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Sony MVC-FD95 Sony takes the Mavica line to 2.1 megapixels, and 12-bit digitization! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet MVC-FD95 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 7/13/2000

Video Out
An audio/video output jack on the lens side of the camera allows you to connect the camera to a television set. Through the capture menu, you can select NTSC or PAL formats, depending on where you live. US and Japanese models come with the necessary NTSC cables, while European models come with PAL connectors. All the same image playback capabilities are available when connected to the TV, and you have the added ability to record images to video tape. Unlike most digicams, the FD95 can record still images, movies, and sound. Thus, the signal output jack actually accommodates an "A/V" cable, with both video and audio connectors on the other end.


Power
The MVC-FD95 comes with a Sony InfoLITHIUM, NP-F330 rechargeable battery. (It can also use the higher-capacity NP-F530 and NP-F550 batteries.) InfoLITHIUM technology means that the battery communicates with the camera to let you know how much power is left (displayed on the LCD panel in minutes remaining as well as via a battery icon). If you need to run the camera for longer periods than the battery pack will allow, the supplied AC adapter should do the trick. There's also an auto power-off function which shuts down the camera after three minutes of inactivity. The AC adapter also acts as the battery charger. You simply leave the battery in the camera and plug in the AC adapter. If the camera is switched off, the "Charge" LED will light up (located directly over the power switch).

We love the InfoLITHIUM battery technology, because you know within a few seconds of turning the camera on exactly how much charge/operating time is left. Overall battery capacity is quite good, and buying a NP-F550 battery gives very good operating life. Finally, the lithium-ion technology used in the InfoLITHIUM cells means that the batteries don't "self-discharge," holding their full charge when not in use, for months at a time. Sony estimates that a fully charged NP-F330 will provide approximately 65 minutes of continuous recording time and about 80 minutes of continuous playback. These number agree well with our own measurements, and in fact seemed a bit conservative, as we measured 97 and 127 minutes respectively, with a freshly charged, new battery pack. (As with other Sony cameras, the InfoLITHIUM system prevented us from making our normal power-consumption measurements, so the record/playback times above are the extent of what we can tell you about the FD-95's power consumption.)


Included Software
Included with the MVC-FD95 is a software CD loaded with ArcSoft's Camera Studio package, compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT as well as Mac OS 7.5 and higher. The software comes in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese versions. The Camera Studio bundle includes ArcSoft's PhotoStudio and VideoImpression programs. PhotoStudio provides image correction capabilities and a number of creative options for enhancing your images. Several image effect tools give you total creative control. VideoImpression works along similar lines, giving you basic editing tools that allow you to add music and text to movie files.