Customer Reviews

Sony DSCF505V Cybershot 2.6MP Digital Camera

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The heart of any camera is in the lens, and the Zeiss lens on the Sony DSC-F505V is one of the best, if not *the* best, lens I've seen on a fixed-lens digital camera. Add to that the high resolution and Sony's novel pixel interpolation software, and you've got a camera that will produce absolutely striking 8x10s- prints so good that you'll find it hard to believe they weren't made from film. Add to that the manula override and incredible cool looks of this camera and you've got a winning package- almost.

Unfortunately Sony decided to equip this otherwise outstanding camera with their own proprietary memory stick storage format. These sticks cost anywhere from 20-50% more than SmartCards and are only available from Sony. And with the resolution this camera produces you'll need at least one 64 meg memory stick- more if you plan on extended outings. The ergonomics aren't great, either. This is not an easy camera to use with two hands and work the controls as well. It almost looks as if ergonomics were sacrificed for style.

Hence only 4 stars. If Sony had used a more standard high-density storage format nd made it a little easier to handle they'd have a 5-star product.

I'm a photography novice who chose this camera because I wanted: 1. a point and shoot that would make good shutter speed and F-stop decisions for me. 2. a single, high quality lens that telescopes and does wide angle, so I wouldn't have buy or change lenses. 3. excellent picture quality in prints and on screen. 4. an easy to use camera. (I was quickly up to speed on most features after 1 read of the manual and a few experimental pictures.) 5. easy transfer of pictures to the computer.

6. easy to use photo software that comes with the camera.

The product excels in all these qualities except #5. Also, I'm glad the battery's rechargeable, and that the lens cap is attached to the camera.

I'm deducting the 5th star for 2 reasons:

1. I followed all the instructions in the manual for downloading my pictures and it didn't work. I had to call customer service and be walked through an entirely different procedure not in the instructions. Also, they recommended that I save pictures on my desktop so I won't lose them. She told me other people have had the same downloading difficulty, but I don't know how widespread it is, or if it's been corrected.

2. I had to buy a couple extras to be completely satisfied with this camera: (1) Extra battery because the one that comes with the camera only lasts about an hour. (2) 64 Mb memory stick, because the 8 Mb memory that comes with the camera runs out very quickly.

Bottom line: Now that I've troubleshot the downloading problem and bought the extras, I'm very happy with this camera.

The new F505V camera is a superb camera that has cured any niggles that I have with the previous F505E version, but Sony have introduced a new problem that wasn't present in the F505E.

On the F505E, with a 64 Mb memory stick, I could take over 300 shots at 1024 x 768 resolution, which matches the resolution I use on my PC. This is ideal if you have a month's annual leave (away from the ability to download all your shots onto your PC). With the F505V, the lowest corresponding resolution is now 1280 x 960, which allows only 90 shots on the 64 Mb memory stick.

Even if they can't provide a mechanism for fixing the resolution vs storage problem on the F505V itself, I would strongly recommend that Sony re-institute the 1024 x 768 resolution on future models of the camera.

PS The primary problem I have with the F505E is "red-eye", which means that, on all my indoor shots - and there are very many of them - I have to use the software provided to try and edit out "red-eye" manually. This painstaking problem has been eliminated on the new F505V by strobing the flash before taking the picture. The F505V also now has the ability to use an external flash, which might have also helped with the "red-eye", had it been available on the F505E.

I am a semi professional photographer. No doubt the best camera I have ever used. Well balanced, easy to use. Image Quality is stunning. Takes better pictures than my 35mm SLR.

This camera is exciting! Picture taking is fun now. You will not be disappointed.

Consider buying at least one 64 meg memory stick (aprox. $120.00)

I can't say enough about this camera. The size and the power can't be beat and the resolution is amazing. I'm a medical examiners field investigator and I use this camera for work as well as pleasure. When placed at maximum resolution, I can produce photos that exceed the quality of 35mm SLR cameras and print the photos poster size for court presentations without the usual grainyness of film stock. If you have the means and want the performance, this is the camera for you.

I've had this camera for about 6 months now and STILL nothing beats it!

I come from a 35mm/medium format back ground so to ME - this camera is nearly perfect. It is VERY ergonomic, contrasted to what another reviewer said. In fact, that's one of the MAIN reasons I bought it! It just feels so good! In fact, it's about the ONLY camera out there that you can say that about.

Second, low light etc. - I think that review was for the F505 - the F505V has MUCH improved all of that and I am quite impressed! I've taken the thing ALL around London, Europe, NY, LA, Las Vegas, South Africa etc. and taken GREAT, stunning night shots with it in almost zero light. It's awesome! Ya just gotta 'work it' right. (and have a tripod or very steady hands!)

