Product Description

Sony, the market leader in consumer digital cameras, has blended the fun of a rotating lens with the speed and clarity of a five-megapixel Cyber-shot digital still camera in the new DSC-F88 model.The F88 camera's compact, all-metal body is fitted with an internal Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3X optical zoom lens that allows it to rotate 300 degrees, so you can see your pose in the camera's 1.8-inch LCD screen before snapping the picture, providing you with a flexible shooting style.There are several interesting flexible angles you can capture with the F88 camera's rotating lens including waist level and above-the-head shots. Its ability to rotate makes the camera perfect for hard-to-obtain low angle candid shots and for taking above-the-head close-up shots during crowded events.Creative shots can also be captured with the camera's self-timer feature. Set the camera on table, angle the lens as needed and trigger the self-timer for steady, professional self-portraits.Another feature of the F88 is the camera's optical eye level viewfinder that, when the lens is rotated, allows you to focus in on your subjects while they view the LCD and adjust their pose assuring they will be happy with their picture.The camera's 5.1 megapixel CCD image sensor ensures great picture quality while the camera's Sony Real Imaging Processor makes it blazingly fast with a near immediate start-up and very fast shot-to-shot time so you can capture memories as they happen.The F88 employs a rechargeable InfoLithium battery system for quick recharging time, which means that you will spend less time charging and more time taking pictures. The new camera also accepts both the Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO memory cards.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41131 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSCF88
• Dimensions: 5.00 pounds
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 5.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens combines with a 2x digital zoom for 6x total zoom
• 300-degree rotating lens design; 1.8-inch LCD monitor; 1.6 frame-per-second Shot Burst mode
• Store images on Memory Stick (32 MB Memory Stick included) or Memory Stick Pro media
• Powered by rechargeable InfoLithium battery (included with charger); connects to computers via USB 2.0

Amazon.com Product Description
Sony's DSC-F88 5.1-megapixel digital camera offers a unique lens system design that rotates 300 degrees, enabling you the flexibility of capturing images from overhead or down below. You can even view your own self-portrait pose. This compact, all-metal body camera also features a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x optical zoom lens, Sony's fast Real Imaging Processor with near immediate start-up time, PictBridge compatibility for direct printing, and compatibility with conversion lenses.

Optics and Resolution
The DSC-F88 has a 5.1-megapixel, 1/2.4" Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD, which provide excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. It features a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels, enough detail for 4-by-6-inch to 20-by-30-inch (poster size) photos. Other resolution modes include 2592 x 1768 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), and 640 x 480.

The camera features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens and a 2x digital zoom (for a 6x total). The Vario-Tessar lens is specially produced for compact cameras and provides rapid auto focus with appealing zoom range. Utilizing a highly transmissive optical grade prism, the lens is housed entirely within the camera's rotating lens, and does not need to extend for use. Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

Movie Mode
In addition to snapping still images, the DSC-F88 can also capture video with audio at up to 640 x 480 pixels (16 frames per second). Your movie length is only limited by the size of the storage capacity of your Memory Stick. The included 32 MB card will hold 1 minute, 27 seconds of 640 x 480 video, while a 256 MB Memory Stick will store nearly 11 minutes.

More Features

• 1.8-inch, 134K LCD monitor
• By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.
• 9 Shot Burst Mode captures up to 9 shots (fine) or 16 shots (standard) at 1.6 frame/sec. even at 5 MP resolution; perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.
• Multi-Burst Mode captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image, which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• With 10 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter or Magnifying Glass.
• A Live Histogram Display is available in capture and playback, showing the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value and making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• With VCL-07FEB wide conversion lens, you can expand your camera's field of view, helping you capture the entire scene. It's especially helpful in self-shooting when holding the camera at arm's length.
• Make transferring images and recharging the DSC-F88's battery easier with the optional CSS-FEB Cyber-shot station. Just place the camera on the cradle for instantaneous power and computer connections.
• Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30-1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• The AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator briefly illuminates the subject, in low--or no--light conditions helping to establish a positive focus lock.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the DSC-F88 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media. It connects to Macs and Windows-based PCs via an ultrafast USB 2.0 connection.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable InfoLithium battery (NP-FR1), which provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting with no memory effect. It measures 3.9 x 2.9 x 1 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 6 ounces (7.4 ounces with battery, Memory Stick, and wrist strap).

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSC-F88 digital camera, 32 MB Memory Stick, rechargeable InfoLithium battery (NP-FR1), battery charger (AC-LS5), USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing and management software.

From the Manufacturer
Take the perfect picture from any angle with the DSC-F88 Cyber-shot digital camera from Sony. It features a rotating lens design that allows you to capture image from overhead, down below, or even from behind. Whether you're in a crowd or taking a self portrait, you'll never have to guess about picture quality.

Images are striking on the DSC-F88 thanks to its huge 5.1 Megapixel image capture, professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens, and Sony's own Real Imaging Processor. It even has USB 2.0 compatibility for high speed image transfers and PictBridge compatibility for easy image printing without a computer.

