5 comments about Sony DSCP92 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

1. I received this camera as a present from my mom. It has to be probably the best camera that I have ever owned. It is wonderful because you can just point and shoot with faith that the image will come out clear as day. Also the movies are impecable quality. As a photographer this camera is great to carry around in order to just grab life as it happens. It is light weight, easy to handle and even easier to use.



2. I have had this camera for 2 or 3 yrs. now... let me start of saying this is an excelent camera... i love it.. if i had to go back and do it all over again i would have still chosen this camera... now i will tell you the problems that i have encountered...
   
   The Flash- this camera has a red eye reduction feature that works wonderfully but, the flash goes off about four times before the picture is taken and if it is a posed picture and the subject doesn't realize this about the flash then they are likely to move by the time the picture takes...
   
   Lens- about 6 months ago the lens started getting stuck i took the camera apart and blew all the stuff out of it... after that it started working again... about 4 or 5 months ago the there was something wrong with the focus.. all i had to do was zoom in just a little bit before i took the picture and it would focus just fine...
   
   let me end by saying most of the problems that i encountered with this camera where about 98% self inflicted by me... this camera has made several trips to New Orleans... a few dozens falls from fairly high places.. i used it outside on a front porch to take some pictures and video of hurricane Katrina.. (live in south Ms)... but this camera is still going...



3. I've owned this camera for about 3 1/2 years and it is now malfunctioning. The LCD shows a horizontal purple bar across the middle and the screen flickers. Moreover, my photos come out with thin red, blue, and green lines which ruined my Christmas pictures. I'm not heavy user of the camera. It was never dropped (I took care of it like it was made of glass). It was never kept in humid conditions. And no, it's not part of the CCD image issue. I will say that I did find Sony support helpful.
   
   When the camera was working, it drained batteries quickly (even the special digital AA ones). I thought the shutter speed was a tad slow which caused me to miss quite a few shots. When I did capture the shot, I was pleased with quality of the photo.
   
   I'm in the market for a new camera and I will look at Canon or Olympus.
   
   A word of caution on store warranties: I bought an extended 3 year warranty through the big name electronics store I purchased it at. Be aware about the warranty if you decide to purchase one! It was 3 years from the shortest of Sony's labor warranty (3 months) or parts warranty (1 year). The salesrep neglected mention that important piece of information, so I had 3 year 3 month coverage; not 4 year coverage as I would led to believe.



4. This camera is good for point and shoot. Low zoom power, but makes up for it by being compact enough to carry around.
   
   More importantly, for those interested in infrared photography or IR + visible photography, this camera is a 10 minute project to disassemble and modify. 10 screws, swap out the ir filter and you're set.



5. I've had this camera for 4 years, and it is still taking great pictures. The quality of the pictures is great, even better than two newer cameras that I have.

5 comments about Sony MVCFD100 FD Mavica 1.2MP Digital Still Camera w/ 3x OPtical Zoom.

1. I bought this camera because of the great features and used it for around 6 months. It would still be everything I need except that floppy discs are now becoming obsolete. My husband got a new computer that doesn't even have a floppy drive (as most new computers don't), so we can't even use the camera now.
   Luckily, I receieved as a gift the similar but newer model that takes mini CDs. I know those will be around for a while!
   The camera has good features and Sony is a very reputable brand, but honestly, you'll need to get a new one soon. Get the model that accpets CDs or connects to your computer in a way that won't be outdated soon.



