14-bit digitization for exceptional
tonal range and detail
*
3x Carl Zeiss lens for sharp, crisp
images
*
MPEG-EX movie recording eliminates
record-time limitations
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Manufacturer Overview
Sony Electronics has long held a dominant position
in the digicam marketplace, with a wide range of models enjoying
enormous popularity with consumers. Last spring (February, 2000),
they stunned the digicam world by announcing no fewer than
sixnew models. This year (2001), they repeated
this hat trick at Spring PMA in Orlando, FL, once again announcing
six new units. As they did last year, this year's
announcements affected both the Mavica and Cyber-Shot lines.
The subject of this review is the Cyber-Shot
DSC-S75, the successor to last year's DSC-S70. The new model sports
the same 3.3-megapixel CCD and ultra-sharp Zeiss lens as the S70, but
adds numerous user-interface enhancements, 14-bit digitizing for
superb highlight detail and low image noise, and improved movie mode
capabilities. Oh yes, Sony also dropped the price significantly, with
an introductory street price of only $699. (At the time this is
written, it is about the lowest price offered for a full-featured
3-megapixel camera.) Read the full review below for the details, but
we'll say right at the outset that we think Sony has done just about
everything right with this new model. Its combination of great
features, price, and image quality make it one of the standout
bargains at the upper end of the prosumer digicam world!
This review is based on a production-level
prototype unit: All image-related characteristics were in final trim,
the only possible changes prior to full production models would be
minor user interface changes. (And even those appear unlikely.)
Highlights
3.3-megapixel CCD delivering up to 2,048
x 1,536-pixel resolution images.
3x, 7-21mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens
(equivalent to a 34-102mm lens on a 35mm camera).
2x precision digital zoom.
1.8-inch color LCD monitor.
Auto and manual focus control.
Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture
Priority, Manual, and Scene exposure modes.
Shutter speeds from 1/1,000 to eight seconds.
Apertures from f/2.1 to f/8.0.
Movie mode with sound and Clip recording.
Spot metering and AE Lock functions.
Built-in flash with four operating modes.
External flash connection jack and mounting shoe.
Adjustable white balance with four modes.
Automatic ISO or 100, 200, and 400
equivalent settings.
JPEG, GIF, and uncompressed TIFF file formats.
Images saved to Memory Stick media.
USB cable for high-speed connection to a PC or Mac.
Software CD containing MGI PhotoSuite,
MGI VideoWave, and USB drivers.
Power from NP-FM50 rechargeable
InfoLITHIUM battery pack or included AC adapter.