Sony DSC-S75(none)<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software, & HardwareReview First Posted: 02/9/2001 |
Video Out
Both
US and Japanese models of the DSC-S75 come equipped with an NTSC video cable
for connection to a television set. (We assume that European models come with
a PAL cable, since there is a PAL setting on the camera.) Once connected to
the TV, you can review images and movies or record them to video tape.
Power
The
DSC-S75 is powered by an NP-FM50 InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series) and comes
with an AC adapter which doubles as an in-camera battery charger. The InfoLITHIUM
battery packs actually exchange information with the camera, reporting approximately
how many minutes of battery life are left. This information is displayed on
the LCD monitor and the smaller information display window with a small battery
graphic. The AC adapter plugs into a small socket on the camera's back panel
(lower right corner). It can run the camera without a battery inserted, or charge
the battery when the camera isn't in use.
The Li-Ion battery packs used in Sony cameras prevent us from making our usual power measurements, but the good news is that the InfoLITHIUM system reports projected camera runtime while the battery is being used in the camera. The following runtime were reported by the S75 with a freshly-charged battery, in Capture and Playback modes. (Note that the runtime with the LCD turned off will doubtless be longer than what is indicated on the LCD monitor, but we can't tell what that time is, since the time-remaining readout is only shown on the LCD screen.) While these are some of the best runtime numbers we've seen among digicams we've tested, we still always recommend users purchase and pack along a second battery. (Another advantage of the Li-Ion technology used in the InfoLITHIUM batteries is that they don't "self-discharge" like conventional NiMH rechargeable cells do, and so can hold their charge for months on the shelf or in your camera bag.
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| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Image Playback |
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Included Software
The S75 comes with a software CD loaded with MGI PhotoSuite SE and MGI VideoWave III SE. Two versions of MGI PhotoSuite are included on the CD. 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. 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 with a slide show or in album format, and then set them up for printing. In addition to traditional photo 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 Picture Effects menu options, MGI PhotoSuite SE allows you to get really 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.
Included Hardware
Included in the box with the DSC-S75 are the following items:
- Sony DSC-S75 digital camera
- Neck strap
- Lens cap (w/strap)
- NP-FM50 rechargeable InfoLITHIUM battery pack
- AC adapter / battery charger
- NTSC video cable (PAL for European models)
- USB cable for connection to PC and Mac computers
- Software CD containing MGI PhotoSuite SE 8.1 (Windows) & 1.1 (Mac), MGI VideoWave III SE (Windows), and USB drivers
- 8MB Sony Memory Stick
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