5stars
113ratings4stars
17ratings3stars
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Easy to use94% agree
Good image quality94% agree
Good value97% agree
127 reviews
Versatile, full-featured, easy to use workhorse
Sony did not disappoint with this unit. I took a lot of pictures with this: candids, scenery, performances, panoramas, eBay, events and more. I always walked away with lots of good photos.
The most distinctive and useful feature is the unique barrel lens that rotates up and down.
This is great for candids. When you're looking down at the camera, you can point the lens forward or to the side and sneak pictures of camera-shy people. If you like to get down to a child's eyelevel, you don't have to kneel down to get the shot. If you like to photograph that dog or cat lying on the ground, or you're following it around, you can get great pictures at their level without so much exertion. I'm now using a Digital SLR with the tiny viewfinder that makes me do all of the bending down. How I miss that feature.
You can also hold the camera above your head and shoot over the heads of people.
For landscape shots, it has a very generous exposure time so that you can get great sunset and night time shots by holding the shutter open for a long period of time.
The auto exposure mode was great for most shots but when I needed to adjust the shutter speed or aperture, I felt confident in its metering system to tell me that I was still getting a good picture.
This camera was used to photograph a performance because the professional photographer who was supposed to to do the shoot could not locate a muffler for the shutter noise in time. There is no noise with this camera.
The main problem was its defective sensor. I'm glad Sony is covering its repair as well as shipping.
The other problem was the low-light focusing system. It puts out a red light when the lighting is poor so that its focusing system could focus on something. For a performance, you would not want to put red light on the performers. It would be better if it could have put out light in the invisible spectrum so that it could focus without being a distraction.
Otherwise, it's a great camera to learn with and advance.Read full review...
A Different View
There are at least hundreds of new digital cameras of all types on the market right now, with every possible bell & whistle among them, not to mention megapixels galore. So why did I buy an older Sony F717 when I already have an Olympus E-410 dSLR? One word: infrared.
The F717 was a fairly high-end camera at its introduction, with a Carl Zeiss lens, multiple shooting modes, the ability to save images in either JPEG or TIFF format, and a unique body style that lets you work from pretty much any angle. And 5 megapixels was nothing to sneeze at. By today's standards, though, it's entry level, and many cameras have excellent optics and movable screens to allow shooting at odd angles. It's the infrared, or IR, that makes this camera still stand out.
In Nightshot mode, the camera flips an internal filter out of the way and the camera's sensor records light in the near-infrared range (approximately 750-900nm), which the human eye can't detect. It also uses a pair of small infrared sources around the outer edge of the lens to provide infrared illumination to focus and take pictures in total darkness. Handy for taking pictures when you're literally in the dark, but not what I was after.
Landscape images taken in infrared have an otherworldly quality. In black & white IR, the blue sky goes nearly black, and the green of the trees, shrubs, and grass becomes white. A tropical scene can become a wintry wonderland. You can spend a lot on an IR-capable SLR or to convert a normal one. If you just want to check out IR, the F717 is a great starting place at a very reasonable secondhand price.
Normal color pictures show that the Carl Zeiss lens is indeed good, and the adjustable angle of the lens comes in handy. Autofocus is fairly snappy, and the zoom can be managed with the typical rocker or using the ring on the outer end of the lens. In JPEG mode, images write to the proprietary Sony Memorystick quickly. However, TIFFs move painfully slowly: 30-40 seconds per image. Naturally, they also fill up the 'stick in a hurry, given their much larger uncompressed size.
Sony 'crippled' the NIghtshot mode somewhat after it hit the press that some people were using Sony's IR still & video cameras to shoot pictures through people's clothing. That's right, some fabrics are nearly transparent to IR; so are most sunglasses. Iin Nightshot mode, the aperture is locked at its largest size and the shutter works no faster than 1/60th of a second. In the dark, this won't be a problem. For daylight landscape images, this makes it nearly impossible to get an image that isn't heavily overexposed.
The solution: stack a good IR filter (try the Hoya R72) and a neutral density filter to block out most of the light. I use an ND8, but you can stack multiple filters of lower density. The lens takes 58mm filters; I strongly recommend 67mm filters and an adapter ring to avoid vignetting.
The image you see in the electronic viewfinder or on the LCD is coming straight from the sensor, so you're seeing the IR image that will be recorded. The images come out green, so you'll want to postprocess with Adobe Photoshop or another photo editor. Whether you convert the image to BW or to a toned image, the results can be both beautiful and eerie.
Downsides: This camera's JPEG artifacts are very heavy in IR images. If you print very large, this can be a problem. Writing TIFFs takes FOREVER but the landscape isn't running away. Just get a larger 'stick to hold those big files.Read full review...
