eat2go - User Area::Reviews

Today, e2g labs has concluded its tests of the popular series of digital cameras, also known as "L" shape cameras by Sony. Specifically, we tested the f707, the f717, and the f828.

These cameras have been around for quite a while. The f828, is however, relatively new, and is the flagship of Sony's cameras. One thing that needs to be noted is that Sony is a world leader in manufacturing of all sorts of electronic components like CCD's, that make their way into competitive products. So when comparing Sony products to ones outside the Sony line, one needs to be aware that these guys just might be the reason the competitive product exists in the first place.

Another thing that needs to be mentioned is that although these cameras look like SLR's, they are not. The lenses are not removable and there is no mirror that retracts exposing the CCD to the image. The viewfinder is electronic. That is, you actually see what the camera sees through the LCD screens. These cameras have two, a viewfinder and one mounted on the body. Now, the reason why SLR's exist in the first place, is that photographers needed to see the image through the lens, so they could compose the shot more accurately. The SLR (single lens reflex) was invented with a mirror that is out of the way while you're looking through the lens and composing the shot. When a shot is taken, the mirror redirects the image momentarily, as it snaps up, to the film surface or to the CCD. The way these Sony cameras do this would not be possible with a film camera. The SLR methodology of transferring the image is not any more accurate and there are no advantages to it over the way these cameras do it. If anything, there might be a slight advantage of actually digitally seeing what will be digitally captured.

These cameras are awesome. If you've never seen or held one of these, take note, the lens can be rotated forward while the body can be practically aligned with the lens, which permits you to see the image on an additional LCD screen located on backplane of the camera. This makes it possible to compose certain kind of shots that you otherwise would not be able to compose, or you would have to crawl around to get one. The 707 is absolete. The reason why we're including it here, is because it's practically identical to the 717. There are very few differences. The 717, as of September 2005, can be gotten for around $700. The 828, for about $800. For the price difference, we recommend, the 828. It's megapixel count is better, and it supports more media types. The 717 supports memory stick only. Oh, and the 828 is cool black in color, which in itself is worth the money. The 717 and 828 cameras have a hot shoe, which allows you to put an external flash onto the cameras. These cameras, also, have a built in flash which works very well. These cameras have an almost unbelievable battery consumption time. You can literally shoot for days, even with the flash on, without recharging. This is not so, with many others, including the Nikons.

The cameras power on, and are ready to go almost instantaneously. They're also great for still shots. In order for you to be able to successfully take action shots, you must be very proficient with a camera, or come with experience from the film world. Although they have aperture and shutter priorities, as well as, an automatic mode, these are useless in an action shot situation. For example, if you are in an aviary and an eagle happens to slowly and gracefully float in front of you, across your plane of view, let's say 100 feet or so from you, you would not be able to frame the shot in the viewfinder and depress the trigger. There is a substantial lag. This is not the typical lag that is usually described which results from saving an image to media. These cameras are very quick in saving the image. They're not quick picking up moving objects, as the metering that takes place slows everything down. In order for you to shoot action shots, the cameras must be set into manual mode. This is where you have to be thoroughly familiar with shutter speeds, f-stops and depth of field. If you lack that experience, it will take you a while to master these cameras. Or it may take you a long while to understand what the cameras are doing.

The most important thing on a camera is the lens. All of these cameras come equipped with excellent lenses. The image quality is superb. All the controls are laid out in a logical fashion. If you come from the film world, and have handled a camcorder you will feel right at home almost immediately. It will seem to you that these cameras are a cross between an SLR and your cam, which is exactly what one would expect from a company like Sony. If you're not that proficient with film cameras and don't understand white balance, then just set the dial to "A" for automatic, point, aim, and shoot. Overall, we love these cameras, and strongly recommend them. Although, not for everyone, they are awesome.

e2g labs review: 9/30/2005

Coming up review of Motorola MPX220 smart phone with Motorola HS850 Bluetooth hands-free device. How smart are they really?

e2g labs periodically conducts tests that are published in review form, of products peripherally related to eat2go Internet food ordering technology. If you have any related products which you would like e2g labs to test, forward your request to e2glabs@athyron.com. Please specify manufacturer, product and model number.

These materials are copyrighted. You may not publish, or use these materials for any purpose without prior written authorization from the Athyron Corporation.