More Features

• 1/2.4" 5.1 Megapixel Super HAD CCD
  Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCDs provide excellent image quality by allowing more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.
• Rotating Lens Design
  Rotating through a 300 degree travel DSC-F88's lens lets you shoot from waist level, overhead or even fully reversed to let you get in the picture with full view of the LCD.
• 3X Optical/2X Digital/6X Total Zoom
  Optical zoom helps you fill the frame with your subject for better pictures. And Sony's Precision Digital Zoom helps bring your subject closer with an extra 2X magnification.
• Live Histogram Display
  Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram Displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• Selectable Focus Mode
  Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• Scene Selection Mode
  With 10 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter or Magnifying Glass.
• Pre-Flash Metering
  With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• 1.8" LCD Monitor
  The 1.8" 134K LCD Monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• 9 Shot Burst Mode
  Capture up to 9 shots (fine) or 16 shots (standard) at 1.6 frame/sec. even at 5 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.
• Multi-Burst Mode
  Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera. Selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second.
• Conversion Lens Compatible
  With VCL-07FEB wide conversion lens, you can expand your camera's field of view, helping you capture the entire scene. It's especially helpful in self-shooting when holding the camera at arm's length.
• Cyber-shot Station Compatible
  Make transferring images and recharging the DSC-F88's battery easier with the optional CSS-FEB Cyber-shot station. Just place the camera on the cradle for instantaneous power and computer connections.
• Rechargeable InfoLithium Battery
  Provides reliable, long-lasting power for continuous shooting, without "Memory Effect". The supplied AC-LS5 adapter/charger provides stable power for USB Transfer.

What's in the Box
DSCF88 digital camera, NP-FR1 rechargeable InfoLithium battery, AC-LS5 battery charger, A/V to multi-connector and USB to multi-connector cables, wrist strap, MSA-32A 32MB Memory Stick Media, software CD-ROM.

---

Customer Reviews

Good Pictures but Big Flaws
I really like the lens quality and picture quality overall. My experience with it over the past 4+ months (which includes a 2 week vacation) are the following:

PRO's
- Fast start-up for more spontaneous shots.
- Good Image quality.
- Swivel lens gives nice, low eye level shots. Might be fun for pets and kids

CON's
- Colors can be a bit bluish sometimes
- Swivel Lens doesn't allow that many great shots of people with backgrounds. Since the distance from the lens to people (in self portraits) depends on your height and arm length, your mileage will vary. I'm about 6', and found the camera's ability to swivel back at you to be limited for capturing people and backgrounds. I bought the optional wide angle lens (x0.7) which helps... but that attachment prevents you from rotating the lens back into the camera body. This means it won't fold compactly for travel anymore.
- My biggest gripe, and this is a very big one, is that mode selection can be buggy due to the software. I've had almost 2 dozen instances in which the mode selection dial has failed me. In those instances, there is no way for me to access the set-up mode, the playback/review mode, or the movie mode. I find that extremely irritating and I don't know of any solution. I've tried taking the battery out, turning the power off, taking the battery out while the power is still on (Can you see how desparate this flaw can make you?). This flaw kills the camera for me.

UPDATE: Seems like the mode selection problem above was due to a faulty motherboard that Sony replaced. Their customer service handles the problem quickly and professionally. Be sure to save your receipt if this problem happens to you! I'd change my rating to 3 stars but the Amazon system won't let me.

ANOTHER UPDATE: After almost 2.5 years of use, one of the directional buttons (that lets you review a photo you've just taken) is very loose. I have 2 genuine batteries. One of these holds only a 30-45 minute charge. Once the battery goes out, all my settings (such as date, review and beep preferences) get deleted.

They brought back the swivel lens!
I owned one of Sony's first digital cameras. It had the beloved swivel lens. No flimsy lcd screen that flips out, if you want to take a nice picture of yourself and a friend.

When I saw this camera at my local CompUSA, I pounced on it. I am getting married in December, and want to make sure I have decent pictures. That is what the swivel lens is good for. I am planning on using it to make sure my hair/make-up is camera friendly. Those pictures stay with you for life!

Beyond vainity, this is a great point and click camera. It also is great at taking movies with audio. The camera will play the movie, including audio. This is a feature that is a lot of fun.

I'm not taking pictures to be an artist. I just want a camera to capture moments with my friends. This is the perfect camera for that.

Perfect for self portraits !
The swivel lens is by far the best feature of this camera. It allows you to take very creative shots from many different angles. The swivel also serves two other purposes - (1) By swiveling the lens, it turns the camera on and off and (2) In the closed position, it acts as a lens cap protecting the lens from damage. Also new to the F-series is the inclusion of a viewfinder. This is helpful when the lcd screen is obscured by sun glare.

One aspect where this camera really shines is in taking unassisted portrait photos of my wife and me. All I do is stand the camera on a level surface, rotate and zoom the lens for proper framing, click on the timer and quickly get into position with my wife. And since the lcd is facing us, we can easily adjust our positioning. Also, since the camera acts as its own tripod, the pictures are always crisp (No more hunting down strangers for assistance and no more badly taken shots).

Picture quality is very good for a 5mp compact. I have found that the key to taking good photographs with this camera is by utilizing the manual and preset settings. Most people use the auto mode in their picture taking, and most of the time this is sufficient, however, I have found that by leveraging the built in Scene modes, I get a much clearer and crisper picture.

Battery life is excellent with over 300+ shots on a single charge. However, I would still recommend getting an extra one for backup power.

One accessory that I would recommend getting is the docking station. This item serves a dual purpose. It downloads your photos to your pc and charges the camera at the same time.

Because of its form this camera also has a strong WOW! factor. Every place I go, people always ask what kind of camera it is. They are quite surprised to hear that it is a Sony product. I guess most of them associate Sony digi cams with the candy bar shape of the P series.

For some reason this camera is not available at the usual retail outlets (at least not yet). It's a shame because in my opinion, this is one of the most versatile cameras I have ever purchased.

PROS:
Swivel Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x optical zoom lens
Battery Life (300+ photos / charge)
Good 5mp picture quality
Very good Macro mode
Fast startup
Compact size
VGA video
USB2 support
Live Histogram display

CONS:
Small Memory Stick included (32 meg)
Weak Flash
No retail availability yet (only online)