2. There was a little piece of advice I always gave people upon choosing their first digital camera, that being: 1)Take the megapixel count you are interested in, and 2)Multiply it by 100 3)If you spend within 50 dollars of that, you have basically gotten a good deal. If you pay less, you are probably missing some fundamental feature (a zoom is often the first thing to go) and if you pay more, you are getting more than you probably wanted (some special lens made from a glass that NASA uses to make the microwaves on the shuttle or something like that). With the Mavica FD series, the extra 100 or 200 dollars is going to its method of storing pictures, on simple, inexpensive floppy disks.
   If that still does not seem to justify the price, consider this: a floppy disk drive runs anywhere from 40 to 60 dollars, now take that drive and stick it on the back of a digital camera (thus making it self-powered).
   And then there is the media itself: Smartmedia and CompactFlash cards are down in price (averaging less than a dollar per megabyte) and are available in sizes in the giga-range. That all seems fine and dandy, until you consider the phrase "don't put all your eggs in one basket." The cards are like any other data storage media, and thus prone to corruption and electromagnetic interference. So, because of a simple error in the camera (it is a computer like any other, and thus prone to all the same weaknesses), a whole 64+ megabytes of memories can be lost forever. And, to add insult to injury, that card was really expensive! Meanwhile, a box of 40+ floppy disks (at about 1.44MB per disc) costs a little less than 10 dollars. Now get out your calculators....Okay....PENCILS DOW--I MEAN, CALCULATORS DOWN!
   Of course, the problem with floppy disks is that there are so many of them that lugging them around your vacation spot can be a complete pain. Fortunately, unlike the FD-75, you have the option of using Memory Sticks. In fact, if you take someone's picture on the MemStick, but want to give them one of the photos, simply insert a floppy disk and copy (just like in a computer) the picture to the floppy and give them that disk. Beats making them wait for a print.
   Also, Sony's sensibility guided them toward making the FD Mavicas out of HandyCam parts, meaning that some of the accessories you got for/with your Handycam (if you have one)can be used with the mavica, namely the battery (that little crummy one that came with it that you have probably not used since you got that even better 8-hour one!) which is exactly the same as the battery that comes with the FD! So, out of the box, you have doubled the battery life of the camera. Also, the camera has a 37mm filter thread, which allows you to attach neat accessories like color filters and fisheye lenses.
   Final word: a little pricey and not much for resolution, but for Handycam owners, it is a new lease on life for those old batteries!



3. I bought my Mavica as my first digital camera and have never been disappointed with it. It has travelled everywhere with me and has taken many awesome pictures. It was very easy to learn to use and the manual for it is well written and understandable.
   I'm just now getting around to getting a memory stick for it so that I can record my photos as TIFFs. I suspect that after I use that, I will love it even more.
   I have learned everything that I know about digital photography with my Mavica by my side. I learned how to set white balance, ISO speed, and spot metering easily and quickly. I would love to have a camera with a bigger resolution and a smaller size, but my Mavica takes such beautiful pictures that I'm not going to replace it.
   I use it mostly to take pictures of my daughter and her classmates. The individual pictures taken indoors in UV light with a flash are amazing. In fact, after her class Christmas party (2003) they were so good that I printed them onto photo fabric and made the teacher a scarf with pictures of the children.
   I love this camera and have been VERY happy with it. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.



4. I have purchased this particular camera due to its ability to record images to the floppy disk. I traveled across the country by bicycle and uploaded pictures from public libraries along the way, where computers would not allow to install software and have USB port, but always had available floppy drives. This worked very well!

   The camera showed amazing performance in representing the colors in its pictures. Focus was always good, images were clear and beautiful. Macro mode worked extremely well. Camera is reliable and battery life is superb.
   With 1.3 Mega Pixels, images are perfect for computer use or make print outs of standard size.

   Shutter delay makes it difficult to shot moving objects unless you are used to guessing the right moment. Sensitivity in dark conditions was very low, on automatic mode at least. I don't know if adjusting white balance or exposure compensation would improve the sensitivity. I always found automatically taken pictures to be of best quality.
   If there is a need to use the MAJOR feature of the Sony MVC FD 100 function - floppy drive, then this is the excellent choice.
   FD 200 that replaced 100 in 2003 offers 2.0 Mega Pixels Matrix with identical features.

   Here are few sample pictures taken with this camera:

   http://www.angelfire.com/linux/mikhail4/travel8/flower_after_rain_macro.jpg

   http://www.angelfire.com/linux/mikhail4/travel8/sunset_on_trans_canada.jpg

   http://www.angelfire.com/linux/mikhail5/travel11/nice_mushroom.jpg

   http://www.geocities.com/pont331/clouds_ahead.jpg

   All in all, this camera provided exceptional service and I recommend it to anyone that needs to use its ability to save images on floppy disks.




5. I don't know if three is an accurate rating but almost all of my indoor pictures are dark. I have to be three feet or less to get a good picture. Are all cameras like this?
   
   Otherwise I am completely satisfied with the camera LJM

5 comments about Sony DSCU20 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Silver)+B2.

1. Though I've not had experience with this U-20, I can comment on its predecessor, the U-10, which is a 1.3 megapixel version of this camera.

