Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-F707

A digital camera worth the price

That technology walks in giant strides is nothing new, so nobody should be overly surprised of the fact that today a semipro digital camera can be purchased at the same price that yesterday bought only a consumer model. One of the companies that worked the most to bring this technology down to affordability is surely Sony. As if to continue a tradition also in the field of digital photography, the Japanese corporation recently became the first to offer a 5-megapixel camera for less than U.S. $1,000.
The DSC-F707 is the follow-up to the F505, sporting the same body, but with many pleasant novelties in comparison with the previous model, beginning with the 5 megapixel CCD imager.
The DSC-F707 is built around a large and sharp 5x Carl Zeiss lens, covering the 35mm equivalent of 38-190 mm (maximum aperture F2-2.4). The unconventional shape is one of the most striking aspects. In a period when most manufacturers try to design cameras as compact and lightweight as possible, Sony offers its customers a model that does not cut corners as to weight and size, also due to its powerful lenses. The camera has an unusually large objective and a body that is tasked with handling many functions.
The rear body of the F707 is attached to the lens by a swivel and can be rotated through approximately 77 degrees upwards (LCD facing up) and 36 degrees down. Even though its shape at first appears unusual for a digital camera, the use is natural and easy in comparison to more compact but nonetheless less handy designs.
Actually, the first feeling given is of safety, thanks to a body entirely made in magnesium, which bestows a robustness that can't be found in many plastic models currently available on the market.
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable InfoLithium M battery, which on the one hand performs well in terms of average life, but on the other cannot be replaced by normal alkaline batteries on sale at any supermarket, even in case of emergencies.
The DSC-F707 comes with a very clear and bright 1.8" LCD monitor located in the back of the body. Thanks to an anti-reflective coating, the LCD can easily be used also outdoors, in conditions of strong lighting. Of course, if one intends to maximize battery life, one should use the monitor as little as possible, especially when taking shots. The electronic viewfinder, essentially a miniature LCD with a magnifying eyepiece, can be used instead.
Less pleasant surprises include a reduced capacity, for such a model, of the Memory Stick used to store photos. The camera comes with one 16MB Memory Stick, which means less than six images at the highest resolution, 2560x1920 pixels. The only plausible solution is to hoard Memory Sticks, or content oneself with a handful of photos.
Anyway, from a functional standpoint, the DSC-F707 is truly incredible. The camera features high-speed scan autofocus and a new "hologram" focusing assist device to insure properly focused pictures no matter what the light levels are. This new autofocus system uses a Class 1 laser to paint a grid pattern on the subject and is perfectly safe, even when aimed directly at someone's eyes. Along the top front of the lens are two infrared illuminator LEDs; these are used by the exclusive Sony NightShot and NightFrame exposure modes. NightShot is the same as that found on most Sony camcorders and generates a green-tinted image in total darkness. NightFrame uses the infrared illuminators to let you see and frame your subject in total darkness but it then switches to regular colour mode and uses the flash.
In general, image quality is excellent, with well-saturated and very lifelike colours, giving truly professional images. The DSC-F707 even allows connection of an external flash in case of need, manual focus control, and storage of short movies in MPEG format. Perfectly compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms, through its USB port, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-F707 is a dream for lovers of digital photography, with the added bonus of a price not beyond affordability.

Publication Date: 2002-05-26
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=1362