F717 features the same 5.0 megapixelCCD sensor and 38–190mm equiv. Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens as its predecessor, the 2001 DSC-F707. Major changes / improvements over the F707 include:
Analog focus ring can now double as a zoom ring
Addition of a "P" mode, ISO 800 option, and (with constraints) 1/2000 shutter speed
Better Noise Reduction Algorithm; NR automatically applies for slower than 1/30 shots
More natural color rendition (in particular, less "red overshoot")
Quick Review: The last photo can be reviewed by holding on the shutter button after the photo is taken.
USB 2.0 for faster file transfer to a PC or a printer
Supports Memory Stick Pro with capacity of 256MB and up (original Memory Stick has a maximum capacity of 128MB per side)
F717 retained all distinctive features from F707, such as:
Swivel body design: the lens can be rotated from 36 degrees down to 77 degrees up.
Hologram AF Assist: projects a laser grid to help acquire AF lock in low-light environments.
NightShot and NightFraming: In these modes, infrared cut-off filter is temporarily lifted away from CCD, enabling IR detection, which practically allows the camera to "see in the dark". Two infrared LEDs provide short-range active IR illumination in both Night modes. In NightShot mode, Aperture and shutter parameters are forced to "auto", because of potential "see through clothing" concerns.
LCD/EVF switchable via a hard switch on the rear
The F717 was succeeded by DSC-F828 in August 2003.
Defective batches
Some very early production units may experience inaccurate focus with Laser Hologram on. Sony admitted the problem as a minor design flaw, and offered free examination and repair service. Serial numbers of potentially affected units were also announced. According to Sony, it is fixable by correcting a wrong parameter with Sony factory adjustment software. The fix was only performed at Sony service centers.[1]
Around 2004–05, many F717 users reported CCD-related defects. It was later confirmed that many Sony CCDs made from late 2002 to early 2004 suffer from a large-scale manufacturing defect. Interestingly, the aforementioned first-run units seem to be immune to this failure, as they used CCDs built from old production techniques.[2] As a remedy, Sony offered free CCD replacements for affected units until 2007, and in some countries, until 2010. This recall would cover units with expired warranty.
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