   When our son in law was deployed to Iraq in Feb. 2003, I wanted to send a digital camera with him. It needed to be very small and lightweight, but also needed to withstand the rigors of life in a fox hole. The Sony Cybershot DCS U-10 really came through! When he returned 8 months later the camera had been dropped many times and had a lot of scratches and dents. It was very dusty and gritty and even the memory card inside felt gritty. I was afraid the data on the memory card wouldn't be readable. But also, the little Sony had takin a lickin and kept on clickin! The pictures were very very good for a 1.3 megapixel. The photos taken inside the tents were a tad dark because the flash only goes about 6 feet, but overall they were good. The photos taken outside were wonderful. If I had to send another camera off to the Iraqi desert, I'd stick with the Sony and choose another Cybershot U. It may have its limitations but it was perfect for the need we had.




2. I took this to Iraq in order to have a camera I could keep with me at all times. For 6 months I lugged it around wherever I went. Despite the lack of a zoom, it took great shots, and with a large (128MB) memory stick, I was able to store many pictures and download them when I had the opportunity. Just what I was looking for!



3. I have had it for about a year. It is my constant companion. We ditched 35mm in favor of this baby. Results are not perfect, but for the size & price, it's wonderful. And don't forget that it uses AAA batteries!

   Having said all that, I am hoping to get a DSC P92 before our next family vacation...




4. This is an incredible little camera. Have had it for about 5 years and it goes everywhere, takes awesome photos without a lot of useless confusing features. Simple, it works, shoots quickly and holds about 185 images with the memory card. Easy to pocket and take anywhere, can use regular AAA batteries in a pinch. Too bad they dont make it anymore. Sure the newer cameras have a big screen but aren't as easy to carry and manipulate and have too many confusing features.



5. Sony DSCU20 Cyber-shot 2MP Digital Camera (Silver)+B2
   
   Well, I had two of these cameras and they're great when working ok. But the two I possessed had that SAME deffect... the pictures starts to become pink and the screen blackout and the USB does not connect to PC anymore.
   It used to be good.

5 comments about Sony Alpha A100 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. Love my Sony Alpha 100, 10.2 mp. For the money, it is an unbeatable buy. User friendly. Great photos.



2. I bought this camera becuase I am a life long Minolta fan, however they discontinued their cameras without any notice and I was stuck with alot of Konica Minolta camera equipment. Sony picked up Minolta's pattons and made their first DSLR and everything I owed with Minolta is interchangeable with it. But I run 2 photo studios and I have not been happy with the controls, etc. of this camera. However a person who just wants a better camera to take better pictures then their snap and shoot--this would be a good camera for you, for a professional however--no. I am now switching everything over to Nikon.



3. 1. I purchased this camera (Sony a100) about a year and a half ago and it's lived up to my expectations. Photos are crisp and clear, controls are conviently located and the large LCD is handy although I wish it was the swivel type, battery life is good. I have three, one Sony and two much cheaper non-Sony. I wish the lens selection was a little better but this is just a hobby for me and SIGMA lenses are just as good and cheaper. There is some noise at low light levels but that's not a problem for me. My problem is dust bunnies inherent in all digital slrs in this class. But I have solve that too with a small bottle of ECLIPSE 2 and a few SENSOR PADS that fit the low pass filter to be cleaned. Sometimes it only takes a good whiff of dry air with the camera turned upside down. But sending it back to them until the warranty runs out consumes too much time and they don't do a very good job. My job was better. Last of all Sony has the gall to sell the A.C. adapter at well over $125.00 and then recommends that any type of cleaning (dust blower only) not be done without the A.C. adapter. This is of course so the mirror stays up while blowing off the dust. My advice is use a freshly charged battery; it only takes a few minutes to do a good cleaning with the blower or the more adventurous low pass filter. Be advised Sony will void the warranty if you screw up the CCD aka low pass filter while using the SENSOR PADS. But trust me, it's very easy to clean and the low pass filter is tougher than one suspects. Still, extreme caution and patience is needed with a light but firm stroke. By the way, the A.C. adapter can charge two batteries at once but still not worth the price and there are no substitutes because of the proprietary connection on the camera body, again Sony Only! Oh, there is also inaccessible dust inside the viewfinder, again inherent in all slrs in this class. My camera goes almost everywhere I go so there will be dust.
   
   SHELLBACK
   SEMPER FI



4. I bought the camera in Feb. and just charged twice since then. I charged the battery before my 10 days vacation in Europe, and took over 1,000 pictures (very beautiful) and the battery now is still 3/4 full!
   Another advantage of this camera is the anti-shake function. I could take pictures with very low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) and the pictures are still sharp.



