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Sony MVC-FD97 Sony adds a Memory Stick and USB to the FD95 - No more file-compression blues! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet MVC-FD97 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 MVC-FD97 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 2/9/2001

Video Out
An audio/video output jack on the lens barrel side of the camera allows you to connect the camera to a television set. Through the capture menu, you can select NTSC or PAL formats, depending on where you live. US and Japanese models come with the necessary NTSC cables, while European models come with PAL connectors. All the same image playback capabilities are available when connected to the TV, and you have the added ability to record images to video tape. Unlike most digicams, the FD97 can record still images, movies, and sound. Thus, the signal output jack actually accommodates an "A/V" cable, with both video and audio connectors on the other end.


Power
The MVC-FD97 comes with a Sony InfoLITHIUM, NP-F330 rechargeable battery. (It can also use the higher-capacity NP-F530 and NP-F550 batteries.) InfoLITHIUM technology means that the battery communicates with the camera to let you know how much power is left (displayed on the LCD panel in minutes remaining 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. There's also an auto power-off function which shuts down the camera after three minutes of inactivity. The AC adapter also acts as the battery charger. You simply leave the battery in the camera and plug in the AC adapter. If the camera is switched off, the "Charge" LED will light up (located directly over the power switch).

We love the InfoLITHIUM battery technology, because you know within a few seconds of turning the camera on exactly how much charge/operating time is left. Overall battery capacity is quite good, and buying a NP-F550 battery gives exceptional operating life. Finally, the Li-Ion technology used in the InfoLITHIUM cells means that the batteries don't "self-discharge," holding their full charge when not in use, for months at a time. Sony estimates that a fully charged NP-F330 will provide approximately 65 minutes of continuous recording time and about 80 minutes of continuous playback. These numbers agree well with our own measurements, and in fact seemed a bit conservative, as we measured 87 and 115 minutes respectively, with a freshly charged, new battery pack. (As with other Sony cameras, the InfoLITHIUM system prevented us from making our normal power-consumption measurements, so the record/playback times above are the extent of what we can tell you about the FD-97's power consumption.)


Included Software
Included with the FD97 is a USB cable for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh and a software CD loaded with MGI PhotoSuite SE and MGI VideoWave III SE. Two versions of MGI PhotoSuite are included on the CD. The first, version 8.1, is compatible with Windows 95/98/98Se/Me/2000/NT4.0. The second, version 1.1, is compatible with Macintosh OS 7.6.1 to 9.0. Unfortunately for Mac users, VideoWave III SE is compatible with Windows systems only (the same versions as PhotoSuite). 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, the 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.

MGI's VideoWave III SE provides minor video editing and enhancement tools, allowing you to cut out frames, add music, and apply creative effects.


In the Box
The following items ship standard with the FD97 in the US:

• Sony MVC-FD97 digital camera
• Neck strap
• Lens cap?
• NTSC audio/video cable
• USB cable
• InfoLITHIUM NP-F330 battery pack
• AC adapter
• Software CD containing MGI PhotoSuite SE 8.1 (Windows) & 1.1 (Mac), MGI VideoWave III SE (Windows), and USB drivers