 Sony
Mavica MVC-FD7
By Bob Stallman, March 17, 2000
With its floppy disk storage, this digital camera is gaining popularity
among cemetery recordists.
Steve recently asked me if I would do a review on my Sony
Digital Camera. Being a person of not a very descriptive vocabulary, I
decided to use a Q&A type of format. I have been recording cemeteries
for almost 2 years now, 4 in Washington, 1 in South Dakota and 1 in New
York State where many of my ancestors are buried. One of the cemeteries
that I am working on now, that is close to home has about 11,000 buried
there. I started transcribing with pencil and notebooks, soon after I
thought there has to be a better way. After much searching on the Internet
for digital cameras and comparing all of the spec.'s, I decided to buy
a Sony, if your question isn't answered below you may contact me at r.stallman@worldnet.att.net
Why a Sony versus some of the other top brands?
What really convinced me, was the use of standard computer floppy disks,
that can store picture media. I get about 25 pictures per diskette in
standard picture mode. Diskettes can be purchased almost anywhere and
usually at a reasonable price and when you no longer need the information
on them they can be erased and used again.
What about some of the other brands with memory cards?
Memory cards cost from $30.00 up to $200.00 depending on how much memory
(usually 2mb, 4mb, or 8mb.) I figure that you get about 25 standard pictures
per megabyte, so you would need at least 4 memory cards for a few hours
of pictures.
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| Wet tombstone images do not pick up well on the MVC-FD7. |
How well do the inscriptions show up on the images?
About 95% of the images are very readable. I have found that when you
are standing and looking at the tombstone and you can clearly read it,
the picture will look the same. Although if the stone is wet or partially
wet, the contrast is greatly reduced and you end up, as you can see by
the image on the left. Also if the stone is partially shaded the image
does not show up well, it is best then to create some shade to eliminate
this.
Should I take pictures in color or black & white?
You receive a more readable picture in the standard color mode, the camera
is able to take it also in B&W as well as Pastel, Sepia and negative.
It seems to make little difference on how many images you can get per
disc regardless of mode. Of course the high quality image mode you only
get about 12 per diskette.
Does it have zoom capabilities?
Yes, it has a 10X optical zoom lens, with macro capabilities. In the tele-photo
position it will automatically focus as close as 3 ½ ft. and wide angle
will focus as close as ½ in. I have found that when standing position
and taking the smallest brass plaque you end up with a very readable image.
 What about
batteries?
The camera comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, which lasts up to
140 minutes and also a charger that takes about 3 hours for a full re-charge.
I purchased another battery for $60.00 that way, it gives me plenty of
picture taking time. Battery time remaining shows on viewer screen.
What are some of the other features?
- It will take flash pictures as well, although it has a tendency to
over expose the image when using it.
- The ability to use manually focus, I find that auto works best.
- The exposure can also be adjusted for lighter and darker pictures.
- Large 2 ½ in. LCD display, other cameras have quite a bit smaller
display screens. Also it can be made darker or brighter.
- You may view the images that you have recorded by going to the play
mode and are also able to delete an image if you want.
- It comes with software to be installed in your computer so that you
are able to edit and view your pictures.
How much did it cost?
The Mavica MVC-FD7 I purchased sold normally for $699.00, from CompUSA.
But because a newer model had just come out with a 2X floppy drive and
improved flash, I ended getting it for $499.00. I believe that the camera
has since come down in price and can be purchased for the same price that
I paid, but with the new features.
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| Sample image from the MVC-FD7. Click to enlarge. |
What don't you like about the camera?
The slow record time is my biggest complaint, it takes about 10 seconds
to record an image. You must wait before taking your next picture. Also
while it is recording care must be taken not to jar camera. (A camera
with a memory card would not have this problem.)
The camera is larger than other digital cameras and not quite as convenient
for carrying around. It is about the size of a 35-mm reflex camera only
lighter in weight. The larger size is because using floppy discs.
A digital camera will not take the place of a film type camera, when
it comes to people pictures or a high quality photographs, you can't beat
the film.
Would you buy another Sony camera?
Yes, for what I bought it for, I am completely satisfied.
Reader Responses
- 03-22-2000, Tex Dendy [texden1@aol.com]
"I use the same camera and agree with all you say about the
camera. My one and only complaint is the lack of some type of
view finder that can be clipped over the lcd screen so the camera
can be used at eye level in bright light like a 35mm film camera.
It is hard for me to see what I am shooting when the sun is out.
I also use a 35mm and an APS camera for shots that I think I missed
and then later I copy them with the digital to floppy for insertion
into the computer. I get better results doing this than I do trying
to scan the pictures.For the money, the camera can't be beat"
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