It works like a standard 35mm - slightly depress the button and it comes to focus - then you hold it - compose and wait for the right moment - then - press all the way down and it's taken THAT instant! That's the way to avoid the delay. Still - less of a delay would help!

Lack of viewfinder?

I thought that'd be a real problem - but have not yet found it to be. It's an excellent screen - I've compared it to many and it is just gorgeous with detail. In bright sun you hold it 'waist level' style and actually capture the sun light in it to make your image clear. Quite cool - like those waist level 2 and a quarter cameras. Once I got used to it - I love it.

All and all - a gorgeous - beautiful camera that EVERYONE will admire and ask you about. (trust me - I met MANY people at stonehenge, South Africa, Rome etc. just asking about it.)

Ya don't get that with those cheesy 30 dollar-looking '60s silver box cameras or with the plastic 'don't-drop-me' wimpy looking Nikon cheesy sounding 'coolpix'. (and I'm a 35mm Nikon fan - I'm just let down by their digital work.)

Anyway - that's my two cents - hope it helps!

~ jayse

(ps - in April I'll be posting pics, at the moment I just got home and need abreak! Check 'em out!)

This is a really good camera, but there are some drawbacks.

The large lens and overall design fits well in you hands, if you have small hands. The 505's image quality is very good and often opt for the lower resolution images (1856x1392). The low light capabilities are quite good, but you end up having to take one or two shots before finding the best as there is no enhancement of the LCD image prior to a shot. It is sometimes difficult to target with the camera unless you are used to the LCD screen. The menu system is very easy to navigate and allows you to do almost everything you need w/o the use of the computer. Despite the limited (~65min) battery, it is adequate to fill a 64 or 128Mb Memory Stick through normal use. A second battery along with the charger can keep you shooting all day long or as long as your memory holds out. As with any Sony product, the memory will cost you more but go to Synchrotech.com and they have good prices. The flash on the 505 is excellent. At its highest setting, it can easily penetrate 16-20ft.

Because of the 505's odd shape, it can be a challenge finding a good case for it other than the custom Sony case. I ended up with a Cascade Pack (#66009) a part of the MULTI pack series by MRock. Everything I need (camera, extra memory, extra battery, A/C battery charger and cables) will fit into this case and the overall size isn't much more than the camera itself.

Many of the people I work with wouldn't buy this camera as it is more camera than they need. The 505V is really for someone who wants more control of their shots than the simple point and shoot cameras that are out there, but the 505 does have that ability.

It took a while to fully comprehend the instructions and discover exactly how to use the camera properly. It also took about two or three full photo sessions to stop trying to hold it up to my eye like an SLR camera (duh!). The LCD screen is generous for a digital camera. Sometimes tough to see clearly in bright sunlight. BUT... the photos are high qualilty with 4 or 5 different options for pixel resolution. Flash works beautifully, although it is not a pop-up flash. You have to deploy it yourself. Not a big deal. I did buy the optional memory-stick reader that goes directly into the USB port on my computer. Much easier for downloading. I also bought the floppy disk adapter but rarely use it. Of course you have to get a stick with more memory than the one they give you. But that's a given. The price has come down substantially with the introduction of the new F707 camera from Sony (which DOES have a through-the-lense eye-cup view finder.
But this camera has enough features to take you into the future of digital photography without becoming obsolete in a year! Great camera, great lense by Carl Zeiss, good features, cropping, exposure options,resolution options, fantastic zoom. Even records short movies (about 30 to 60 seconds)but you can e-mail them to friends or family. Has a direct e-mail format option. I really enjoy this camera.

This was an upgrade for me. Previously I had an old Sony Mavica which I loved -- but the photos were never good enough to print.

Bought this new toy right before a cruise to Alaska. What can I say? The pictures are stunning! They're as good if not better than those from my 35mm SLR.

Despite many complex features, it's incredibly easy to use. Be prepared -- people will stop you to see what kind of camera it is. It's sleek shape is an attention getter!

I have bought this camera in October 2000 and have taken literally 1000's of pictures. With the help of the superb Zeiss lens I have managed to impress everyone seeing my pictures. Some of them are simply stunning. I should start entering competitions with these photos. Note : use the spot meter for best results and remember to adjust the LCD brightness for different light conditions. That will enhance your pictures drastically because sometimes the display looks dark while it's not. I would say rather spend your money on a camera with a great lens like this one (because that's where the picture enters the camera) instead of one with fancy 5 megapixel resolution. My pictures print out virtually like a film camera's pictures. Especially 2240x1680 pixels on a 4x6 print! I highly recommend it.