The Sony DSC-F707 Cybershot Digital Camera - 5-megapixel bliss hits a snag - Part 2
Written: May 23 '02
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Pros: Crisp, detailed images. Nice 5x Optical Lens. Comparatively affordable.
Cons: Ergonomics not for everyone. Electronic View Finder. Storage Medium.
The Bottom Line: Is this the best 5-megapixel camera for the money? Not quite, but you can certainly do a lot worse.
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| jag2112's Full Review: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-F707 Digital Camera |
In my second installment covering 5 megapixel digital cameras, the first covering the superb Nikon CoolPix 5000 (See http://www.epinions.com/content_64665063044), I'll now focus my attention, if you'll pardon that pun, on Sony's DSC-F707 Cybershot entry.
Right off the bat when you look at the DSC-F707 Cybershot compared to the CoolPix 5000, you'll notice some significant design differences. Where as the CoolPix has a customary SLR body style, the DSC-F707 Cybershot utilizes more of a 'Huge Offset Lens/Small Body' configuration. Initially, if you're considering the DSC-F707 Cybershot, you may be thrown by the unconventional design, but if you handle it a little, you'll find that it's actually quite balance. Given a little time, it should become rather comfortable in your hand.
As I did with my CoolPix 5000 review, I'd like to quickly discuss the price here - once again because cameras at this level are not cheap. As with the CoolPix 5000, the street price on the DSC-F707 Cybershot is over $1,000. However, unlike the CoolPix, you should be able to get the Sony for less than its Nikon competitor - somewhere around $700.
When I was running my own comparative, unscientific comparison between the CoolPix 5000 and the DSC-F707 Cybershot, I first began by taking a set of controlled images - ultimately comparing the results on my PC. For the most part, both cameras, with their 5 megapixel horsepower, captured images beautifully with excellent color saturation and impressive minute detail. I did, however, notice that 'greens' on the DSC-F707 Cybershot were more vibrant, and thus less realistic, than those reflected on the Nikon. For example, shots of grass were brighter on the Cybershot, but more true to life on the Nikon. Result? I liked the images on the Sony, but I realized that it was a happy coincidence due to a slight color flaw.
Images aside however, which both cameras produced beautifully, the real differences between these two megapixel behemoths turns up in the features, optics and storage capacities.
There's no doubt that the DSC-F707 Cybershot is feature packed, with 3-level AR Program modes, exclusive NightShot and NightFrame exposure modes which I found to portray dark images with surprising clarity, selectable ISO sensitivity, several built in picture effects and more. Even features like voice capture mode for storing/linking memos to individual stills and email mode and date stamping to for easier preparation of images for web/email use - the Sony is a gadget freak's dreams. But this is more than a gadget - it's a serious camera that needs to perform seriously in order to match up against its stiff competition.
And its in the optics where this Sony shines and falters. The DSC-F707 Cybershot has a delicious 5x optical zoom via an all-glass Carl Zeiss lens (F stop of 2 - 2.4) as compared to Nikon's 3x optical zoom. I happen to love cameras with serious zoom capabilities, a failing of many Digital cameras in my opinion who seem to be relegated to only providing a 3x maximum. The DSC-F707 Cybershot's 5x, then, was a blessing for my tastes. However, because focus becomes more of an issue when zooming in at greater levels, framing the image is a major key. Since the DSC-F707 Cybershot employs an electronic view finder, instead of a standard optical one, making out focused detail is a real, pixilated pain in the... well, you know.
Sony obviously loves pushing their cameras to the technological extreme, but an EVF (Electronic View Finder), despite its TTL format, just isn't workable in all conditions, especially the aforementioned deep zoom shots. I also found that, after using it almost exclusively over the LCD, my eyes seemed more strained. I can't say for sure that it was related to the EVF, but I didn't experience the same type of eye fatigue with the Nikon, or other non-EVF cameras I've used over the years.