Good camera for people who like "Gadgets" :-)
I've had this camera for several years - there are some 'better' cameras out there these days, but if you can pick up one of these for a good price, it might serve you well.
Here are some random things about the camera:
It can use the Sony memory stick *pro* (as opposed to the previous f707 model). The pro is faster, and can go to larger sized (non-pro is limited to 128Mb).
The lens swivels from the body, which allows you to easily take pictures from interesting angles (high & low).
The battery lasts about 2 hours, and tells you exactly how many minutes are left (that's the 'info' part of the 'info-lithium').
You can attach filters & extra lenses to the 58mm threads.
The infra-red night-vision mode is pretty neat :)
The macro mode works pretty well for extreme close-ups of insects, small items you're wanting to sell on ebay, etc.
There are threads on the bottom to mount it on a tripod (or monopod).
You can buy a wired remote to plug into the 'acc' hole, to control the zoom, on/off, and snap pictures (this works really wall in combination with a tripod).
It has a 'hot shoe' and you can attach an external flash.
There are many/many settings & adjustments you can make, or you can use one of several 'auto' modes.
The camera takes pretty good pictures in low-light, with no flash (such as concerts) - here are some examples I took of a local performer:
http://robslink.com/slideshows/JaclynTurner/index.html
Limitations:
It only goes up to 5 megapixels (but unless you're making large prints, you don't really need more than 5).
It can't take rapid pictures one after another, like some of the new cameras with large built-in memory "buffers".
The lcd screen is a bit small, compared to the latest cameras (but that helps save battery life).
There was a manufacturing defect on the CCD - you could get it repaired for free before Oct 2007 -- if your camera didn't get fixed before then, your CCD could fail in warm/humid environment (your mileage may vary). Mine did fail (when shooting an outdoor car show on a hot/humid day), and they fixed it for free (before the deadline).
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August 2008 Update: I'm still using this camera, and it's still working well.Read full review...
Sony DSC-F707 & F717 camera's
For taking pictures I really like the F707 & F717 Sony DSC camera's. I purchased my first 707 at a closeout price at one of the big box stores. I enjoyed the ease of use, easy controls, close to where your finger was holding the camera and the joystick is so easy to use. I have purchased 2 others since, both on eBay. Once came as almost new with lots of extra attachments. The 2nd one I was lied to about how it worked. The 707s after having a long life with being used and picked up everyday start losing contact with the memory stick and it just got worse instead of better. I have not been able to find anyone except sony to work on them and when you get their bill, you may as well have bought a new one.
I purchased a 717 and have been very happy with it. The same Carl Zeiss lens and uses all the same attachments as my 707s. I just bought a 2nd one for my employee to use. These work great for everyday use in my eBay business. I have used it from time to time for more high res pictures and it works great for that also.
I did try the 828 which is the newest in this line of camera's. They changed the controls and I do not like it at all! I sold both of them and went with a 717. I am going to buy several of these so I will have them for years to come.Read full review...
great camera
I like the options of changing the picture in different light conditions. the Controls are ergonomicly positioned for quick access. I take a lot of scenic photos and the pictures always come out clear and crisp. I don't use the night shots often but it does well in taking pictures, even in extremely dim light. I only give the camera good because the megapixel is its downside with pixel sizes keep going up and cheaper.Read full review...
Sony DSC-F717 Camera
I have one of these and my daughter wanted it - bought her this one instead. Much better than the newer digital cameras, fast, dependable outstanding lens and near perfect auto white light balance. I've been a professional photographer for over 30 years and when no one is looking, I ditch my Nikons and use the old Sony for smoother, better exposed and faster candid shots. She has used hers and found the same to be true. Excellent color, focus and color saturation. Unerring focus even in the dark. A simple to use digital with great zoom and easy to use functions,including a macro that knows no "too close" even on auto focus. Sony tech with Carl Zeis Optics is a winner. Modes from full auto to full manual, shutter, aperature - plus video. It's all there and all works perfectly. Tough camera - mine has withstood rain, freezing cold, heat, an occassional bump or two and rough handling on location. No problems. If you want a great and reliable digital that actually takes professional quality photos - get a Sony F-717. You won't be disappointed.Read full review...
F717 - a Winner
This was my 3rd Sony camera and I am still very impressed with their build quality. They HOLD UP!!!! Mine spent a good many days on the seat of the car - out of a case, ready to be grabbed and used. We walked a few cemeteries and we did a few weddings and we did a lot of rodeos, brandings, christenings, and events over the 4 years I have had this thing. 50,000 pictures and never a blink! Now my hubby is using it and altho for him it is set on Auto 99% of the time, he still gets some of the most fabulous machinery shots anyone could ask for under some of the worst dust, wind, rain, snow, cold, hot, etc, weather conditions you can ask for on the Railroad.
