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| Date Reviewed: 01/04/2005 |
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Strengths: movable lens, plenty useful functions, comfortable form
Weaknesses: Expensive accessories and memory cards
Summary: It is a great camera. Very easy to get used to, comfortable L form, movable lens, just great. Moreover it has plenty of options!
5mp is enough even if you are going to print A3 size photos. Noise on ISO 100 and on ISO 200 is low; ISO 400 and ISO 800 are very noisy.
if you are going to purchase this camera, you'd better buy at least 128mb memory too. And if you are going to use it while camping, of sightseeing tour, I would recommend you to acquire better battery (290 minutes are not enough and it takes 140 minutes to charge it).
Anyway I am using this camera for more than 7 months and I still think that it is the best camera
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| Date Reviewed: 06/10/2003 |
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Strengths: Electronic quality, lens quality, overall quality
Weaknesses: none so far
Summary: I am a Nikonist ( have 3 Nikons SLR 35mm ) and a serious amateur/semi-pro photographer for more than 30 years, but this is my second Sony Digital. Contenders before purchasing this one were Nikon Collpix 5700 and Minolta Dimage 7Hi. I was not in the market for a "true" SLR with interchangeable lenses, as they are too expensive but if I did go, would be a Nikon 100D. Well, after having tested all of these 3 babies in real photo capturing situations ,the Sony was the one that is the easiest to hold and handle, the buttons are very well placed and the camera has a lot of handy functionalities. Carl Zeiss lenses are on par with the best of the best and image resolution in outstanding. Construction is very very good( its the one that have the more solid feel of the three )and we can get accesories for it almost anywhere. The focal length is very acceptable ( 38 to 190mm ) and the shutter speed goes from 30 seconds to 1/2000 ( not the 1/1000 that are printed in the PCWorld revue). Batery lige is excellent. NightShot and specially Nightframing are very handy and the low light performance is outstanding. Colors are well balanced and defined. I am very very pleased with this one and if I did not buy this one, i would have go to the Minolta, as the Nikon is a bit to "tight and small" on my hands and not as easy to operate as the Sony. I recommend the Sony for its user friendly interface and operation and a superb value for money.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/08/2003 |
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Strengths: Excellent picture fidelity, colors really are vibrant and clear. Goes a long way on the batteries. A really great camera so far and I'm very happy with it.
Weaknesses: Few if any. It is a complicated camera with lots of features so the manual could be a bit more logically layed out in terms of process & procedures.
Summary: Have owned this camera a little over 6 months and it's doing everything I expected. Accurate, focused, and vibrantly colorful pictures. The Sony memory stick, reader, and software is also surprisingly easy to use if you have average computer "savvy."
96% of People (26/27) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/15/2004 |
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Strengths: MANY--
--> swivel body is AMAZINGLY useful (I first thought it would be awkward)
--> great lens = great images
--> LIVE histogram -- LEARN TO USE IT & take much better images
--> solidly built
Weaknesses: Nothing major
--> Memory Stick memory is a little more expensive & more limiting than other formats
--> RAW image capture would be nice, but I'm happy with my images
Summary: 2004-08-15 19:56:26 This is a terrific camera if you are an amateur interested in becoming a better photographer. DON'T fall into the "more megapixels is always better" trap. At 5 mp, I have taken professional quality images that look great at 8x10" (never tried anything larger). I bought it at somewhere near the original price ($999), but still consider it a good value. At current prices, I think it's a GREAT value. Based on the reviews of the f828, I am not even THINKING about moving "up" to the 8mp model.
If you are an experienced amateur making the digital 'leap' from a film SLR, this is a great tool to learn and grow with. Learning to use the histogram will make you a better photographer -- guaranteed. The swivel body will encourage you to experiment with different camera angles than you might have considered before.
btw, It is also simple enough that a real amateur can take very good 'point-and-shoot' photos.
I also have both the Sony Wide Angle lens (0.7x, I think) and their telephoto lens (1.7x I think). Each is about the 1/2 the size of a one-pound coffee can, and each weighs more than the camera. This are big-momma lenses; but both take great images. The basic lens on the camera is not very 'wide' (38mm equiv.), so the wide angle is especially useful for landscapes.
Built-in flash is no better than most built-ins, so you will probably want to add an external flash using the hotshoe.
Battery life is VERY good, but you will probably want a spare for trips where you may be shooting all day long.
There are many more expensive cameras out there that don't take images any better than the f717.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/16/2003 |
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Strengths: Excellent Zeiss lens (razor sharp, F2.0), long battery life, fast focus and shooting, great macros, lots of features, takes great pictures, even in total darkness (IR).
Weaknesses: 35-190mm (5x optical) is a little short for me, I'd prefer a wider angle on the low end for scenics. Minimum aperture is F8, could use F16 for scenics. Noisy pics at ISO 400-800.
Summary: This is a superb camera, the best of the 5MP I tried. Longer battery life (4-6 hrs ON), quicker focus, shorter time between shots (esp. with memory stick pro), easier to use. What good is the longer zoom on other cams if the lens is so slow you can't shoot handheld? This lens is very fast and sharp. Put it on manual and you can control everything, put it on full auto and your wife can use it as a point and shoot. It will even take video clips. Unlike the 5MP Nikon, it has threads for filters. The Minolta 5MP I tried lasted 30 minutes on fresh batteries, this will go 4-6 hours. Enlargements look as good as a 35mm, especially if you shoot in TIF mode. I wish I could show you some pictures I've taken with this, it's just a great camera!
94% of People (17/18) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/24/2003 |
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Strengths: In AF mode, it does all! Plenty of options, perhaps too much for a beginner. Nice and crisp pics at night, fireworks specially, pics are incredible. Battery life is very good. Near 500 shots...
Weaknesses: No RAW mode. Tele and far scenes seems blur or not well focused (must use tripod). WEIGHT! No standard lenses can be used (Nikon, Canon..). Memorystck prices!
Summary: Overall, I'm satisfied, very satisfied. In full resolution mode I've done the best pics of my life. More than 5.000 in a year! impossible with a film one. Macro mode are a singular and funny way to use a camera for me. Nice shots of snakes, flowers, moths, coins.. only at 10mm! Fast pics, like waterdrops are astounding! It lacks a 1/2000 mode but from 1/500 to 1/1000 you could do a lot of nice "frozen" drops! I expect to see what F828 can do with 8MP sensor.... :-)
92% of People (12/13) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/23/2004 |
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Strengths: Great Auto Focus. Amazing Night/Low light Shots/ Battery time would rival any other cam. Great buy for it price.
Weaknesses: Bulky. Be Ready to carry some weight around. On-Camera controls will take some time getting used to.
Summary: Ture there are Big names in the 5.0 mp digi cam world. but Sony has made there mark with this camera. Sony has really done a great job with this one.. !
Images are sharp , crisp and loads of manual control gives this camera the ease of Point and click as well as the professional touch. if ur a Photography enthusiast , looking for somewhere to begin with in the advance photography but dont want to blow ur money up then this is the best cam for u. The cam has the Best AutoFocus , even in the dark conditions. i have used Nikon coolpix and found in comparison this SONY is UP n RUNNING in less then a second.. ! Flash recharge is hardly noticable and InfraRed makes it possible to get great shots even in dark conditions ! however dont rely on 32 mb stick.. that wont last that long . get atleast a 256 mb stick. i have to admit i was VERY happy with the battery time of this camera ! this camera is worth every penny. on the downside, be ready for a little bulky camera with a long lens. its not that easy to carry around. so if u want a quick point n shoot , easy to carry around. this is NOT for you. overall i would RECOMMEND it to anyone !
89% of People (16/18) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/01/2003 |
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Strengths: Super optic Carl Zeiss Lens.....need I say more? Great 5x zoom lens. Batteries last forever! Functions are easy to use. Ergonomical well balance for right or left hands. USB 2.0!
Weaknesses: Memory stick 32MB! What a joke! Need at least a minumum 128 and above.
Summary: 2003-02-03 00:15:18 Well first of all I contacted Sony Japan and they are coming out with a 1GB Memory Stick soon but get ready for the price......USD$550.00-USD$650.00! Well other than the memory stick, I have absolutely no complain about this camera. Recommended for intermediate and advance users for high res pix. Flash is a bit strong, so -1EV down had to bit adjusted. White balance is 95% accurate but can be fine tune on Photoshop. I love the download from the USB2.0 as it's fast! I bought this camera in Japan when it just launch not long ago. My friend recommended although this is not a camera brand name like Nikon or Canon but when it comes to a high end consumer usage, this is one camera that will shoot down plenty of 4.0MP-5.0MP digicam! I just wish Sony would have thought, 5.0MP camera should at least come with a 128MB. Just imagine shooting about an estimate of 20-25 shots on 5.0MP and is full! As I am an advance user, going travelling was a hassale as i need to download to mine mini Sony laptop. After purchasing the 128MB, it was still too little for me. To summarize it all, it's the best 5.0MP camera under a USD$1000.00 I have seen so far. It's a must for all digicam freaks! Nothing beats this camera except unless you compare with legendary Nikon D1x or the D100 or the up and coming Canon 1Ds which is 11.1MP but at a stageering USD$7699.00!
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| Date Reviewed: 05/09/2003 |
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Strengths: Everything, Hologram AF, 5.0MP, Great low light/no light shooting options...list goes on!
