I also recently bought a Sony Cybershot DSC-P9! I actually have FOUR batteries for it and don't think that is excessive.

I love the camera, but have to admit that even with discounts, the costs with all the accessories can really add up! Not only did I buy extra batteries and memory sticks, I also bought another charger. The on-camera charger that comes with it is fine, and permits you to run the camera on AC (for reviewing/editing, for example), but I found the separate dual-battery charger to be useful as well and so purchased it.

A couple of tips if you purchase a Sony camera:

Register it online within 30 days of purchase and you'll get an online coupon good for $20 off an accessory purchase at sonystyle.com.

http://www.sonystyle.com/home/promo_...682&promoid=13

I used my $20 off to purchase a Cybershot "starter kit" consisting of a battery, a camera case, and a memory stick case (hard shell, holds 8 sticks). List price of the kit is around $80, and the battery alone normally costs $60-70, so not a bad deal especially with the discount.

Another tip: If you travel without a laptop for a lengthy period, you'll need more memory sticks to hold your photos (maybe someone already said that -- sorry). Also, if you use the camera for shooting movies, those take up a lot of space, so you'll need more memory sticks.


Kathy

P.S.: I used my Sony DSC-P9 to shoot my SeaDoo IV pictures (see Flyertalk Miles Community topics).