Sony DSCF707 Cyber-shot 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom

I'm out shopping for a new camcorder and am leaning towards a Sony model. This brought to mind my Sony F707.

**ON THE UP SIDE**

I bought it in 2001 and paid a lot. I think with all the stuff I got with it, it came to about $1300. Best money I ever spent on an electronic device.

First off - if you have this camera or are picking one up, drop $10 on an appropriately sized UV lens attachment. It doesn't really change your pictures, at all (it's a clear lens). What it does do, however, is protect your precious and expensive Zeiss lens underneath. Over the years, my UV lens - in place ALL THE TIME - has saved me from trashing the *REAL* lens multiple times. I've had to replace the UV lens twice - at a cost of 20 more dollars. That, my friends, is a bargain compared to the alternative. The fact that you can attach any number of aftermarket things to the lens (because it is standard sized) is just plain awesome.

I got a 128MB stick with the camera. Sounds sort of laughable now, but I've operated that camera at the highest resolution for every picture from day ONE. No problem. It still fits 60 or so pictures. Have a laptop handy with a USB stick reader and you've got plenty of storage.

I've taken this camera everywhere. From the Mayan ruins in Mexico to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto - the pictures I have taken as a rank amateur have impressed many people. Most recently, I used it at the Philadelphia Phillies World Series Victory Parade in Philly (DUH!). With the way the camera twists, I was easily able to hold it HIGH up over my head and still get exactly the shot I wanted. People see the pictures and think I was in the front row when, in fact, I was about 5 rows people deep into the crowd. The sea of red hats/shirts contrasted against the buildings in a mixed light environment (buildings/shadows/bright spots) looks awesome.

There are LOTS of settings to play with if you want to experiment. Some of my coolest shots where nighttime long-exposure pictures of the illuminated Niagara Falls. And I pulled it off without a tripod on hand (hold camera VERY still...LOL).

I take a lot of pictures of my kid's sports activities. While there is a delay on the initial click-to-picture process, it doesn't take long to get used to. In any event, I find the built-in "Burst-3" mode to be very useful for sports. I've gotten more sweet shots that way - Bursting "around" the moment I want to photograph...outstanding.

**ON THE DOWNSIDE**

In 2004 or so, I suffered the very common "loose focus ring" problem. This was followed in 2005 by the [very related] "front part of camera falls off" problem and it "now rattles inside" problem (loose screws). It seems there are a few screws that hold that whole mess together on the inside that have a tendency to come loose. Fortunately, at the time, I found a forum on a website that included a posting of the nature of the problem and the steps (step-by-step screenshots/descriptions) to repair it without having to take it to Sony. It is very particular about how it comes apart and (of course) goes back together. If you have the "loose focus ring problem" - or the more advanced stage of that, the "lens falls off front of camera problem", let me know. I saved it and will send you the repair guide in .PDF format. thedunlapfamilyATcomcastDOTnet.

BTW - I came to realize the common problem(s) described above are caused by the relatively "violent" spring action of the pop-up flash. Over the years after hundreds (thousands?) of "POP!"s from the flash, the screws in question get slowly rattled looser and looser. Finally, they fall out, but stay contained within the camera.

Once I performed that repair, though, everything was fine. I used Loctite on the screws so they'll never fall out again.

The motion pictures (low quality video) it takes are, especially by 2008 standards, a complete joke - many (most?) cell phones take better video, now. But I found it handy from time to time. Most recently, I used it to have some woman tell me her contact information so I could send her the pictures I had taken. Far easier than writing it down, you know? The sound, at least, is pretty impressive, considering.

**IN THE END**

My camera still works like a champ. I see no reason to upgrade until Sony (or somebody else) essentially re-releases the same camera with updated electronic guts. The physical camera, itself, is just about flawless.

I'm the first to rip a product if it sucks, so I figured I'd take a moment to praise this item that has been worth every penny.

**FINAL WORD**

If you can pick up this camera used and in good condition (especially the Zeiss lens), do it. Get that UV lens/filter I told you about. If nothing else, give it to your teenage aspiring photographer. Let their imaginations run wild with all the cool settings - settings that STILL don't exist on 90% of the cameras being put out today. Enjoy.

I have been having this camera for 5 years and was never disappointed with its fantastic picture quality. It is a really superb camera!

I've this camera since 2001 the cost was 762$. The camera has been worth every dollar I paid. Everytime I take pictures and share them with friends they get really impressed. I've taken pictures like a pro. I bought a optional mounted flash and in a enclosed space and pointing the flash to the ceiling I've taken the most vivid pictures I could dream of. I've captured the most wonderful still moments of a party with incredible detail. The optical zoom allows me to get a close up of a face from my 6th floor apartment building down to the street. I've thought of buying a new one just because of obsolence you know! but It's gonna be difficult to find another camera that can give me so much fun.

The camera worked for exactly one month and then it stopped focusing and when I tried to get it repaired I was told it would cost more than it was worth to fix it. I spent 400.00 for one month's worth of use.

I have owned the DSC F707 since it became available at Best Buy. It was more money than I planned to spend but I am sure glad I decided to do so. I have taken 1000's of pictures and printed them on my printer and I am always amazed at the quality of the prints. Always used a SLR before so I was leary of this camera but soon found it to be a dream to work with. It seems I can do almost anything I need to do with this camera and it never lets me down. I have several 128mb San Disks but I would like to find a couple 256mb or 512mb if they are made for this camera. Does anyone know where I can get these? Overall, excellent camera!!