Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F88 Review

August 2004 | Simon Joinson

Review based on a production Sony Cyber-shot DSC F88

Never shy of giving the consumer an almost bewildering array of choices, in May 2004 Sony added yet another (its fifth) 5 megapixel, 3x zoom camera, the DSC-F88 to its 2004 range. Seasoned Sony watchers will immediately recognize the inner swivel lens design, which has made several appearances in Sony's product lineup since the DSC-F1 back in 1996. What makes the F88 slightly different to its predecessors is the inclusion of a 3x Carl Zeiss zoom lens (which uses the same folded optics as the Cyber-Shot T1) and an optical viewfinder; it is also a little larger than the F1/F5/F55/F77 models that came before it. Specification-wise the F88 is very similar to the T1 and W1, save for a smaller screen and the aforementioned swivelling lens, which rotates through 300 degrees, giving considerable shooting versatility and the ability to take perfect self-portraits. As well as a wealth of scene modes the F88 has a smattering of real photographic controls (including a full manual exposure mode) and a very capable movie mode (640x480 pixels, though only at 16fps). Here's a quick run-down of the key features:

5.1 Million effective pixels Super HAD CCD
3x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens
10 scene modes
InfoLITHIUM stamina battery
Optional wide angle converter lens and docking station
MPEG1 movie mode
1cm 'magnifying glass' mode
300 degree rotating lens

Key specifications

Street price	• US: $409 • UK: £285
Body Material	Metal and plastic
Sensor	• 1/2.4 " CCD, 5.25 million total pixels • 5.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 2,592 x 1944 • 2,048 x 1,536 • 1,280 x 960 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640x480 pixels @ 16fps • Duration only limited by card capacity (streaming) • MPEG1 with sound
Lens	• 38 - 114mm equiv. (x optical zoom) • F3.5-4.2 • Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar
Focus	• TTL Autofocus • 5-area multi point AF • Centre-AF • Single shot or Monitoring AF (continuous) • 8cm macro mode (Wide), 25cm (Tele) • 1cm 'Magnifying Glass' mode • Manual focus (6 presets)
Shooting mode	• Auto • Program • Manual • Scene modes: • Magnifying Glass • Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Landscape • Soft Snap • Snow • Beach • High-speed shutter (sports) • Fireworks • Candle • AE compensation -2.0EV to +2.0 EV in 1/3EV steps
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO100,200,400
White Balance	• Auto • 4 presets
Image parameters	• Saturation (3 levels) • Contrast (3 levels) • Sharpness (3 levels) • Picture effects (Black & White, Sepia)
Continuous	1.6 fps, up to 9 frames (5MP fine mode)
Flash	• Built-in • Auto, Manual on/off, Red-eye reduction: on/off, Slow sync: on/off • Range (ISO auto): W 0.15 - 2.2 m (0.5 - 7 ft), T 0.25 - 2 m (9.5 - 6.5 ft) • Compensation (+, normal, -)
Storage	• Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO • 32 MB MS supplied
Viewfinder	• Optical Real Image type
LCD monitor	• 1.8" TFT, 134,000 pixels
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 High Speed • A/V out (via multi connector or dock) • DC-IN
Power	• InfoLITHIUM NP-FR1 rechargeable (in-camera charging) • (includes AC adapter)
Other features	• Spot & Multi metering • Multi burst mode • 300 degree rotating lens • Live Histogram
Weight (inc batt)	163 g (5.7 oz)
Dimensions	97.8 x 74.4 x 25.6mm (3 7/8 x 1 3/16 x 3 1/4in)

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

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