Sony MVC-FD92Sony adds a Memory Stick slot to a popular 1.3/1.6 megapixel (interpolated) design, for increased storage and improved image quality!<<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:DesignReview First Posted: 4/16/2001 |
Design
The MVC-FD92 maintains the same box-shape styling of the popular Sony Mavica line, incorporating a floppy disk drive for image storage, and a Memory Stick option for larger memory capacities. As with the other Mavicas, the FD92's dimensions are larger than most digicams (necessary to accommodate floppy diskettes). Still, the camera makes good use of its real estate, packing in a lot of features and a large, easy-to-view LCD monitor. The FD92 measures 5.75 x 4.13 x 3.13 inches (143 x 103 x 79mm), and weighs in at 23 ounces (660 grams) with battery, lens cap, and floppy diskette included (relatively light considering its size). That said, the FD92 can be easily carried with its accompanying neck strap, or toted around in the optional camera bag.
The FD92's 8x lens rounds out the left side of the camera, with the lens barrel protruding about 0.75-inch from the side panel and about an inch from the camera's front. A small, spring-loaded cap protects the lens when not in use, and features a small eyelet for tethering it to the camera body (to prevent loss). The front of the camera also includes the Zoom lever, built-in flash, Shutter button (on its own sloping panel), self-timer lamp, and a flash photocell window just below the flash. A large, sculpted hand grip on the right side of the camera provides a firm grasp for your hand, and a molded plastic ledge provides extra grip for the fingers.
A built-in microphone is the only feature on the FD92's top panel, though the LCD monitor backlight and two neck strap eyelets are visible from above.
The floppy diskette slot takes up the right side of the camera, with the Disk Eject lever and the Memory Stick compartment doors nearby. The Disk Eject lever takes a little getting used to, as you have to slide the release button to the left, and simultaneously push down on the Eject lever. The small door sheltering the Memory Stick slides easily to the right before opening outward to expose the Memory Stick slot.
Under the rounded lens barrel, on the camera's left side, are the connector jacks. The DC In jack is covered by a rubbery plastic flap that remains tethered to the camera even after you pull it out. Opposite the DC In jack are the ACC and A/V Out jacks, which connect to Sony external flash units and the NTSC A/V cable, respectively.
All of the camera controls (with the exception of the Shutter button and Zoom lever) are located on the FD92's back panel, along with the 2.5-inch LCD monitor. The Volume lever and LCD Backlight control are on the left side of the monitor, while the Mode selection button and Power switch (with indicator lamp) are positioned directly beneath the LCD. The Flash, Focus, Program, and Display buttons are one row down, with a Menu/Arrow rocker pad on the right. There's also a small speaker, a USB connector jack (covered by a small rubber flap), the Memory Stick compartment, and a Memory Stick/Floppy Diskette switch, enabling you to select one of the two storage media. A ridged thumb grip built into the top right corner of the back panel helps to secure your hold on the camera.
The battery compartment and tripod mount are on the camera's bottom panel. The metal threaded tripod mount is reasonably sturdy, though it's too close to the battery compartment to allow quick battery changes while working with a tripod. (We are pleased to note, however, that the DC In jack's rear panel access makes it very convenient for shooting in a studio.)
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