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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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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