Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [4.07mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.9 x 2.6 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00005UKBD
• Item model number: DSCF707
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,879 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 1, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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 Description

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

209 of 211 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Investment in Digital Photography, December 6, 2001

By 

EgusHdus (Hua Hin, Thailand USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Frankly, this IS an investment...you spending $1000+ for this camera plus some needed accessories. Few people will ever shoot 5 Mega Pixels (MP) shots every time, but serious (and serious amateur) photographers will certainly appreciate being able to produce stunning detail when the need arises. Look at images shot on your friends' 2 or 3 MP cameras...this level of quality is amazing...but you WILL want to exceed this occasionally, and (...) is the price you pay to get the technology NOW. A 5 MP head shot will allow you to EASILY discern individual hairs on life-size prints (as in 11x14)...it's truely amazing.

I looked at the Minolta Dimage 7...the auto focus zooms past the subject and back...it seems irritatiingly "loose", for lack of a better term. The Sony is a bit crisper in it's approach to auto focus, though not perfect.

Low-light shots are a challenge, but the viewfinder does have a tremendous amount of information available, including exposure "F" stops, shutter speed, low light warnings, etc. The true genius is that you can essentially operate the camera in a manual mode, quickly overriding the meter to compensate for the light in any situation...backlight, contrasty light, reflections, etc.

If you ever used a 35mm in manual in the old days (when you really had to KNOW photography), you'll love the control available. And younger photographers will find a whole new world in being able to make this camera do what most digitals will still not do...take the unusual shot.

The camera is well balanced, and rather sturdy. You will get used to the shooting position...give it time. My biggest complaint is that the zoom selection switch operates "backwards" to my taste. Intuitively, I want to zoom "in" pressing the "out" button (!)...

You have an adequate built-in pop-up flash...PLUS a PC connection for external flash AND a flash shoe! Slavery, anyone?

The memory stick is a bit of a hassle, but extremely convenient once you get over the struggle. Buy a small USB reader to use at work or home...I use the "Zio". And buy the 128 MB memory stick...nothing smaller.

There were early problems with "White Balance", as recently as Nov 01. Current cameras should be shipping with the factory fix, but Sony, to it's shame, STILL has no information on it's website detailing same, even though it required early owners to send the camera for a "free" repair. Not exactly good thinking for a $1000 camera.

The images are good, but I do have to compensate a bit in low-light. Based on shooting several thousand "test" shots with another camera, I'm happy with this one. It does the job and can satisfy both consumer and professional. Note that I do not plan to replace this camera for several years. Why? Because printer technology has not caught up to the resolution of the camera (at least for the home user) and no one really needs much more in a camera. Five Mega Pixels will generate a poster-size image with very nice quality...you won't be doing it often, but you'll be glad you did when you do.

I like it, and I shopped hard to ensure the most features with the best price. As with all electronics, find a cheap extended warranty. (...) . Cameras DO break.

Shop carefully for a CASE to put it in...the unique shape requires some thinking. I have 3. One for everything including cords and cables, one for the camera plus memory sticks, and a Sony brand "ever-ready" case. Depends on how long you're out and how fast you want to access the camera..at what level of protection. Think.

You'll want an extra battery. Perhaps a travel charger, otherwise you charge the battery by plugging the CAMERA in the wall (!)...thanks Sony. :-(

Buy a UV filter (58mm) to protect the lens.

This camera is expensive, and generally reliable - it's a Sony. Many features I have not detailed, and it has a superb 10x OPTICAL zoom (and a 2x digital). If you are thinking digital and want to not have to trade-up for a while, I suggest the Sony DSC-F707. If you love photography, do not buy a smaller CCD chip than 5 MP...even if you buy another brand. But I certainly recommend the Sony DSC-F707 camera for people to whom the image is important.

90 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best camera on the market, December 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

My previous camera was a Sony DSC-505V. An excellent camera. I am agoldsmith and gemcutter and use a digital camera to photgraph my work for use in portfolio and advertising items for sale. It is some of the most difficult photography there is. But with this camera it has become. I am finished with hiring a professional photgrapher.
Most of my work is done in macro mode. The DSC-F707 is incredible in this way. Focus is always perfect. Just as important is true to life color. When photographing gemstones the color must be exact. Big problem with other cameras that I have used. No problem now. White balance and spot metering are much better than expected and the automatic functions are flawless. In the past I would have to take a dozen photos of each item and then pick the best. I get the perfect shot first time almost always with this camera.
The 5 megapixels is a dream come true. I can take a close up photo of a diamond or gemstone, then crop out an inclusion and enlarge it while still keeping a nice, sharp picture. My customers know exactly what they are getting. It is almost like photography through a microscope. I plugged the camera into a 57 inch digital television and enlarged a small diamond inclusion to fill up almost all of the screen and still had a sharp image. That had me convinved.
Of course this camera will be used for vacations and such also. I am a skydiver and travel all around the country looking for fun. Its common to see the small digital camcorders mounted on helmets. They will get kicked and banged around in the air and get hit with wind up to 300 mph. You will rarely see anything but a Sony mounted on a helmet. It is about the only brand that makes a camera that will stand up to the abuse. So Sony is the only choice.
On skydiving trips the fun does not end when the sun goes down. Take lots of photos after dark. The nightframe feature will see lots of use. In low light conditions the LCD screen on digital cameras is usually black and you have no idea what is in the frame. With the nightframe you can set up the shot under night vision then take photo in true color with the flash. Great feature.
The viewfinder is a great feature lacking in the DSC-505V. In bright light the view screens on digital camera become invisible. With the viewfinder it is easy to see what you are photographing.
This camera has every feature and adjustment that I have seen on any 35mm or digital camera. With a good printer the prints surpass anything that a 35mm can do. 35mm just became obsolete. The included 16MB memory stick is useless. Have to get a 128MB. Also bought the optional wide angle lens. Only complaint is that I have not yet been able to find a wide angle converter lens yet.

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Digital Camera at this Price!, December 16, 2001

By 

E. B. Johnson "ebj3k" (Ukiah, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This digital camera has the best features and resolution (...). I looked at the Olympus models, but the DSC-F707 has a better resolution than the E-10.(...) The lens is great, and it takes great pictures in low light situations.

There is a problem with the white balance on some of these cameras, but I believe it has been fixed. If you find that you are having problems while taking low light pictures, with a flash, you can get a flash upgrade for the camera from Sony. You may have some trouble getting into customer support, but that is my only issue with Sony.

Don't let that stop you from getting this camera. The quality is phenomenal. I am a photographer, and you can't find a better camera for the price. The quality rivals an SLR film camera. I can get a 6.4" by 8.5" picture at 300 DPI picture out of the DSC-F707. For Graphic Designers, that is not quite magazine quality, but it's getting close. This camera can be used for a lot of professional work, and I am looking forward to using it in the field.

I have one more problem with this camera. The 16mb card that comes with it is useless. You'll have to get a 128mb card if you're going to take pictures at the highest resolution. The 16mb card gives you only 6 pictures!!!! The 128mb card gives you 48 pictures. I have two of them, but will need more if I go on a long hike. It depends on what you use it for. (...) The battery seems to be OK. It doesn't go out as fast as other cameras I've had, but it can always get better. If I were you, I'd get this camera, a 128mb memory stick, and an extra battery. Then, you'll be set. (...)

All in all, this is a fantastic camera. Other than a few minor quirks, it will make you very happy until the new model comes out. Buy it!