Sony DSC-F505V "CyberShot"

When you need it, the flash can be popped up from the top of the lens.   This is a multi-mode intelligent flash with automatic, red-eye and fill flash settings and an effectve range of 11.8 inches - 8.3 feet (0.3 - 2.5m). If you need more flash power you can connect the HV-FL1000 external flash to the sync port.

The user controls are very simple and clearly marked. On the top of the camera we find the power on/off switch, the zoom lens control slider, the main mode control, the shutter button and the self-timer lamp.  Oh yes, let's not forget the microphone, used for recording voice memos.

On the left side of the zoom lens we find the focus control for automatic or manual, the macro mode button, the white balance mode button and a one-push manual white balance button, the spot metering button and up on top is the lever to release the popup flash.

On the back is the flash mode button, the Program AE mode button, the 4-way jog switch for activating and navigating the menus - you push it in the center to accept menu selections.

The Display button controls the amount of onscreen data that is shown in both record and playback modes. The jack is for connecting the Sony HV-FL1000 external flash.

Below the color LCD is the backlight control switch, when you're out in the bright sunlight you turn the backlight off.  Indoors you use the menu to increase or decrease the backlight illumination. The volume controls are also used for changing the shutter speed and aperture in the AE modes.

A fast, USB-compliant I/O port allows PC and Mac users to rapidly download images to their computer without the need for a card reader.  The yellow jack is for the A/V connection to a TV, the video format is selectable between NTSC and PAL.

Images are stored on Sony's MemoryStick modules, an 8MB card is supplied with the camera. Memory Sticks are now available up to 64MB size with 128MB and 256MB promised for 2001.

The DSC-F505V uses the Sony "S" series InfoLITHIUM 3.6v rechargable battery. The battery runtime in minutes is displayed at all times on the LCD display. Sony claims one hour runtime per charge but this of course depends on theuseage of the flash and LCD backlight.

Included is the AC-VF10 combination battery charger and AC power supply. A battery eliminator is included that is put in the camera and then plugged into the charger.