Only 5 megapixals? How many do you really need when every one of them is coming thru that beautiful Carl Zeiss lens? There is a reason these lenses are so great and so costly - Zeiss puts out one H... of a good lens and this camera has the ability to use all of it. Great Macro capability - you can get up close and very personal with that lens. Good movie capability - only limited by the amount of storage capacity of your memory stick, good sound for what it is (we are not talking motion picture quality obviously - it wasn't built for that anyway!) Wonderful focusing, did I say sharp clear clean pictures?
Throw this one around your neck and you know you have a good camera that will last for several hours worth of continuous shooting - trust me I have worked it hard and non stop at several events and weddings. But for the average Joe who wants a great picture and fairly easy control - THIS IS THE CAMERA! No lenses to change, nothing to get lost, or damaged by weather or dust. Good build quality and good service if needed.
Go get a moon shot, get fireworks, get the first birthday party smiles, the wedding cake blitz, etc... this will do it all. No purple fringing, no fuss, just great shots and the ability but not the requirement to move up in the learning curve if needed or wanted. It will and can do some amazing things.
Be aware there is a fix for the chip at Sony if there are problems, but that is the only problem this line has had and that says a lot for how well it performs.Read full review...
Excellent camera.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC F 717 is a Non-SLR digital camera. It is as close one can get, to the SLR features in a point and shoot camera. It has an impressive lens by CZJ which captures accurate colos, has an excellent contrast. I specially like its night shot feature which allows you to take pictue in total darkness with its builtin infrared source, although the picutre is grainy in the dark. However, same feature used in full daylight gives a different perspective of infrared photography.
It also has night framing feature which i have found useful to photograph wild animals in the night without disturbing before taking the shot.
It is a little bulky for a point and shoot type of camera but the quality of images and its reatures more then compensate for its bulk.
Pros: Image quality, infrared photography, many customisable features, battery life and its indicator. Good zoom range, built in flash is adequate
Cons: there is a problem with the CCD, it stops taking pictures suddenly. Sony had a recall on it which was valid till September 2007. Lens has some chromatic abarasion, which may become apparent if one enlarges the image and specially around light sources or objects against the sky in bright daylight.
Minnimal barrel effect, minimal vignetting.
Bottom line: It is out of production now, if you are looking for a good value for mony and can get a good piece on e-bay go for it. If the CCD has been replaced it is great, otherwise you may have to get it replaced if it dies on you.Read full review...
Sony's F717 is a great consumer high end camera
Sony's F717 is a great camera for the right buyer. It delivers on a great set of features- its just a matter of determing if these features is right for you.
This camera is never going to be confused with one of the super small, "everyone has one in their purse at the wedding" digital cameras for snapshots.
This camera is also not going to meet the discrimating demands of professional photographers or real photo enthusiasists that want all the features of a professional digital SLR.
What this camera is is a GREAT pricepoint and feature set combination for that consumer interested in GREAT photo quality, relatively advanced feature set, LONG battery life, and did I mention GREAT photo quality. The Carl Zeiss lens on this camera produces VERY sharp photos.
I bought this camera when my daughter was born just to capture those special moments in brilliant definition. We own 2 other digital cameras that are the tiny, take with you everywhere type, but those photos CANNOT compare to the photos taken with the F717. The photo quality on this camera would be tough to be beat without spending twice as much. Plus, the camera has miminal shutter lag when compared to other digitals.
Going to Yosemite and want to capture pictures of Half Dome at sunset? This is the camera for the job. Taking a portrait of your kids in their Christmas clothes for a Christmas card photo? This is the camera you'll want to use.
If you want a camera with GREAT photo quality, long battery life and fast shutter lag, this is a great choice.Read full review...
Sony DSC was great in its time
I won this camera online. I could not and did not believe it til it arrived. god knows i could not afford such a great camera.
When i first played with it I was in awe over the things it could do. things like NIGHT VISION, Movie maker, using the camera for a video camera, the body moves against the lens so you can look down and take your pics straight ahead. there is even a view finder so you don't have to look at the led display and yes the view finder is a small lcd monitor. I havent even mention that it takes great pics and the battery life is in hours. I lost this camera a year after I won it and missed using it. I have bought cheaper cameras but it just wasn't the same.
I finally found one on ebay and bought it. all the cheaper cameras have larger screens and have the same bells and windows except the bending lens and the night vision. its still a great camera but its kind of old compared to the new bad boys on the market at the price range this camera started out. If you have the chance to own one then please do it. the cameras size and weight makes you feel like a professional photographer.Read full review...