First Look posted 2/20/2002 Full Review Posted 07/08/2002
Introduction & Physical Views
Click on the CD250 to take a QuickTime VR tour
The Mavica CD250 captures images with 2.0 megapixel (effective) resolution and 3X optical / 2X digital zoom. Some new features it shares with its big brother, the MVC-CD400, include a solid, ergonomically curved design, MPEG HQX Movie mode with audio, and a three-shot burst mode for taking photos in rapid succession. Available in May and expected to sell for about $600, the CD250 is positioned to introduce CD photography to anyone seeking a versatile, easy way to shoot, share and save great pictures.
Multi-point auto focus makes sure the camera doesn't just focus on the center of the frame. Instead the MVC-CD250 model automatically finds the best focus among three different areas within the picture, while the MVC-CD400 lets the photographer automatically or manually select the best focus from five separate parts of the picture.
Allowing the camera to more accurately calculate exposure, Sony's pre-flash exposure metering actually calculates exposure with light from the flash itself. To provide accurate exposure in uneven lighting, multi-pattern metering divides the scene into a matrix of 49 separate cells, each of which can be metered independently.
Maximizing the benefits of writeable CD photography, Sony's new CD250 Mavica digital still camera incorporates focus, exposure and archiving features that help make every picture worth keeping. CompactDiscs are easy-to-use, long-lasting, and allow instant archiving of pictures - a lot of pictures. The CD250 Mavica comes with a a media pack of six CD-Rs and one CD-RW disc, giving the user over one gigabyte of available storage.
Sony MVC-CD250 Features:
3x optical (41-123mm 35mm equiv) Sony aspherical zoom lens
1/2.7" 2.0 Megapixel (effective) Super HAD CCD image sensor
1600x1200, 1600(3:2), 1280x960 and 640x480 resolution still images in JPEG Normal or Fine and uncompressed TIFF formats
Records images to 8cm CD-R or RW Disc (156MB capacity)
High-speed scan AF with AF illuminator light and manual focus modes
2½" 123,000 pixel color LCD viewfinder with solar assist window
3-mode auto pop-up flash w/selectable red-eye reduction, compatible w/HVL-F1000 flash
Muli Pattern and Spot metering
Adjustable white balance with five modes.
ISO 100, 200, 400 and Auto
MPEG HQX movie mode, 320x240 @ 16fps with audio, unlimited length
Slow shutter noise reduction
UXGA/XGA/VGA, 3:2 UXGA image resolution
USB transfer allows use as an external CD-R/RW drive
InfoLithium® rechargeable battery, AC adapter/charger supplied
Physical Views
The 4-megapixel Mavica CD400 and the 2-megapixel CD250.
Still: 1600x1200, 1600(3:2), 1280x960, 640x480 MPEG: 320x240 and 160x120 MultiBurst: 16-320x240 frames as 1280x960 image ClipMotion GIF: Up to ten 160x120 and 80x72 frames
Recording Formats
Still: JPEG, TIFF, GIF Movie: MPEG HQX (320x240 @ 16fps w/audio) MPEG standard (320x240 or 160x112 w/audio)
Image Storage
8cm (3-inch) CD-R or CD-RW 156MB discs
A/D Conversion
12-bit DXP
Lens
Sony 3x F3.8-3.9 6.4-19.2mm (41-123mm 35mm equiv) with 37mm filter threads
Focus
Contrast Detect AF 3-Area MultiPoint AF Autofocus 19.7" to infinity Macro AF 1.2" minimum 5-step Manual focus
ISO Sensitivity
Auto (100-400) or fixed 100, 200, 400
White Balance
Auto, Cloudy, Sunny, Incandescent, Fluorescent
Exposure Metering
Multi Pattern or Spot
Shutter Range
2 sec to 1/800 (auto)
Aperture Range
F3.8 - 8.0 (auto)
Manual Exposure
No
Program AE
Auto plus Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape
Burst Mode
3 frames at 2fps
Confirm Before Write
User selectable
Noise Reduction
Automatic at 1/2 sec or slower
Exposure Compensation
+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
In-Camera Sharpening
+/- 2 in 1 step increments
Flash Modes
Auto, Forced, Redeye, Off
Flash Level Adjustment
Auto, High, Low
Flash Range
2.6 to 11.5 feet
External Flash
Optional HVL-F1000 via ACC port
Color LCD
2.5-inch 123,000 pixels TFT w/backlight and solar-assist window
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.
