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Sony Cybershot DSCS70 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Sony Cybershot DSCS70 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

List Price: $899.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best digital camera I have owned
Review: This is my 3rd digital camera in 5 years ( AGFA e307 and Mavica 7 ) and by far the best of the lot. Every thing good/bad about this camera has already been said here so I would like to cover a couple other features not mentioned - some of these notes are mine, others from WWW sites and newsgroup posts.

The one second shutter delay can be somewhat shortened by half depressing the shutter button. The S-70 will the autofocus, which makes up most of the shutter lag. When you then press down the button all the way you'll find it will almost instantly take the picture. Several other techniques can be used to minimize the delay: 1) go to manual focus, 2) go to AE mode, 3) go to manual WB - the less auto, the faster the camera.

MPEG recording for 60 seconds. I would like to correct one reviewer regarding making videos with this camera - If you switch to the smaller resolution, and hold down the shutter button, you will get a minute of video. This is the max though. The camera has to store the raw video in internal memory, then convert it to mpeg and write it to the memory stick. The camera can only fit 15 seconds of large resolution video, and 60 seconds of small resolution video in the internal memory. There is no way to get more than this much video. OR.. reduce the size to 160 x 120 and get 1 minute per segment.

EXIF information - data is automatically imbedded into the file when saved in the camera. The data includes the time and date the picture was taken, but also all information on the f-stop used, program mode chosen, shutter speed, flash utilisation and more. Much of this information can be seen by opening the image in MGI PhotoSuite (the version that came with your camera--or a later version) and selecting "Image Information" under the Image menu. If you choose to keep the information after downloading to your computer, you must ensure that the original is kept ( if you save the jpg file as something else, you lose the exif information). You can RENAME the file, but opening it and saving or modifying it in any way will lose the info.

I use Photoshop to edit and crop files, but always save as the PSD photoshop native format, which keeps the original jpg file untouched. I also chose the "serial" numbering option on the camera, which allows the memory stick contents to be moved to the PC in the same folder without having the "file exists" problem. (It carries on automatically with DSC00678.jpg etc, rather than going back to DSC0001.jpg every time a new stick is inserted or reused).

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Most Cost-Effective 3+ Mega Pixel Camera Available
Review: Like many of the other reviewers, I have read countless reviews about Digital Cameras before I made my choice. While many reviews preferred the Nikon CoolPix 990 or Olympus 3030Z better, I chose this one for several reasons. First off, the image quality is phenominal thanks to the Zeiss lens. Secondly, this camera is around ($)cheaper than both of the others with comparable features. Finally, you'll need to spend a lot less on accessories with this one as compared to the other two. This camera comes with a built in battery charger and an AC-Adapter. Those two things would run you about ($) with the other cameras. Also, the memory sticks aren't as hard to find as everyone makes them out to be and they are in fact cheaper than SmartMedia or CompactFlash cards of equivalent sizes. Throw that in with the fact that this camera bears the Sony name, and does a much better job of reducing the red-eye phenominon (which really really plagues the other two cameras I mentioned) during portraits, and you have the best value available in this price range, period.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: New Digital camera user
Review: I will be very honest I purchased this camera fully intending to return it. But after using it and the software included to retouch some wedding photos. I will keep the camera. It is easy to use and prints very well on my H/P 772. Using the H/P premium glossy paper produces very professional results. I am still trying to get the sizes coordinated for printing as the program is driving me and I feel I should be driving it. I am sure with practice it will come. The camera is basically point-and-shoot, if you like the shot keep it if you don't delete and do it again. Everything is automatic and does a great job of compensating for conditions. Most of my photos have been indoors with a few outdoor shots which also turned out well. NEGATIVES; 1.It has a hefty price tag. 2.Sony is stingy with the 8Mb memory stick, which is good for about 5 photos at 2048X1600 Pixies. I bought a 32 Mb stick and use the 8Mb stick for practice shots. A 32 or a 64 should come along with the ... retail tag. 3.Also a protective carrying case would be nice. Afetr all this camera is not something to be tossed around lightly.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The best camera on the market
Review: For the price that you pay, you simply can't beat this camera. Taking a risk a while back and purchasing this camera (at a much higher price than 749) I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the pictures. The Zeiss lens that the camera has just takes absolutely beautiful pictures. Being a fool, I gave this camera away as a gift thinking I would be able to take even better photos with the Nikon 990, eventually shelling out more for the Nikon but getting the same performance with a little better control on the white balance. Now that I've experienced not only the DSCS70, the 990, but also the Olympus 3030Zoom, I'm itching to once again get this camera. The one recommendation I can give when buying this camera is that you buy the 64mb memory stick and get an extra battery. I personally can't wait for sony to release a 128mb stick for this camera which I think is to be released some time this year.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great all-around digital camera
Review: If you're looking for a digital camera that will give you film level quality (3.3 megapixels of data capture) in an easy to use, compact package, the Sony DSC-S70 is a great choice. Not only does it take wonderful pictures in a variety of settings, but it also comes with a lot of small, easy to forget about features that add up to a great overall usage experience and that make the camera a much better real value than most of its competitors.

Some of these include an internal, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that shows you, in minutes, how much more time you have left before recharging is required, a built in USB port (no external cradles are required), all required cables, a built in memory stick slot and included memory stick (although the included 8MB stick is too small, you should definitely pick up at least a 32MB stick), and an AC adapter included (believe it or not, a lot of digital cameras don't come with an AC adapter and since digicams eat up batteries this really makes a big difference).

These types of small things are often overlooked in reviews, but in long-term, real-world use, they really do make a difference.