5. This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress...
   
   This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close.
   
   I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings.
   
   There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview.
   
   Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100.
   
   The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO):
   
   *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) -
   
   *10.2 megapixels
   
   *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days.
   
   *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on.
   
   *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen
   
   *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M.
   
   *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked.
   
   *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself.
   
   ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint):
   
   with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature.
   
   The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip.
   
   The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time.
   
   I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm.
   
   I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap.
   
   PICTURES:
   
   a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100:
   
   
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/
   
   only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is.
   
   one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself.
   
   Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do.
   
   I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear.
   
   all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens.
   
   I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera!
   
   Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!

5 comments about Sony Cybershot DSCT5 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver).

1. I fell in love with the size and the sleek look of this camera but success with it has been extremely unpredictable. I never know when I'm going to get good photos. The delay is very long. There is obviously no stablization feature with this camera. If the lighting isn't just right and you do not hold perfectly still and your subject isn't completely inanimate - there is a high risk of a blurry photo. Oftentimes I check it in the viewer and it will seem okay - load onto computer and it will be just blurry enough to be unacceptable. Red-eye is a problem - I don't know why there is even a feature which is supposed to address this. I'm either going to go back to my SLR or purchase a new Canon with image stablizer.



2. I own this camera also and paid around $400.00 for it. To me, that's a good deal of money as I am not a professional photographer but still desire to have great family photos! I agree with most of the previous reveiewers. This camera takes okay pictures. In fact, the daytime pictures are great. It's impossible to get a good night time shot though, especially photos of fireworks, etc. That was really dissapointing. The shutter speed is also too slow. My kids are already moving to the next thing before the camera flashes! For the money, this product is not impressive. I expected much more out of Sony.



3. I really enjoy this digital camera. Its perfect handheld size makes it easy to use and it takes wonderful highdefinition pictures.



4. Guys,
   
   This model does not work in the night. If you will try to take snaps in the night, you will get just a dark background only. Even if the object/human has full light in the night,dscT5 is not able to take snap.
   (Look at CNET for its reviews and comparision )
   
   Very poor battery life, last only for 1.5 to 2 hrs.
   Moreover in auto mode its take good picture, but if you customize your mode to night/beach or other mode it gives you shaky image.
   
   Works perfect fine in day light/specially in sunlight.
   
   Final work don't take this, rather go for some other model.



5. LCD screen became blur after 3 months of use. Can never take a good picture in door. Red eye reduction function is just for fun.
   
   I don't give it 1 star because it's still usable outdoor.

5 comments about Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom.

1. This camera is not good for sports or baby pictures ... the shutter is slow.



2. Takes awesome outside pictures. I'm a little upset about the inside shots. Flash is too bright even though I have done everything instructed to make it darker. Pics are out of focus when used without the flash with dim light. Had it a couple of months and had to send in for repair due to an internal computer issue but the turn around time was great ( about 7 days). I guess the bottom line is that I am keeping it but would not buy it again.



3. Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom
   
   The product is excellent



4. I am not an expert, but the pictures from this camera look as good as pics from an expensive SLR camera. People can't believe the pictures I take with this camera. The 12X zoom makes it perfect for sporting events and your kid's school events. Unbelievable pictures.
   The only downside is that the camera is big (like an SLR) so we also have a smaller one to carry around everyday. But our everyday camera can't zoom in like this one.
   Be prepared, this thing is big but it is worth lugging around if you want really good pictures and the 3X zoom on a small camera just won't cut it. The price is so reasonable that you can get both this one and a small everyday camera.



5. Suddenly, while traveling, this Sony Cybershot 7.2 MP stopped working. It was exactly 1 year after purchase, right after the warranty expired. Very disappointing.
   
   An electronic problem causes a complete freezing-up right after the shutter button is pushed, resulting in a blank black viewer. After it finally releases from the freeze, no picture has been taken.
   
   Repair work costs more than to replace camera, of course. I will think twice before buying Sony camera again.
   
   As a photographer, I have owned many different cameras. Never have had a complete malfunction on a camera ever, except in a used Nikon I bought from the guys at the B&H Used Camera Dept in NYC.
   
   This Sony should have been better and should have lasted much longer. My old Olympus digital lasted at least five years with no problem.

5 comments about Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station).

