Sony MVC-FD87Sony announces an affordable 1.3-megapixel digicam with basic features, good quality pictures, and a dual-media storage drive!<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 5/4/2001 |
Video Out
The Sony MVC-FD87 does not feature Video Out capabilities.
Power
The MVC-FD87 comes with a Sony InfoLITHIUM, NP-F330 rechargeable battery. (It
can also use the higher-capacity NP-F550 battery.) InfoLITHIUM technology allows
the battery to communicate with the camera to let you know how much power is
left. (The remaining time is displayed on the LCD panel in minutes as well as
via a battery icon). If you need to run the camera for longer periods than the
battery pack will allow, the supplied AC adapter should do the trick. The AC
adapter plugs into a small socket on the camera's side panel (lower right corner
beneath the lens barrel), and powers the camera while in use. It also acts as
the battery charger when the battery is installed and the camera is turned off,
indicated by the glowing "Charge" LED directly to the left of the
power switch. There's also an auto power-off function which shuts down the camera
after three minutes of inactivity.
We have always appreciated Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery technology, because you
know within a few seconds of turning on the camera exactly how much charge/operating
time is left. Overall NP-F330 battery capacity is quite good, and the optional
NP-F550 battery provides even longer operating life. Finally, batteries based
on lithium-ion technology don't "self-discharge." They hold their
full charge when not in use, for months at a time. Sony estimates that a fully
charged NP-F330 will provide approximately 70 minutes of continuous recording
time and about 80 minutes of continuous playback.
|
|
|
| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
|
| Capture Mode, w/o LCD |
|
| Image Playback, w/backlight on |
|
| Image Playback, w/o backlight |
|
Based on our own experience with the included NP-F330 battery, Sony's runtime figures are pretty conservative. Our numbers don't include actuation of the floppy drive though, so it's possible they may be a little optimistic. Still, very good battery life, and the optional NP-F550 battery would provide exceptional run times. (We love Sony's InfoLITHIUM batteries!)
Included Software
The FD87 comes with a software CD loaded with MGI PhotoSuite SE and MGI VideoWave III SE, as well as Sony SPVD-004 USB drivers. Two versions of MGI PhotoSuite are included: Version 8.1 is compatible with Windows 95/98/98Se/Me/2000/NT4.0, Version 1.1 is compatible with Macintosh OS 7.6.1 to 9.0. VideoWave III SE is compatible with Windows systems only. (We assume that Sony is packaging the same software CD with both the FD87 and FD92, since the FD87 does not have a Movie capture mode or a USB connection.)
MGI PhotoSuite SE retrieves images from the camera in a very organized manner, allowing you to view them through a slide show or an album and then set them up for printing. In addition to the traditional editing and manipulation tools, PhotoSuite offers a variety of templates to help you turn your images into mock magazine covers, sports cards, greeting cards, and calendars. Combined with the camera's own internal picture effects menu, MGI PhotoSuite SE allows you to really get creative with your images.
In the Box
Included in the box are the following:
- Sony MVC-FD87 digital camera
- Lens cap with strap
- Neck strap
- NP-F330 battery pack
- AC adapter / battery charger
- Software CD containing MGI PhotoSuite SE 8.1 (Windows) & 1.1 (Mac), MGI VideoWave III SE (Windows), and USB drivers
- User manual, accessory catalog, and registration information
Follow Imaging Resource: