Sony Introduces New FD Mavica Camera Line
by
Steve Mandeson
Sony announced today the four latest additions to its industry leading FD Mavica camera line. The new models include the MVC-FD75, MVC-FD87, MVC-FD92 and the top-of-the-line MVC-FD97. These cameras boast enhanced features, expanded file formats and value.
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Watch video which looks at the latest of Sony's new line of digital cameras introduced at the Photo Marketing Association Meetings in Orlando.
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"Sony's Floppy Disk Mavica cameras have created a bridge to bring more consumers into digital imaging than any other camera line," said Greg Young, Sony's general manager of digital still camera marketing. "The cameras we are launching today deliver groundbreaking innovations and unparalleled affordability to broaden the digital camera market even more."
Choose Media, Select Images, Share
The new MVC-FD92 and MVC-FD97 represent the industry's first truly "dual media" cameras, featuring direct compatibility with both disk and flash storage media. For the first time, users can enjoy both the universality and ease-of-use of the floppy disk as well as the speed and capacity of Memory Stick® media, directly in the same camera.
By enhancing FD Mavica cameras' signature features of powerful zoom, large LCD viewfinders and easy handling with the expanded capacity of Memory Stick media, these new models provide consumers with exciting alternatives in Digital photography. With up to 88 times the capacity of the floppy disk (with the 128MB size, shipping in April), Memory Stick media's higher capacity and data transfer rate allows for improved image quality through the use of uncompressed TIFF format and fine or standard JPEG compression. Dual media also allows transfer of files from one media to the other, right in the camera. Now FD Mavica camera users can share images with friends as they are taken, through an inexpensive floppy disk, even if the photos are from a series of sessions. Equipped with USB transfer capability, the MVC-FD97 and MVC-FD92 can even serve as external USB Floppy Disk and Memory Stick media drives for most computers. Not to be excluded, the new MVC-FD87 also supports Memory Stick media with the use of an optional MSAC-FD2M adaptor. Memory Stick media is available now in 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128MB capacities for $30, $50, $80, $140 and $280, respectively.
"As consumers continue to buy more digital devices, the need for connectivity among those devices becomes more important," noted Young. "Sony's 2001 FD Mavica cameras offer more than a floppy disk-based camera by combining Memory Stick media options and USB transfer. Together Sony's digital still cameras offer a truly customized solution to file transfer and file sharing hassles -- plus they allow users to choose the media that best suits their imaging needs."
High Quality and High Storage
Highlighted by a 10X Optical Zoom (39-390mm in a 35mm camera), Sony's Optical Steady-shot(TM) Image Stabilization and 2.1 Mega-pixel resolution, the MVC-FD97 represents one of the most powerful lens/CCD combinations available, allowing users unusual control over composition and framing, especially at long distances. With extensive exposure control, eye-level TTL LCD viewfinder and manual focusing option, the MVC-FD97 brings the look and feel of a professional SLR to the world consumer digital cameras. By adding the advantage of dual-media, the MVC-FD97 creates a unique combination of digital camera flexibility and will be available in March for about $900.
The new MVC-FD92 combines a powerful 8x optical/16x digital zoom, 1.3 megapixel resolution (with 1.6 megapixel interpolated mode), with direct floppy disk and direct Memory Stick media capability and will be available in March for about $600.
Easy, Affordable and Universal
The MVC-FD75 and MVC-FD87 continue the Digital Mavica tradition of offering convenient floppy disk storage, making both products extremely easy to use. Simply remove the floppy disk from the Mavica and insert it into the disk drive of any personal computer. There are no additional wires or adapters to connect, and no drivers to install on the PC.
The MVC-FD75 also offers a 10x optical zoom, not available on any other camera at that price, combined with VGA resolution that is perfect for e-mailing images to friends and family, posting to a web site, or for business uses like online brochures and real estate services. Available in February, the MVC-FD87 and MVC-FD75 cost about $400 and $500, respectively.
Superb Flash and Power Features
As with all of Sony's cameras, the entire FD Mavica line uses a rechargeable InfoLithium® battery with an AccuPower(TM) meter. The provided L series batteries provide a life of approximately 960 shots, or 1 ¼ hours, in still image standard mode. And with the Sony AccuPower meter, the battery life remaining is displayed by the minute on the 2-1/2" LCD monitor, making unexpectedly running out of battery power a thing of the past. The MVC-FD87, MVC-FD92, and MVC-FD97 all feature Intelligent Flash which provides automatic optimum exposure control for better images in the dark or against natural backlight.
FD Mavica Cameras -- Feature Packed
Each of the new FD Mavica cameras (MVC-FD87, MVC-FD92, MVC-FD97) offers the following features:
- Mega-pixel resolution at 1.3, 1.6 (interpolated) and 2.1 mega-pixels respectively -- all with floppy disk convenience;
- High powered optical zoom at 3x, 8x and 10x, respectively;
- 12-bit A/D Conversion -- allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow for each image;
- An adjustable intelligent flash with Red Eye reduction;
- Compact 4x HiSpeed floppy disk drive -- enabling files to be recorded and played back four times faster than a conventional floppy disk drive for faster image processing;
- Long Life Battery - Rechargeable InfoLithium® battery with AccuPower(TM) meter with a life of approximately 960 shots or 1-1/4 hours, in still image standard mode;
- 3:2 picture size ratio option -- gives users a digital image that is the same size ratio as a standard 4 x 6 inch film print;
- E-Mail Mode and a date impose function available in three display patterns;
- Six AE modes with four white balance modes.
The MVC-FD92 and MVC-FD97 offer the following extra features:
- MPEG Movie Mode to capture up to 60 seconds of MPEG motion video and audio;
- Uncompressed TIFF mode for enhanced image quality;
- Voice Memo Mode to add narration to still images;
- Clip Motion Mode which creates 10 Shot GIF Animations;
- Direct Memory Stick and floppy disk capabability, providing convenience and universality;
- USB Transfer, allowing the user to connect the digital camera directly to their USB equipped PC;
- Manual focus, pop-up flash and optical stabilization (FD-97 only).
The MVC-FD75 features:
- High speed 2x floppy disk drive -- enables files to be recorded and played back two times faster than a conventional floppy disk drive for faster image processing;
- HiSpeed Auto and Macro Focus;
- 2.5 inch Advanced Color LCD Screen with Brightness Control;
- E-mail Mode -- captures images at 320 x 240 for quick and easy e-mail capability;
- Automatic Flash;
- Four Auto Exposure modes to assure correct exposure;
- File or Whole Disk Copy -- enables the sharing of images on the spot by copying pictures right inside the camera;
- Bit-Map Mode -- allows the saving of images in a non-compressed format.
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