Sony Mavica FD-97

Sony MVC-FD97
Manufacturer	Sony Corporation
Series	Digital Mavica
Storage Media	3.5" Floppy Disk (1.44 MB) & Memory Stick
Max. Resolution	1600 x 1200 Pixels
Battery	InfoLITHIUM L-Series (NP-F330 / NP-F550)

The Sony MVC-FD97 is a digital still camera from the famous Digital Mavica series. The standout feature of this model is its dual storage system: it features both a classic 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (MS-DOS format, 2HD) and a dedicated slot for Sony Memory Sticks. A physical switch on the camera ("MS/FD") allows the photographer to easily toggle between the two storage media at any time.

Specifications & Recording Modes

The camera offers a variety of resolutions and file formats, depending on the selected storage medium.

Image Sizes (Stills)

• On Floppy Disk: 1600x1200, 1600 (3:2), 1600 (ECM), 1024x768, 640x480. (ECM slightly reduces image quality to fit more pictures on a single floppy disk).
• On Memory Stick: 1600 (FINE), 1600 (3:2) F, 1024 (FINE), 640 (FINE).

Special Modes

• E-MAIL Mode: Saves a small 320x240 JPEG thumbnail alongside the normal photo.
• VOICE Mode: Records up to 40 seconds of MPEG audio along with the still image.
• TEXT Mode: Captures documents as a black-and-white GIF to keep text sharp and reduce file size.
• TIFF Mode: Saves a completely uncompressed TIFF image (only available when using a Memory Stick).
• Clip Motion: Creates animated GIF files directly in the camera. Available in NORMAL mode (160x120, up to 10 frames) or MOBILE mode (80x72, up to 2 frames).
• Video (MOVIE): Records MPEG videos. At a resolution of 320x240, it can record up to 15 seconds continuously, and at 160x112 up to 60 seconds.

Hardware & Optics

The MVC-FD97 is exceptionally well-equipped and aimed at more advanced users:

• Focus: Offers both autofocus and manual focusing via a focus ring on the lens.
• Macro: In macro mode (wide-angle), you can get as close as 2 cm (approx. 13/16 inches) to the subject.
• Zoom: Optical zoom controlled by a T/W lever. Additionally, there is a digital zoom feature (up to 20x).
• SteadyShot: An optical image stabilization system that compensates for hand shake.
• PROGRAM AE: Manual exposure programs, including Aperture Priority (F2.8 to F11), Shutter Priority (8" to 1/500), Twilight, Twilight Plus, Landscape, and Panfocus.
• Viewfinder: In addition to the LCD screen, the camera has a digital viewfinder with a diopter adjustment dial.
• Flash: A pop-up flash with red-eye reduction capabilities.

Connectivity

Pictures can be transferred to a PC via floppy disk, or the included USB Mini-B port allowing the camera to be directly connected to a computer. Furthermore, there is an A/V output (Mono) to present photos and videos directly on a television screen.