1. This is a great camera for travel and everyday events because of its small and convenient size. We bought it to replace our bulkier Sony DSC-F707. The large screen is wonderful! The video feature is a lot of fun but due to the small size it is hard to take a steady video. The battery meter is very useful as it tells you how much time you have left. The main downside with this camera is the flash. It doesn't work well in very dark conditions for distant or even slightly distant shots. If it weren't for the flash, I would have given this a rating of 5 stars. This is overall a good camera.
   
   For more serious digital photography, we prefer to use the Sony DSC-F707 as it has a better flash and zoom. However, it is too bulky to carry around.



2. This is really a nice point-and-shoot camera. Outdoor pics are really impressible and the clarity is also quite good. The only big problem I noticed about this piece is its night shot mode. Since it does not have any outside flash, the night pics are not good as expected from Sony. The indoor pics are also affected by the same problem.



3. I had this camera a little over 3 mo when the snap-open lens cap started to jam. This causes the camera to power back down. I can usually jimmy the cap a little with my finger and get it working after a couple tries. It does add a little time to the otherwise lightning fast power-up though. Yes, right here I should have sent the camera in but I needed it for, I don't know, taking pictures...
   
   Next problem cropped up 6 months later, the docking station stopped charging the camera and downloading pictures. I ordered a separate battery charger and I have a memory slot on my laptop that reads MS so I've kind of worked through it.
   
   Now 4 months later the flash is only firing 1 out of 10 times. Of course it waits until now to develop a problem I can't live with.
   
   13 months total and I have a camera that doesn't power up, charge, download or take pictures inside. Other than the listed issues I love this camera, it is fast, pictures are sharp all in a tiny package.
   
   FYI this camera has not been treated harshly. Now, while it's in the shop, I have no camera and will no doubt be adding to the original $600 price tag



4. I had this camera for about three years. I have taken it to four continents and about 20 plus countries. it with stood being slammed around and banged up all up and down central america and china and Europe. It takes great pictures and is extremely easy to use. I would recommend it for anyone traveling or that wants a nice and easy camera. the only bad part about it is that it doesnt have a very fast film option so that night pictures are not that good if you get out of the range of the flash. I finally managed to break the screen and it is cheaper to get another camera than to replace the screen.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RN50XPK2J6U6O My friend bought this camera about three years ago. I have another camera, but I am constantly borrowing his Sony Cybershot instead of using mine. It took us a while to start using the video feature, but we love it.
   
   We like the flash feature, which works well for inside pictures and to fill in outside in the sunlight. The red eye reduction feature is helpful. The view screen is large enough to enjoy. We love the compact size.
   
   My friend wishes he could get a better view than 3X telephoto in the video mode.
   
   He is very satisfied with his camera and enjoys it when he gets an opportunity to use it. Obviously, I like it too.
   
   Here is a sample video.

5 comments about Sony Cybershot DSC-M2 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Wide Zoom.

1. I always say that there is technology you can use and technology you can impress others with.
   This model helps you do both. You have a nice 5.1 MP still camera and MPEGMovie4TV video.
   The very fact that you have a camera which you can take both still pictures and video is huge. I never had a video camera before because I hate to carry two camera and a big camera case, so this was the obvious solution.
   I realize that instead of embracing the moment (for which they need the memory) most people often juggle between cameras.
   Cons:
   * Sometimes people might confuse it with camera phone
   * Buttons are harder to find
   * Software is not the best
   * Wish had more zoom
   Pros:
   * Convince
   * Compact
   * Battery lasts long
   * Flash is good
   * Video sound quality is good
   I wonder why this model has not swept the market - another story of good product and mad marketing.



2. I can't believe they haven't made more and these are so hard to find now! I've had mine for a year now and it is awesome. Finally a handy marriage between a still camera and a video camera. Parents and grandparents everywhere I go wish they had one to catch EVERY fun moment with the kids. My only complaint is the low-light capabilities. Pictures just won't turn out and movies are terrible unless you're outside or inside with bright lights.



3. I was so excited when I got this camera from Amazon. Why ? The looks alone - the flip out screen was cool, like a mini camcorder. It has MPEG4 with Stereo Sound which is, indeed, very cool. And, the video is great! But that was where the excitement ended. Now I'm not technical but I've had 3 digial cameras in the past so let me explain in simple terms why this camera sucks.
   
   Why does this camera suck ?
   
   It's bulky. Had they packed in something better than the standard 3x optical zoom I could understand that but they didn't.
   
