Persistance pays off... after many an attempt to win an Ebay or Yahoo Auction, I've finally done it, and will soon have myself the camera I've been lusting after... the Sony DSC-F717!
I love the pictures that F717 owners have uploaded on this site! Does any F717 owner have any hints or comments about using this camera?
I've had mine for nearly a year, used it almost daily and am happy with it. It has delivered some great results, although ;-) not all DPCs agree with this (see my portfolio). The Zeiss lens packs light and a nice weight. It feels good and solid in the hand. I love the fast built-in charger, the batteries, which deliver up to 180 mins per shoot. It playes well with iPhoto on the Mac without needing any software. Controls are tight and well organized. Operation is simple and logical without cluttering the senses. I could go on...
What I really appreciate is the fact, that I'm beginning to forget that there is a camera between me and a subject at times. It is this kind of near-instinctive use that may not be a given other cams in its class.
It's not a DSLR though, a truly shallow dof is impossible to achieve in many situations. The feeling, too, is that of a rangefinder camera, not a D10 or a rebel. Yet, it is what it is, and at this it is 'very' good.
I like my F717. It is versatile and has good manual controls. Compared with SLRs with prism focus the manual focus on the Sony is not very good (it sucks), as is true of most digital cameras.
I have both telephoto and wide angle/macro attachemnts but do not recommend buying them. I do use them sometimes, but I am disappointed in their quality. I do recommend buying extra memory sticks and extra batteries though. The wired remote ie expensive at $50, but is a must have accessory for tripod shots.
My main issue with the Sony is the color tends to be flat, so you have to do post-process color adjustments to get it back.
Compared with SLRs with prism focus the manual focus on the Sony is not very good (it sucks), as is true of most digital cameras.
I took me some time to discover how to best use manual focus. What you have to remember is that the viewfinder always shows the actual image, including depth of field preview (on a DSLR you have to press a button for that). And since it has a wide DOF you won't see much difference when turning the manual focus ring.
If you really want accurate manual focus on one specific spot, you have to set aperture to wide open (which reduces DOF), then focus and then set desired aperture and shutter speed. (if you are in manual mode, a quick switch to wide open aperture can be done by switching to twilight, then focus, and then switch back to manual)
Does any F717 owner have any hints or comments about using this camera?
Start with full auto, read the manual (even though it is badly written), visit dpreview.com sony forum, switch to aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual mode. Expiriment, experiment, try all the buttons. Not very helpful maybe but it is about trying it all, really.
Some specific once you got used to the camera (read more on dpreview) :
* try reading on white balance setting (using grey/white card, or a styrofoam cup).
* read my previous comment on manual focus
* get some close-up filters to allow distance between camera and subject when doing macro
* experiment with infrared (get a IR pass filter and a neutral density filter)
* look at the simple bouncer for the internal flash (search for shaytech on the dpreview forum).
I absolutely agree that one of the most important things you should do is read that manual (I still keep mine in the bag I carry the camera in). This camera does so many things and you'll forget how to do them.
Take your time and try not to get frustrated with the complexity. I personally use manual settings and keep the histogram turned on, but I started with aperature priority. I almost NEVER use the flash.
Someone mentioned the remote...get it. It is fabulous to working on studio shots.
Get a digital image tank storage item. Memory sticks are exponentially more expensive than an image tank. I rarely use anything other than the one 128 stick I bought...just dump photos to my X-Drive.
Well, it looks like I may have spoken too soon. Although I did win the auction, the method of payment that the seller insists on (cashiers check or money order only), the information supplied (yahoo email only, mailbox/mail forwarding service address), and the fact that the seller is unrated, leads me to believe that this might be a scam. So, unless I get reply back from the seller shortly with identifying information and an alternative method of payment, I'm writing this off as a bad experience, and heading back to the auctions and the international online stores to find another cheap F717.
I think I just got smb who wants to buy it for 930€ and I am still dealing with him. But if he refuses I will let you know guys and may be will sell separately. Btw, does anyone want a cool racing profi bike too? LOL
Not sure how much that auction went for, but I wanted to let you know that newegg.com sells the 717 for $680 US or so. That's where I got mine from and I'm very happy with it and the service newegg gave me (got it 3 days after paying, and free shipping).
