Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F88

Never shy of giving the consumer an almost bewildering array of choices, in May 2004 Sony added yet another (its fifth) 5 megapixel, 3x zoom camera, the DSC-F88 to its 2004 range. Seasoned Sony watchers will immediately recognize the inner swivel lens design, which has made several appearances in Sony's product lineup since the DSC-F1 back in 1996. What makes the F88 slightly different to its predecessors is the inclusion of a 3x Carl Zeiss zoom lens (which uses the same folded optics as the Cyber-Shot T1) and an optical viewfinder; it is also a little larger than the F1/F5/F55/F77 models that came before it. Specification-wise the F88 is very similar to the T1 and W1, save for a smaller screen and the aforementioned swivelling lens, which rotates through 300 degrees, giving considerable shooting versatility and the ability to take perfect self-portraits. As well as a wealth of scene modes the F88 has a smattering of real photographic controls (including a full manual exposure mode) and a very capable movie mode (640x480 pixels, though only at 16fps). Here's a quick run-down of the key features:

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-F88

The DSC-F88 has the highest resolution of Sony's rotating lens digicams but its 5-megapixel sensor is smaller than that on the DSC-W1, P100 and P93 models, and the lens isn't as fast. However, it's small enough to slip in a purse or jacket pocket. Four still shooting modes are provided - auto, program AE, manual and scene - plus a movie setting that captures VGA clips at 16.6 frames per second or 'video mail' at 160 x 112 pixels and 8.3fps. While the auto setting provides few adjustments, the P mode lets you access exposure compensation, focusing, metering, white balance, ISO, quality, burst, picture effect, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings. M mode adds the ability to adjust apertures and shutter speeds independently.

Review posted 7/19/2004 Click on the F88 for a 360° QTVR tourThe Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F88 features a compact, metal body, fitted with an internal Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3X optical zoom lens that allows it to rotate 300 degrees, so you can see your pose in the camera's 1.8-inch LCD screen before snapping

Never shy of giving the consumer an almost bewildering array of choices, in May 2004 Sony added yet another (its fifth) 5 megapixel, 3x zoom camera, the DSC-F88 to its 2004 range. Seasoned Sony watchers will immediately recognize the inner swivel lens design, which has made several appearances in Sony's product lineup since the DSC-F1 back in 1996. What makes the F88 slightly different to its predecessors is the inclusion of a 3x Carl Zeiss zoom lens (which uses the same folded optics as the Cyber-Shot T1) and an optical viewfinder; it is also a little larger than the F1/F5/F55/F77 models that came before it. Specification-wise the F88 is very similar to the T1 and W1, save for a smaller screen and the aforementioned swivelling lens, which rotates through 300 degrees, giving considerable shooting versatility and the ability to take perfect self-portraits. As well as a wealth of scene modes the F88 has a smattering of real photographic controls (including a full manual exposure mode) and a very capable movie mode (640x480 pixels, though only at 16fps). Here's a quick run-down of the key features:

IN-DEPTH review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F88 digital camera, with actual sample images, and a detailed data sheet.

Steve's Conclusion The DSC-F88 is the second generation of Sony Cyber-shots with a rotating lens, the first was the DSC-F55 back in 1999. The DSC-F88 is a compact and durable camera that's loaded with powerful features like an internal Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens and a high resolution 5-megapixel