Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom Review
Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom Feature
- 5-megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond
- Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with 5x optical/2x digital (10x total) zoom
- Included 16 MB Memory Stick holds 11 images at default settings
- Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
- Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)
I’m out shopping for a new camcorder and am leaning towards a Sony model. This brought to mind my Sony F707.
**ON THE UP SIDE**
I bought it in 2001 and paid a lot. I think with all the stuff I got with it, it came to about 00. Best money I ever spent on an electronic device.
First off – if you have this camera or are picking one up, drop on an appropriately sized UV lens attachment. It doesn’t really change your pictures, at all (it’s a clear lens). What it does do, however, is protect your precious and expensive Zeiss lens underneath. Over the years, my UV lens – in place ALL THE TIME – has saved me from trashing the *REAL* lens multiple times. I’ve had to replace the UV lens twice – at a cost of 20 more dollars. That, my friends, is a bargain compared to the alternative. The fact that you can attach any number of aftermarket things to the lens (because it is standard sized) is just plain awesome.
I got a 128MB stick with the camera. Sounds sort of laughable now, but I’ve operated that camera at the highest resolution for every picture from day ONE. No problem. It still fits 60 or so pictures. Have a laptop handy with a USB stick reader and you’ve got plenty of storage.
I’ve taken this camera everywhere. From the Mayan ruins in Mexico to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto – the pictures I have taken as a rank amateur have impressed many people. Most recently, I used it at the Philadelphia Phillies World Series Victory Parade in Philly (DUH!). With the way the camera twists, I was easily able to hold it HIGH up over my head and still get exactly the shot I wanted. People see the pictures and think I was in the front row when, in fact, I was about 5 rows people deep into the crowd. The sea of red hats/shirts contrasted against the buildings in a mixed light environment (buildings/shadows/bright spots) looks awesome.
There are LOTS of settings to play with if you want to experiment. Some of my coolest shots where nighttime long-exposure pictures of the illuminated Niagara Falls. And I pulled it off without a tripod on hand (hold camera VERY still…LOL).
I take a lot of pictures of my kid’s sports activities. While there is a delay on the initial click-to-picture process, it doesn’t take long to get used to. In any event, I find the built-in “Burst-3″ mode to be very useful for sports. I’ve gotten more sweet shots that way – Bursting “around” the moment I want to photograph…outstanding.
**ON THE DOWNSIDE**
In 2004 or so, I suffered the very common “loose focus ring” problem. This was followed in 2005 by the [very related] “front part of camera falls off” problem and it “now rattles inside” problem (loose screws). It seems there are a few screws that hold that whole mess together on the inside that have a tendency to come loose. Fortunately, at the time, I found a forum on a website that included a posting of the nature of the problem and the steps (step-by-step screenshots/descriptions) to repair it without having to take it to Sony. It is very particular about how it comes apart and (of course) goes back together. If you have the “loose focus ring problem” – or the more advanced stage of that, the “lens falls off front of camera problem”, let me know. I saved it and will send you the repair guide in .PDF format. thedunlapfamilyATcomcastDOTnet.
EDIT: At this time (April 2009), this repair guide to which I just referred is still on the Internet. Find it here: [...]
BTW – I came to realize the common problem(s) described above are caused by the relatively “violent” spring action of the pop-up flash. Over the years after hundreds (thousands?) of “POP!”s from the flash, the screws in question get slowly rattled looser and looser. Finally, they fall out, but stay contained within the camera.
Once I performed that repair, though, everything was fine. I used Loctite on the screws so they’ll never fall out again.
The motion pictures (low quality video) it takes are, especially by 2008 standards, a complete joke – many (most?) cell phones take better video, now. But I found it handy from time to time. Most recently, I used it to have some woman tell me her contact information so I could send her the pictures I had taken. Far easier than writing it down, you know? The sound, at least, is pretty impressive, considering.
**IN THE END**
My camera still works like a champ. I see no reason to upgrade until Sony (or somebody else) essentially re-releases the same camera with updated electronic guts. The physical camera, itself, is just about flawless.
I’m the first to rip a product if it sucks, so I figured I’d take a moment to praise this item that has been worth every penny.
**FINAL WORD**
If you can pick up this camera used and in good condition (especially the Zeiss lens), do it. Get that UV lens/filter I told you about. If nothing else, give it to your teenage aspiring photographer. Let their imaginations run wild with all the cool settings – settings that STILL don’t exist on 90% of the cameras being put out today. Enjoy.
Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom Overview
Accurately realistic photos are captured using this digital camera that has a 5.0 effective CCD and 5.2 gross pixel count. The included 16MB Memory Stick« media stores your shots that can be easily downloaded using the USB interface. A Carl ZeissM-^Y Vario Sonnar lens with 5x Optical/10x Digital zoom captures the essence of each shot with clarity and precision accuracy. For consistently great shots even in low or no light conditions try using the built-in NightFinderM-^Y system.
Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom Specifications
Stay ahead of the digital curve with the Sony DSC-F707. Showcasing superb functionality and some of the most advanced technology currently available, the DSC-F707 combines a 5.24-megapixel CCD, a swivel Carl Zeiss lens, hologram AF laser focus assist, and Sony’s NightShot technology, which enables you to shoot infrared photos.
Optics and Resolution
The Sony DSC-F707 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with 5x optical and 2x digital zoom (for a 10x total), an f2.0 maximum aperture, and a focal range of 9.7-48.5mm (equivalent to 38-190mm). It contains a 5.0-megapixel (effective) CCD, or 5.2-million gross pixels.
More Features
The DSC-F707 uses Sony’s NightShot technology, the same feature seen on Sony’s camcorders, which uses infrared illumination and an infrared filter to take photos in complete darkness. The night-framing system provides infrared light as a composition assist, and utilizes hologram AF focusing and preflash exposure metering for consistently great shots even in low- or zero-light conditions.
Picture quality is enhanced with clear-color NR (noise reduction) that reduces color noise and slow-shutter NR that captures and subtracts CCD noise from long time exposures.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the DSC-F707 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including 320 x 240 (high quality), 320 x 240 (normal), and 160 x 112. You can fill up the Memory Stick with digital video, but you are limited to 15-second movies with 320 x 240 mode. Another movielike feature is called ClipMotion, which will take 10 images and put them into an animated GIF.
The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won’t replace your camcorder, but it’s perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony’s proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 11 images at the camera’s standard 5-megapixel setting (2,560 x 1,920 pixels). Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 11 images per outing, then you’ll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 70 images.
To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera–your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may also have a built-in Memory Stick reader, which makes transferring as easy as reading a floppy disk.
Power
The DSC-F707 uses a proprietary rechargeable Infolithium battery (model M).
Size
The DSC-F707 measures 4.75 by 2.75 by 6 inches and weighs 25.06 ounces with battery, Memory Stick, lens cap, and shoulder strap attached.
Other features include:
- Through-the-lens (TTL) preflash metering and red-eye reduction, cold-shoe and accessory terminal for HVL-F1000
- Twilight, portrait, and landscape mode autoexposure
- Multipattern measuring exposure system
- 46-step shutter priority (30 sec to 1/1,000 sec)
- 13-step aperture priority (f2.0 to f8.0)
- Full manual exposure
- High-speed scan autofocus
- Manual focus ring with LCD magnifier
Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package includes the DSC-F707 digital camera, Infolithium M battery, AC adaptor/in-camera charger, AV output cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, lens cap, 16 MB Memory Stick, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring MGI PhotoSuite and drivers.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 10:18:06