   Pictures came out blurry in darker settings. Maybe I didn't make the right settings adjustements ? But it's the worst in standard settings of all my cameras.
   
   Flash is weak. Again with a camera this size you expect more.
   
   5.1 Megapixel camera only. Not bad, but come one, my wife's credit card sized DCS T10 does 7.2, so again, why is this camera so big if the specs are so... average...
   
   You need the base station to both charge the camera and view on the TV using the AV cables. Considering the base sticks out like a sore thumb with its bulky design its not something you can easily take with you unless you are carrying luggage or something. Bad choice.
   
   But here is what really clinched it. After having 3 cameras where the LCD screen was exposed I thought, wow, this screen is protected inside so it will never break - never mind none of my screens ever broke before. So what happened? Two months after I got the camera I dropped it from from waist level and it fell on a little rock or something because I saw a little indentation on the outside and guess what - the LCD screen was all messed up. 90% unviewable. $450 wasted. I wasn't going to put in another $200 to get this junker fixed.
   
   Bottom line? Best video I've seen, esp. for the size. Everything else about the camera sucked.



4. THIS CAMERA WAS GREAT FOR THE 1YR AND 3 MONTHS THAT I HAD THE CAMERA IN PERFECT CONDITION. FIRST OF ALL YOU NEED TO GET A CARRYING CASE FOR IT IF NOT U ARE GONNA GO THROUGH WHAT IM GOING THRU. THE SLIDE CLICK WHEEL(fwd button) TO CHANGE PICS AND VIDEOS WHEN IN VIEWING THEM SNAPPED OFF AN BROKE ON ME. THE CAMERA BEEN ACTING FUNNY ON ME LIKE LOCKING UP ON ME AND WONT CHANGE MODES, IT WONT STOP RECORDING VIDEO AFTER I PRESS THE VIDEO BUTTON AGAIN, AND WHEN IM VIEWING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS THE CAMERA SOMETIMES STARTS SWITCHING AUTOMATICALLY FROM PHOTO TO PHOTO OR VIDEO FROM VIDEO WHEN IN VIEWING MODE. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE CAMERA WHEN ACTING LIKE THIS IS TURNING IT OFF AND ON AGAIN BUT SOMETIMES I STARTS TO ACT THE SAME WAY SHORTLY AFTER, THIS IS STARTING TO GET FRUSTRATING SO I WAS WONDERING IF SONY SELLS ADDITIONAL PARTS LIKE THIS OR DO I NEED NEED TO REPLACE THE CAMERA.



5. This is the most aesthetic camera I have ever seen, the vertical design allows one hand operation without the risk of dropping it, perfect for having fun at parties or vacation.
   
   PROS:
   Easy to use.
   BIG shooting buttons! (not the ones you have to press with toothpick fingers on other cameras).
   Long last battery.
   Not too big files.
   Pretty descent video/photo quality.
   
   CONS:
   Fragile (simply get a good case).
   Not a Professional camera (if that's what you're looking for), only 5mp 3x zoom.
   Zooming should be associated with the jog control during camera mode.
   
   
   I wish Sony make new improved models of hybrid cameras. Meanwhile I'm really happy with my DSC-M2.

5 comments about Sony Alpha A100H 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 Lens.

1. Love my Sony Alpha 100, 10.2 mp. For the money, it is an unbeatable buy. User friendly. Great photos.



2. I bought this camera becuase I am a life long Minolta fan, however they discontinued their cameras without any notice and I was stuck with alot of Konica Minolta camera equipment. Sony picked up Minolta's pattons and made their first DSLR and everything I owed with Minolta is interchangeable with it. But I run 2 photo studios and I have not been happy with the controls, etc. of this camera. However a person who just wants a better camera to take better pictures then their snap and shoot--this would be a good camera for you, for a professional however--no. I am now switching everything over to Nikon.



