full coverage at DCRP]