But if you're more apt to use the LCD to arrange and focus your shot, you won't be disappointed by the impressive 1.8 inch, 123,000 pixel screen. Again, focus will be a slight issue has even all those pixels won't perfectly reflect the exact level of sharpness you're getting, but it's at least a little better than the EVF route - in most cases.
Regardless of which viewfinder you use, the next step in taking the shot is handled rather well by the DSC-F707 Cybershot - shutter lag. As mentioned in my review of the CoolPix 5000, the shutter lag, while impressive, was still evident for the most part. I found the same to be true with Sony's entry. Lag was far better (shorter) than most other digital cameras on the market today, but as the detail of the image increases, the lag tends to do the same - increase in time. This could make taking a fast-moving shot difficult, but with some pre-focusing habits, you shouldn't have too many problems.
The menu system to access all of the features on this camera requires a little effort to maneuver through. I've found this to be the case with a lot of Sony products. But as is usually the case, once I became familiar with the finer points of the system, it wasn't overly difficult to maneuver to the area of interest.
Storage capacity and media is a sour note with the DSC-F707 Cybershot. First off, the included memory stick is only capable of storing 16 MB of data. This camera is capable of taking 5 megapixel images - which translates into HUGE image files. 16 MB is woefully limited when you exploit this cameras potential. Certainly, for a few extra bucks, Sony should have opted for a 64 MB stick, minimum, however I suspect they (Sony) have such an abundance of 16 MB cards, that they're now including them standard on virtually all of their digital cameras/camcorders. Why such an abundance? Simply put, this Memory Stick technology, developed by Sony, is only used by Sony. Can you say Beta? Sony needs to get off their high horse and start utilizing the medium of choice that every other manufacturer is employing. The memory sticks are expensive and larger than their SmartMedia counterparts and largely shunned by users and non-users alike.
Battery life is a definite plus on this camera - exceeding the results I experienced with the Nikon. The Lithium batteries with included charger are a nice bonus addition, plus knowing this camera will function on alternate power sources is always a benefit.
Overall, the Sony DSC-F707 Cybershot is a solid 5 megapixel camera, priced slightly under the CoolPix 5000, with a better optical zoom, but some questionable features like the EVF and limited/proprietary Memory Sticks. Want a 'cool looking' camera, if that's your concern, then go with the Sony. Want the best overall camera for your hard earn bucks? It's a close call, but the Nikon CoolPix 5000 is the winner in my book? Still, I can recommend this Sony on its merits, but there are others that clearly do a better job in the end.
A complete feature and specification listing appears below.
Thank you, as always, for reading. Should you have any questions about this, or any other review I've written, please don't hesitate to email me.
Thanks again.
-John
Cyber-shot F707 Features
• 2/3-inch 5.24-megapixel CCD imager
• Still image sizes: 2560x1920, 2048x1536, 1280x960, 640x480
• 5x (38-190mm) all-glass Carl Zeiss F2-2.4 zoom lens
• TTL autofocus with new hologram laser AF assist
• Manual focus with ring on lens barrel and magnified LCD view
• 1.8" 123,000 pixel color LCD monitor
• High-resolution eyelevel TTL color viewfinder
• Program AE with 3 modes
• Shutter speed priority (30 to 1/1000 in 30 steps)
• Aperture priority (F2 to F8 in 13 steps) with 6-blade iris diaphram
• Manual exposure with EV indicator
• Exclusive NightShot and NightFrame exposure modes
• Auto Exposure Bracketing with +/- 0.3, 0.7 or 1.0 steps