Weaknesses: None whatsoever
Summary: Awesome camera, amazing quality. Easy to use, like a point and shoot camera really. Some complain about the "expensive" costs, LOL, I live in New Zealand and the cameras retail price is around $2500 NZ dollars!! well worth the money tho. :)
88% of People (7/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/12/2003 |
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Strengths: Does it ALL
Weaknesses: 32mb supplied memory stick
Summary: Am taking a professional caliber photography course and needed the control this camera offers. The Zeiss lens was the final convincing factor. Want a great digicam at an affordable price? -- buy the f-717. No regrets. Own 4 other digicams, ALL SONY; happy with all of them.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/01/2003 |
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Strengths: Exceptional lens quality; great color balance schemes; superb macro capability; easy to use.
Weaknesses: No capability to change lenses (but that keeps you from having to spend more money!).
Summary: I had the original DSCF707, and when it was stolen, I replaced with the F717. Both were superb, but the F717 is even better. You would not believe the quality of photos I am getting, ranging from extreme close-ups to astronomical photos (I have a hand-held shot of the moon that rivals photos taken with astronomical scopes). I've learned to use the AE lock to adjust lighting rather than fiddling with F-stops, and am getting superb photos. Have a friend with a very high-end Nikon, and his photos are no better quality than mine. He spent about $4K more than I did, too, and has to carry around a case of lenses. I love the versatility of the Zeiss lens on this camera. I also love the color balance technology, which is accurate and easy to use. Sharpness of photos can't be beat. Light sensitivity is great. I have a zoom of a bee in flight, in full sun, and you can see his wings stopped in mid-flight. I highly, highly recommend this camera. After 40+ years of photo taking, I am doing by far my best work with this camera, and of course am paying nothing for film processing. I have not found it necessary to retouch photos with Photoshop or other software. I usually print from PowerPoint because it is easy to resize and crop and add captions. This camera is great for the beginner, and can give you professional-quality results as you become more sophisticated; it allows your artistic flair to surface without having to learn anything about the technology underneath it.
86% of People (18/21) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 05/14/2003 |
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Strengths: Very easy Camera to use. Very good resolution. Like the Carl Zeiss lenses. This is my second SONY I like this camera as much or more than my first. Like Tele and Wide angle lens.
Weaknesses: Camera is a little hard to handle when taking shots. You have a hard time finding the zoom controls.
Summary: I would recomend that you buy a 128MB stick. I have several. I can download to my laptop so memory is not a problem. If you have to go out and do a lot of shooting and don't have extra memory or a backup you may have proplems. The resolution is really great. Auto focus very good. Battery life is really good, I do have an extra battery.
86% of People (6/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/12/2002 |
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Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: Nothing
Summary: I am a complete photographic dead brain. This camera does everything for me - brilliantly. Also bought an Epson 1280 printer. The pair work magnificently well together. Printing even a full A4 size photo (on the premium glossy paper mind you) gives fabulous results, no graininess, just quality.
82% of People (9/11) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/11/2004 |
- shotgunslade
from TX
- Member Since:
Jan 2004
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: Fantastic! This is my second Sony. The first being a floppy disc model whish is great, but onlt 20 plus or minus pictures.
Weaknesses: I have not found any, but I am just an amature. I enjoy the 717 more every time I use it.
Summary: As other reviews state, the 32Mg stick is great for a spare.
I purchased two 256 Mg sticks and two larger capacity batteries.
A week in NYC attending a Trade Show, and I still had plenty of room to take 25 or 30 more pictures.
Battery charging was corrected by purchasing a generic stand alone in NYC for $50.00.
I also purchased a Wide Angle lense that screws onto the front of the camera lense by using an adapter ring. Wide Angle and adapter ring in NYC cost me $255.00
To prove the worth of the Wide angle lense, I removed the new lense from the box, stuck the camera lense into the cardboard box and snapped a picture. Results, BLACK, you could not see anything.
Then screwed the Wide angle on, put it back in the box and snapped a picture. Results, you could see the four walls and bottow to include the seams of the box.
A further experament, I placed the Wide Angle lense into my trouser pocket and have a beautiful image of a $20.00 bill and a wad of other folded bills.
Another picture taken in my opposite pocket gave a very clear image of my automobile keys and door remote and the flash was outside of my trouser pocket for both.
The next investment will be to add a screw in Telephoto Lense to round out one fantastic camera.
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| Date Reviewed: 07/26/2003 |
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Strengths: High resolution, ease of use, high quality pictures
Weaknesses: NA
Summary: I've owned this camera for eight months and have taken about 2000 pictures with it, and am *very* pleased with the images obtained. The color is good, the clarity is good, handling is good. I have noticed one bug in the firmware - only rarely will the camera power up and the lcd screen stays black instead of displaying the image viewed through the lens. Sony has either not noticed or addressed this bug. Powering down and then back up restores normal behavior. Do not let that deter you from purchasing this camera. It takes excellent pictures, especially considering the price. I've compared with others a lot and continue to be pleased.
80% of People (8/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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