3. 1. I purchased this camera (Sony a100) about a year and a half ago and it's lived up to my expectations. Photos are crisp and clear, controls are conviently located and the large LCD is handy although I wish it was the swivel type, battery life is good. I have three, one Sony and two much cheaper non-Sony. I wish the lens selection was a little better but this is just a hobby for me and SIGMA lenses are just as good and cheaper. There is some noise at low light levels but that's not a problem for me. My problem is dust bunnies inherent in all digital slrs in this class. But I have solve that too with a small bottle of ECLIPSE 2 and a few SENSOR PADS that fit the low pass filter to be cleaned. Sometimes it only takes a good whiff of dry air with the camera turned upside down. But sending it back to them until the warranty runs out consumes too much time and they don't do a very good job. My job was better. Last of all Sony has the gall to sell the A.C. adapter at well over $125.00 and then recommends that any type of cleaning (dust blower only) not be done without the A.C. adapter. This is of course so the mirror stays up while blowing off the dust. My advice is use a freshly charged battery; it only takes a few minutes to do a good cleaning with the blower or the more adventurous low pass filter. Be advised Sony will void the warranty if you screw up the CCD aka low pass filter while using the SENSOR PADS. But trust me, it's very easy to clean and the low pass filter is tougher than one suspects. Still, extreme caution and patience is needed with a light but firm stroke. By the way, the A.C. adapter can charge two batteries at once but still not worth the price and there are no substitutes because of the proprietary connection on the camera body, again Sony Only! Oh, there is also inaccessible dust inside the viewfinder, again inherent in all slrs in this class. My camera goes almost everywhere I go so there will be dust.
   
   SHELLBACK
   SEMPER FI



4. I bought the camera in Feb. and just charged twice since then. I charged the battery before my 10 days vacation in Europe, and took over 1,000 pictures (very beautiful) and the battery now is still 3/4 full!
   Another advantage of this camera is the anti-shake function. I could take pictures with very low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) and the pictures are still sharp.



5. This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress...
   
   This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close.
   
   I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings.
   
   There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview.
   
   Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100.
   
   The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO):
   
   *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) -
   
   *10.2 megapixels
   
   *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days.
   
   *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on.
   
   *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen
   
   *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M.
   
   *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked.
   
   *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself.
   
   ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint):
   
   with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature.
   
   The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip.
   
   The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time.
   
   I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm.
   
   I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap.
   
   PICTURES:
   
   a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100:
   
   
   http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/
   
   only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is.
   
   one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself.
   
   Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do.
   
   I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear.
   
   all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens.
   
   I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera!
   
   Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!

5 comments about Sony MVCCD350 CD Mavica 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

1. When this camera works, it takes sweet pictures. It probably takes sweet pictures when it ISN'T working, but I'll never know. It has a habit -- I say "habit" because this has happened to more than 80% of the photos (around 500) that I have shot in the first two weeks I've had the thing -- of something happening so that the photos are unrecoverable from a disc. This level of unreliability is something I simply cannot fathom.
   
   In looking around help forums and other user reviews on the Web, I find that the problem is far from unusual. The problem seems worse when one uses generic (i.e., non-Sony) mini-discs. And just try finding Sony mini-discs at any of your local big-boxes. It seems to me (we are in the Denver area, not exactly miles from nowhere) that the only place these things can be purchased is on the Web.
   
   This camera was to be a replacement for my Mavica 88, a great little camera that never burped or blurbled on floppies in four years of pretty heavy use. That camera took about any floppy tossed into it, which made things very simple. By contrast, the MVC-350 is beyond persnickety about its discs and its discs are apparently impossible to procure, except on the Web.
   
   I tried to work with Sony's service department, which seems to be offshore. It was clear that the person with whom I was speaking understood only about half of what I was saying: maybe less. There seemed to be a number of scripts available, none of which fit the problem I described. At this point, because I bought this as a new camera through an eBay vendor, I am becoming resigned to the idea of having lost over $300. If you have to try this camera, the odds appear to be relatively good because this problem appears to affect only 15% of users. So go ahead; if it works for you, you'll be very pleased. But for heaven's sake, buy from Amazon, where you will be able to return it if it does not work for you.
   
   In five years or so of writing Amazon reviews, I have given one star on exactly one other occasion, for a very silly book. Even with kitchen equipment I have not liked, there has usually been at least one redeeming feature. In this case, the camera's unreliability is so antithetical to the very purpose of a camera that there is simply nothing good for me to say. This camera has, in effect, stolen my work and I am not very happy about that.
   
   A camera's job is not only to take, but most importantly to facilitate making pictures. When it is impossible to process the picture taken, it is impossible to make the picture. For this reason, I can only recommend looking at this camera with great caution and, if possible, finding an acceptable alternative.



