Sony DSC-F707 Review



Full review posted 10/4/01
Introduction & Physical Views
Click on the F707 to take a QuickTime VR tour
The large and sharp 5x Carl Zeiss zoom lens is still there, covering the 35mm equivalent of 38 - 190mm with a maximum aperture of F2-2.4, the new autofocus system now uses a "hologram" laser-assisted illuminator in low light conditions. The lens delivers its optical information to a 2/3-inch 5-megapixel CCD imager that creates still images as large as 2560 x 1920 pixels. The image data is processed through a 14-bit DXP A-D convertor to insure true color reproduction with a wide dynamic range from highlight areas into the shadows. Images can be saved as compressed JPEG with two different quality levels in 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480 size. If uncompressed TIFF is selected, a 2560 x 1920 TIFF image is created as well as a JPEG in the currently selected image size. The user can apply in-camera sharpening values of +2, +1, -1 or -2 or Picture Effects like Solarize, Negative Art or Sepia if desired. And the ISO sensitivity can be set for Auto, 100, 200 or 400 equivalents. Shutter speeds are from 30 seconds to 1/1000 second in Shutter priority or Manual exposure modes with 46 steps inbetween. Noise reduction is automatically enabled for 2.5 second or longer exposures. The Burst3 mode lets you capture up to three frames at a rate of 2fps. Two new exposure modes make use of the infrared illuminators built into the front of the lens. NightShot mode is the same as that used on the Sony camcorders and allows you to capture images in total darkness with the subject being lit by the invisible infrared light. The second mode is NightFrame, this lets you use the infrared illuminators to frame your subject but switches to normal color mode with the builtin flash to capture the final image. Aperture priority is from F2 to F8 with 13 steps using a true "iris" type diaphram mechanism for better depth of field control. Exposure metering options now include Multi-Pattern, Center-weighted Averaging and precise Spot metering. Motion video can be captured in 320 x 240 HQ MPEG mode at 16fps with 10Khz audio sampling for up to 15 seconds in length. These movies will playback in full screen mode on the EVF, color LCD or attached video device via the A/V port. Motion video with audio can also be captured in MPEG-EX mode at 320 x 240 or 160 x 112 at 8fps with the length of the clip being limited only by the capacity of the Memory Stick being used. The F707 comes with a 16MB Memory Stick but can use any size Memory Stick available. You can use the Clip Motion exposure mode to capture up to ten 160 x 120 or 80 x 72 images that are then processed into an animated GIF image good for web pages or email attachments. ![]() The F707's builtin pop-up flash operates at a range of 1.6 to 16.4 feet and includes modes for automatic, red-eye reduction, fill or forced off. There is no flash release button, the flash tube automatically pops-up so that it isn't accidentally forgotten when needed. The optional Sony HVL-F1000 flash can be attached to the accessory shoe on the top of the lens and connected via the ACC port. Sony will also be releasing a new RM-DR1 wired remote control that can activate the camera's shutter via the ACC port. The battery has also been upgraded, the F505V used the NP-FS11 (3.6v 4Wh), the F707 makes use of the NP-FM50 (7.2v 8Wh) InfoLITHIUM battery which packs enough power for about 150 minutes of recording. The amount of battery power remaining is displayed both graphically and numerically in minutes on the color LCD (or EVF) so you never have to wonder when it's time to recharge. Thanks to lithium technology the battery pack can be recharged at anytime without shortening it useful lifetime.
Physical Views![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Three of Sony's new cameras for 2001; the DSC-F707 |
Continue on to
Page Two
Cyber-shot F707 Specifications
|
Return To Our
Reviews Menu
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.