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Sony Mavica CD200 Sony expands its CD-equipped camera line, adding erasability, buffer memory, and a more compact case! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CD200 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on CD200 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 3/9/2001

Optics

The CD200 is equipped with a 3x, 6.1-18.3mm Sony-designed zoom lens (equivalent to a 39-117mm lens on a 35mm camera). While not as sharp as the Carl Zeiss optics used on the CD200's "big brother" the CD300, Sony's own optics aren't at all bad. The lens is protected by a removable, spring-lock lens cap, which comes with an easy-to-thread lens strap opening and a small tether strap to keep it from getting lost.

In Aperture Priority and Manual modes, the aperture is manually adjustable from f/2.8 to f/11.0, in nine steps. Shutter speed is adjustable from 1/1,000 to eight seconds, with more than 40 steps in between. Macro mode is engaged by pressing the right Arrow button, which changes the focus range to 1.62 inches (4cm) to 8 inches (20cm), when the lens is set at its shortest (wide-angle) focal length.

Focus can be controlled either automatically or manually, with a focal range from 9.87 inches (25cm) to infinity. Pressing the Focus button in the top left section of the camera's back panel cycles between Manual and Auto Focus control. In Auto focus mode, a central focus bracket appears in the center of the LCD display to help you line up shots. When Manual control is selected, you make adjustments by turning the same Command wheel used for aperture and shutter speed selection. As you turn the wheel, the focus distance is displayed on the LCD monitor next to the Command wheel arrow, which is a great help when shooting in low-light conditions. Also helpful in limited lighting is the AF assist light, selected via the Setup menu, which helps the camera make adjustments in Auto Focus mode. We were very impressed with the results from the AF assist light, as it focused flawlessly under the darkest shooting situations.

A handy feature of the CD200 is that it's lens comes equipped with 37mm front-element filter threads. Since the lens doesn't actually telescope out from the body (as does that of the CD300), no special barrel adapter is needed in order to mount filters or converson lenses. When working with a Sony lens conversion kit, you need to inform the camera (via the Setup menu) that the lens is attached, so the camera's autofocus can allow for the additional optical element.

The 2x Digital Zoom function is enabled through the camera's Setup menu, effectively increasing the CD200's zoom capabilities to 6x. When engaged, Digital Zoom takes over once you've zoomed past the normal telephoto range (the LCD display must be on). You can see the change from optical to digital zoom by observing the marker in the zoom range indicator on the LCD panel. As always, we warn readers that digital telephoto is not the same as optical zoom and that it causes noticeable deterioration in image quality by adding excess noise and possible softening the image.