2. I am a professional radiographer and photographer (25 years now) and I used both the Sony CD500, CD400, CD350, CD300, as well as a Nikon Coolpix for field research x-raying mummies in Peru. This means the cameras were pushed hard.....blowing sand, huge contrast ranges, high resolution radiographs needed, fast manual control of radical light conditions, etc.....essentially most of the tough conditions and imaging requirements you can imagine. Here's what I found:
   
   The Sony Mavica CD500 & 300 beat them all. It's not the most expensive or the best resolution but we all thought it did the best job.
   
   Mavica CD500: best of all....resolution, reasonable recording time, great image control for exposure, close-ups, better controls, pretty much everything
   
   Mavica CD400: best resolution but extremely slow recording time made it impossible to work with most of the time....the CD300 often got 3-4 shots while the 400 was recording one.
   
   Mavica CD350: not enough manual control for us, but usually got great images on automatic....some problems with exposure range for close-ups though
   
   Mavica CD300: not the best resolution, but now that I've done some prints for publication from it's highest res setting I will not be buying any more 400s....just not a significant enough difference,
   plus it's not as heavy or bulky.
   
   Nikon Coolpix: not in the running by comparison with the Sonys....although it is more lightweight....we are buying mini CDs for 33 cents each in bulk... and getting 140-180 high res
   images per CD.....they are so easy to format, initialize, and copy on any CD burner that I can't believe we even considered using memory stiks, or USB downloads.
   
   The best features are common to both the Sony Mavica CD300 and 400 series though.....manual control of the images, excellent close up abilities, decent wide angle (which can be enhanced with add-on lenses if necessary), and both rapid video and automatic functions with night focusing for flash, etc., etc.
   
   Finally! There is a great digital camera!



3. A truly magnificent product. The mini-CD format is robust and so convenient - no longer any need to download pictures to the computer en masse - just view and select them one by one to e-mail, print or modify - they are safely stored on the CD, which fits in the DVD or CD-Rom drive of any computer that I have yet met.
   The camera is easy to use and captures superb images either singly or in bursts and it will even take sound movies!
   There was no problem with using SONY 200Mb Mavica miniCD's a available for mere pence. Easy to use and store away as one fills them up - there is a noticable tendency for one to take many more pictures with so much storage available.
   The camera is robust and light and easy to use both outdoors and inside it gives superd quality images. The battery seems to last, on average for about 240 images but one can always carry a spare. It has performed well in subzero and warm sunlight outdoors with never a glitch.
   This is a camera which embodies everything that I need, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone as a valuable general purpose camera for both work and pleasure.



4. I bought this Camera two years ago from Newegg. I do not have any problem with this camera. I love his camera. Easy to use.



5. I bought this camera in mid-2004, and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. It was my first digital camera, and the purchase was based on my company's success with the FD Mavica. Having had the CD350 for 4 years and taken over 1,000 pictures with it in over 6 different states... it's still holding up well, and I have managed some really good pictures (in spite of being an amateur photographer). I have never had to replace the battery (though I did just buy one spare, as it's old now - but the original still holds a charge very well!), and I am still using the original Sony CD-RW that came with it (just bought a 3-pack so I'd have extras for LONG trips). I am hoping to pass it along to my daughter before too long - she's almost ready to graduate to a better camera, and this would be a great one for her.
   
   PROs: Easy to use, very forgiving autofocus, and well-made. In spite of newer cameras out there, I'm still not QUITE ready to replace it, since it still takes great pictures and it has been COMPLETELY trouble-free (only problems have been due to Human Error).
   
   CONs: "Shutter lag" is a bit long by today's standards. Just bought a Canon S5iS for my wife, and it is SO much newer (and as is the case with electronics, SO much nicer). Time to write to CD is a bit slow. I tried Memorex mini CDs, and the menu system warned me to not use non-Sony media; it worked, but VERY unreliably, so I've since stuck with Sony CDs and it's been solid. I wish there were an SD Card or other electronic storage drive like there was with the FD Mavica. Oh, since some folks will want to know... video file sizes are HUGE, yet resolution is quite dreadful (as is the case with all digital cameras I've seen, digital cameras take horrible video, digital video cameras take horrible stills - the strange paradox of digital photography). Newer cameras aren't quite as bad.
   
   VERDICT: If I were shopping today, I'd probably go with a newer camera, as this one is simply old... meaning it's slow, light on modern features such as SD Card slot, doesn't have a LOT of zoom capability, and has lower resolution than newer cameras. But as far as a camera of its era, it's been great, and it just keeps on ticking! Definitely a good "first" digital camera, as there's not a lot of complicated features to mystify the novice.