In summary
The DSC-F88 has the highest resolution of Sony’s rotating lens digicams but its 5-megapixel sensor is smaller than that on the DSC-W1, P100 and P93 models, and the lens isn’t as fast. However, it’s small enough to slip in a purse or jacket pocket. Four still shooting modes are provided – auto, program AE, manual and scene – plus a movie setting that captures VGA clips at 16.6 frames per second or ‘video mail’ at 160 x 112 pixels and 8.3fps. While the auto setting provides few adjustments, the P mode lets you access exposure compensation, focusing, metering, white balance, ISO, quality, burst, picture effect, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings. M mode adds the ability to adjust apertures and shutter speeds independently. . . [more]
Full review
The DSC-F88 has the highest resolution of Sony’s rotating lens digicams but its 5-megapixel sensor is smaller than that on the DSC-W1, P100 and P93 models, and the lens isn’t as fast. However, it’s small enough to slip in a purse or jacket pocket. Four still shooting modes are provided – auto, program AE, manual and scene – plus a movie setting that captures VGA clips at 16.6 frames per second or ‘video mail’ at 160 x 112 pixels and 8.3fps. While the auto setting provides few adjustments, the P mode lets you access exposure compensation, focusing, metering, white balance, ISO, quality, burst, picture effect, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings. M mode adds the ability to adjust apertures and shutter speeds independently. Flash output is adjustable in the P, M and scene modes.
In our tests, the F88 was fast and responsive with capture lag averaging 0.6 seconds, reducing to 0.15 seconds with pre-focusing. Exposures were generally accurate but colours were slightly saturated. Edge-to-edge sharpness was below average, as expected from such a small lens. The white balance control delivered average result but movie performance was above average. Image noise was discernible in long exposures, although not excessive.
Strengths
- Adjustable flash output
- 42 shutter speeds selectable
- Useful ‘magnifying glass’ setting for close-ups
Weaknesses
- Below average edge-to-edge sharpness
- Highlight detail lost in bright conditions [BG05]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.92 x 4.87mm (7.66mm diagonal) Super HAD CCD with 5,255,000 photosites (5.90 megapixels effective)
Lens: 6.7-20.1mm f3.5-4.2 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens (38-114mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, up to 6x digital zoom (12x with smart zoom)
Dimensions (wxhxd): 97.8 x 74.4 x 25.6mm
Weight: 163g (with battery and card)
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
<
Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating