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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F707 Wow! 5 megapixels, a super-sharp lens, Hologram AF, NightShot, NightFraming and more! Killer technology, great photos from Sony! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet Cyber-shot DSC-F707 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 Cyber-shot DSC-F707 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Operation & User Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Image Storage & Interface>> Page 9:Camera Modes & Menus Review First Posted: 08/20/2001 (Full production model update 11/20/2001)

Camera Modes and Menus

Program AE: Marked on the Mode dial with the green camera symbol, this mode places the camera in control of aperture and shutter speed, while the user controls all remaining exposure decisions.

Shutter Priority (S): Shutter Priority mode allows the user to control the shutter speed, from 1/1,000 to 30 seconds, while the camera selects the best corresponding aperture setting. The user retains control over all other exposure variables.

Aperture Priority (A): As the opposite of Shutter Priority mode, Aperture Priority mode gives the user control over the aperture setting, from f/2 to f/8, while the camera chooses the best shutter speed. All other exposure controls are available to the user.

Manual Exposure Mode (M): This mode provides total control over the exposure, with the user able to select both aperture and shutter speed independently of each other, as well as control all other exposure variables.

Scene (SCN): Scene mode offers three preset shooting modes to choose from -- Twilight, Landscape, and Portrait -- which set the camera's exposure controls for photographing each specific subject. The available exposure settings depend on the scene selected.

Movie Mode: Noted on the Mode dial with the film strip icon, this mode allows the user to capture moving images with sound.

Record Menu: In each of the above recording modes, pressing the Menu button pulls up the following menu selections (some options are not available in all modes):

• ISO: Sets the camera's light sensitivity to Auto or 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.
• Scene: (Scene mode only) Determines the preset shooting scene. Choices are Twilight, Landscape, and Portrait.
• Image Size: Sets still image resolution to 2,560 x 1,920-, 2,560 (3:2), 2,048 x 1,536-, 1,280 x 960-, or 640 x 480 pixels. Movie resolution options are 320 HQ, 320 x 240-, and 160 x 112-pixels. Clip Motion resolutions are Normal (160 x 120 pixels) and Mobile (80 x 72 pixels).
• Picture Quality: Changes the JPEG compression level to Fine or Standard.
• Record Mode: Enables the F707's special recording modes. Choices are TIFF, Voice, E-Mail, Exposure Bracketing, Burst 3, and Normal.
• Flash Level: Adjusts the flash brightness to High, Normal, or Low.
• Picture Effect: Accesses the F707's creative effects menu, with options for Solarize, Sepia, and Negative Art.
• Sharpness: Adjusts the overall image sharpness from -2 to +2 in arbitrary units.
  

Playback Mode: Indicated on the Mode dial with the traditional Playback symbol, this mode allows the user to scroll through captured images on the Memory Stick. Images can be deleted, protected, copied, resized, rotated, or set up for printing on DPOF devices. Movie files and Clip Motion animations can also be played back. Pressing the Menu button displays the following options:

• Delete: Deletes the currently displayed image from the Memory Stick.
• Protect: Write-protects the current image, preventing it from being erased or manipulated in any way (except from card formatting). Also removes protection.
• Print: Marks the current image for printing on a DPOF device, or removes the print mark.
• Slide: Activates an automated slide show of captured images. You can set the frame interval and whether or not the show repeats.
• Copy: Makes a copy of the current image.
• Resize: Resizes the currently displayed image, with all resolution settings available.
• Rotate: Rotates the currently displayed image 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.
• Divide: Activates the in-camera movie editing function.
  

Setup Mode: This mode allows the user to change a variety of camera settings. The Setup menu is automatically displayed upon entering the mode.

• Camera:
  • Expanded Focus: Turns the Expanded Focus option on or off. Expanded Focus automatically doubles the on-screen image while focusing in Manual Focus mode.
  • Moving Image: Sets Movie mode to record MPEG movies or Clip Motion animations.
  • Date / Time: Determines whether the Day & Time or Date is overlaid on the image.
  • Digital Zoom: Turns the 2x Precision Digital Zoom on or off.
  • Bracket Step: Determines the amount of exposure variation in an Exposure Bracketing series. Choices are 0.3, 0.7, or 1.0 EV steps.
  • Red-Eye Reduction: Activates (or disables) the Red-Eye Reduction flash mode.
  • Hologram AF: Activates (or disables) the Hologram AF system.
    
• Setup 1:
  • Format: Formats the Memory Stick, erasing all files (even write-protected ones).
  • File Number: Sets the file numbering to Series (which continues file numbering from one Memory Stick to another) or Reset (resets file numbering with each new card).
  • Conversion Lens: Enables the camera to work with a conversion lens kit.
  • Language: Establishes the menu language as Japanese or English.
  • Clock Set: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar.
    
• Setup 2:
  • LCD Brightness: Controls the brightness of the LCD display. Options are Bright, Normal, and Dark.
  • LCD Backlight: Controls the backlight for the main LCD, options are Bright and Normal. (NOTE that this option only appears when the camera is running from battery power - connecting the AC adapter removes it from the menu.)
  • EVF Backlight: Controls the backlight for the electronic viewfinder, options are Bright and Normal.
  • Beep: Turns the camera's beep sounds on or off. A Shutter option enables only the shutter beep noise.
  • Video Out: Establishes the A/V Out signal as NTSC or PAL.
  • USB Connect: Sets the USB connection type to PTP or Normal. (PTP is a new connection option, supposedly requiring no host driver software. We're awaiting further info from Sony before we can review this.)
  • Demo: Turns camera's Demo mode on or off. (This option is only available when the AC Adapter is in use).