Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V1A no-excuses "enthusiast" camera from Sony: 5 megapixels, 4x zoom, fast AF, and features galore<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 04/18/2003, Updated: 7/1/2003 |
Video Out
The V1 comes equipped with an Audio / Video cable for connection to a television
set. (Through the Setup menu, you can select NTSC signal format for U.S. and
Japanese systems and PAL for European systems.) Once connected to the TV, you
can review images and movies or record them to videotape. Viewfinder displays
are also visible via the video output, letting you use a video monitor as an
extra-large "remote viewfinder."
Power
The
V1 is powered by an NP-FC11 InfoLITHIUM battery pack and comes with an AC adapter
which doubles as an in-camera battery charger. InfoLITHIUM battery packs contain
a chip that exchanges information with the camera, allowing the camera to report
approximately how many minutes of battery life are left at the current drain
level. This information is displayed on the LCD monitor and the electronic viewfinder
with a small battery graphic. The AC adapter plugs into a small socket on the
camera's left side. 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 me from making my usual
direct power measurements, but the good news is that the InfoLITHIUM system
reports projected camera runtime while the battery is being used in the camera.
Despite the excellent feedback provided by the InfoLITHIUM system, I still recommend
you purchase and pack along a second battery, though. (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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| Capture Mode, w/o LCD |
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| Image Playback |
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Relative to other high-end Cyber-shot models that I've tested in the past, the DSC-V1 has somewhat shorter battery life. While a worst-case run time of 84 minutes isn't terrible, you'll definitely want to purchase a second NP-FC11 battery pack to bring along on extended outings. (NOTE - For maximum battery life, be sure to get the NP-FC11 pack, not the lower-capacity NP-FC10 that's sold with the compact P-series Cyber-Shots. - That pack will work fine in the DSC-V1, but has about 15% less capacity.)
Included Software
Like most Sony Cyber-shot digicams these days, the V1 comes packaged with a
CD-ROM containing Pixela ImageMixer software and USB drivers. Pixela ImageMixer
is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh platforms, and offers minor image
editing tools.
In the Box
Production models of the V1 will ship in the US with the following items:
- Wrist strap
- 32 MB Memory Stick
- NP-FC11 InfoLITHIUM battery pack
- AC adapter
- AV Cable
- USB cable
- Software CD
- User Guide and registration information
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