The only negatives that I've experienced are things that other reviewers have mentioned, the included memory stick is too small and the camera does not come with a carrying case, which you should definitely get if you plan on traveling with the camera.

Some quick notes, while the camera works flawlessly with both Windows 98 and MacOS based computers, a Windows 2000 driver does not yet seem to be available.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Looks like a very good camera indeed, but it's a 6X...
Review: This is not exactly a review, as I am thinking seriously about getting this camera...However, someone made an error and/or typo regarding the zoom specs, including those that reviewed it. I cannot believe some folks don't know their own camera! Sorry, but this model digital camera has a 6X digital zoom, NOT a 2X! It plainly says it on the right side of the camera in big bold black letters, and also in the technical specs.

Just an observation, and not my own humble opinion...Seriously though the DSC-S70 looks like a very good camera, and I am not a camera guru, but for the average user, it should be more than adequate, and then some. Thanks as all of the reviews were quite helpful. I just may get this camera indeed....

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Sony Cyber shot SDC-70 Digital Camera
Review: The Camera works great, but the accessories need improvement. I never could get the USB cable to work. After trashing my hard drive I tried to load the driver on another PC and still had the same problem. (Both systems win 98) The 8MG mem stick is a joke. The reason I bought the camera was for higher resolutions and improved picture quality over the floppy disk cameras. Had to fork out 200 clams to fix my problems. If you just want pictures to send for email to friends, buy a cheaper product. The fix solution for the USB cable, consult PC manufacturer. Bogus... Be prepared to pay more in accessories that you will need for your complete package. Sony needs to give me the option to upgrade the mem stick and pick an option of download transfer. (I had to pay 70 clams for a 3X5 card adapter.) Total price paid 1000 clams. You can probably find a better camera that has all these accessories available.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I made the right choice.
Review: I had read reviews for two weeks trying to decide which digital camera to buy. I had it narrowed down the the Coolpix 990, Olympus C3000/C3030 and the Sony DSC-S70. With all four of these in the store, I had a great opportunity to compare. I chose the DSC-S70 at the recommendation of the sales person who also owned one. It is very easy to use out of the box and you can get as deep as you want into the many features of the camera. The pictures are very impressive - excellent resolution with vibrant colors! I am having a blast with the movie feature - excellent for e-mails. The rechargeable battery has a long life and is quickly recharged. I did buy a 64M memory stick and that has been very adequate, the 8M does not cut it.

I highly recommend this camera. If you do a lot of shooting I would definitely purchase another battery and a larger memory stick however.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Very good camera overall
Review: I read the reviews (both in magazines and online forums) and have to say this camera is quite good. Great resolution (hey, its 3 megapixels, that should say it all!), execllent color, impressive zoom. The one thing I wish this camera had was a flipout screen like the model below it, the dsc-s50. Perhaps that is something Sony can implement in future models.

Again, as nearly everyone has eluded to, the biggest problem is the 8mb memory stick. Save yourselves the hassle and order a higher capacity stick the moment you buy the camera. I would also suggest picking up a sony case for the camera. Its only $20. The model number is lsc-csc

Available accessories are as follows:

MSA-32A/64A Memory Stick Media (forget the 8 or 16mb sticks) MSAC-PC2 Type II PC Card Reader (for those of us w/ laptops)

PHD-A55 CyberFrame, Digital Photo Frame (very cool but expensive!!!)

DPP-MS300 Memory Stick Printer (I'd wait for the new one coming)

MSAC-FD1A Memory Stick Floppy Disk Adapter

MSAC-PR1 PC Card Reader (if you have USB, don't need it)

NP-FM50/70/90 InfoLithium Battery (could help heavy users)

HVL-1000 Externally mounted light (not needed)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Marvelous Photographic Equipment!
Review: I considered and compared digital cameras that were pricier than the S70. However, the S70 earned my money because of its image quality, ease of use, and USB connectivity.

In the past, Sony built good cameras with innovative features; however, the image quality has always been suspect in the minds of aspiring photo amateurs and professionals. With the DSC-S70, Sony got it right!

One of the reasons that older Sony digital cameras had mediocre image quality was because of their mediocre lenses. Sony knew this; so, they found someone who was really good at making lenses: Carl Zeiss. For me, the most impressive feature of this camera is the 21 mm Carl Zeiss, Vario-Sonnar lens. I've used and admired Zeiss optics for many years in film photography. This lens yields excellent resolution, coupled with brilliant colors. Lesser lenses yield images with a focused center; however, the edges and corners would not be as sharp. Not with this camera -- every pixel is clear and the details are impressive for even the most discerning eyes.

Another reason that I got this camera is because of the wide variety of apertures and shutter speeds. The aperture ranges from f/2.0 to f/8.0 and the shutter speed can vary from 8 to 1/1000 seconds. Although the S70 doesn't feature a full manual exposure mode, you get a reasonable degree of control.

At the time I got this camera, Sony only offered Windows 95 & 98 drivers. I'm delighted that Sony now offers support for Windows 2000. Installation was a breeze. You can find the Win2K drivers here on Sony's site ...

The battery life is pretty good. On a full charge, you can take roughly 2 hours worth of use. The battery meter is pretty accurate, which indicates the number of minutes remaining. Although the memory stick technology is proprietary, it's easy to use and very convenient. The 8 MB memory stick that comes with the camera is pathetic. You need more to take many high resolution pictures, preferably the 64 MB, which is the Sony's largest to date. Rumor has it that Sony is making a 128 MB version of their popular memory stick -- way cool! I would recommend getting an extra battery and a 64 MB memory stick -- using the 8MB memory stick as an emergency only backup.

Good luck, and have fun with your new S70!


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