• Three shot burst mode at 2fps
• Multi-pattern, Center-weighted or Spot metering
• Four white balance modes including one-push custom;
• Selectable ISO sensitivity (Auto, 100, 200, 400)
• In-camera sharpening (+/- 1, 2)
• Picture Effects: Negative Art, Solarize, Sepia
• 14-bit A/D conversion for wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
• Adjustable intelligent flash with Red Eye reduction, shoe mount and connector for the optional HVL-F1000 external flash;
• 3:2 picture size ratio option -- same size ratio as a standard 4x6 film print;
• E-Mail Mode and a date stamp function available in three display patterns;
• MPEG-HQ 320x240 up to 15 seconds of full-screen motion video and audio;
• MPEG-EX w/audio 320 x 240 or 160 x 112 length limited only by memory
• TIFF uncompressed mode for highest possible quality image;
• JPEG compressed in Fine or Normal quality
• Voice Memo Mode to add narration to still images;
• Clip Motion 10 Shot GIF Animation;
• A/V output for displaying images and movies on TV sets;
• USB Transfer, allowing digital camera to directly connect to PC;
• Sony InfoLITHIUM NP-FM50 battery pack and AC adapter
• Epson Print Image Matching compatible
Cyber-shot F707 Specifications
• Sensor Resolution (Pixels): 2/3-inch 5.24 megapixels (gross), 5.02 megapixel (effective)
• Image Dimensions: 2560 x 1920, 2560(3:2), 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
• Recording Formats: JPEG (exif 2.1), TIFF, MPEG, GIF (text mode only)
• Sensitivity - ISO equivalent rating: Auto, 100, 200 or 400
• Lens Type: 5x Carl Zeiss all-glass Vario Sonnar, 10x precision digital zoom
• Lens - Focal Length: f=9.7 - 48.5 mm, 38-190mm (35mm equivalent)
• Lens - Aperture Range: f2-f/2.4 to f/8.0 (13 steps) using a 6-blade iris diaphram
• Filter Threads: 58mm
• Shutter Speed Range: 30 to 1/1000 (30 steps)
• Exposure: Program AE, Shutter speed priority, Aperture priority, full Manual and Movie. Sony exclusive NightShot and NightFrame modes.
• Metering: Multi-Pattern, Center-weighted averaging or Spot
• Exposure Compensation: +/- 2EV, 1/3EV steps
• Self-Timer: 10 seconds
• Focus: TTL Automatic, or manual with focusing ring Hologram AF assist up to 4.5m
• Focus Range: 19.7 in. to infinity
• Macro Range: 0.8 to 19.7 inches
• Storage: Sony Memory Stick, 16MB included
• Image Download Time, secs @115K baud ("HQ" image mode): USB; 849K in 3.7 seconds: 229 KB/sec
• Flash Range: 11.6 - 14.7 feet (ISO set to Auto) 0.3 - 4.5m
• Flash Modes: Auto, On, Red-eye, Off Accessory shoe for optional HVL-F1000 flash
• Viewfinder: (EVF) Eyelevel color LCD w/diopter adjustment
• LCD Monitor: 1.8" 123,200 pixels (560x220) TFT color
• Audio Out: Monoraul
• Video Out: NTSC or PAL switchable
• Special Features: MPEG video recording 15 secs @ 320 x 240HQ (unlimited MPEG-EX at 320 x 240 160 x 112), hologram AF system, unusually sharp 5x lens, unique NightShot and NightFrame exposure modes, 14-bit A/D, manual white balance, spot metering
• Power: Sony InfoLITHIUM battery, included charger/AC adapter
• Useable Battery Types: NP-FM50 7.2v InfoLITHIUM only
• Recording Battery Life: approx. 150 minutes with EVF or LCD approx. 2500 still images.
• Size: 4-3/4 x 2-3/4 x 6 inches, 119 x 69 x 151 mm (w/h/d)
• Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (710g) including battery and MS
• Optional Accessories: Soft leather case, add'l batteries, accessory lenses, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 meg Memory
Sticks (strongly recommended!), LSF-H58 lens shade, RM-DR1 wired remote control
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 725
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Epinions.com ID:
jag2112
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Member: John
Location: Clinton, NJ
Reviews written: 304
Trusted by: 310 members
About Me:
The writer stares with glassy eyes...
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