posted on February 27, 2001 06:50:23 PM new
I saw a thread here a week or tow ago about Sony Mavica cameras. Most people thought they were great and loved the floppy disc feature. I have been shopping around for this brand of camera. The price range varies a lot. Does anyone own the Mavica75 which costs about $399? Does it take good pictures? Or is it worth it to invest a little more and buy a more expensive Mavica? Thanks for any advise! Julie
posted on February 27, 2001 06:54:34 PM new
I bought the FD90 from www.buydig.com last month for $508. Their prices have dropped even more - the FD90 is now listed for $466!!
I like the higher resolutions and some of the other bells & whistles the FD90 has (you can even take mini-movies). If you've got the money, I'd go for the higher end camera.
Also, the FD85 and FD90 can take Sony Memory Sticks which are available in sizes from 8 meg to 64 meg so you can get a LOT of pictures (as opposed to about 20 on a floppy). You'd also need the floppy disk adapter if you want to use your floppy drive - the memory stick goes into the adapter which is shaped like a floppy disk and can just be popped into your floppy drive rather than hooking up cables.
[ edited by joanne on Feb 27, 2001 06:57 PM ]
posted on February 27, 2001 06:58:11 PM new
I have a Sony Mavica FD73 and couldn't be happier with it. I paid $498 at Walmart and now it's down to like $397.
posted on February 27, 2001 07:00:14 PM new
You can't go wrong with a Mavica...which ever model you get. They are great for auctions. If getting a really close up shot is important for what you sell, consider getting the most camera you can afford. You'll make you money back very quickly with quality pictures.
posted on February 27, 2001 07:54:16 PM new
I used a FD73 for a long time to take my auction photos, and I was extremely happy with it. It does an excellent job at macro work (real close-up pictures), and it has a better zoom than many other cameras if that's important to you. If you want a camera mostly to take auction photos, the FD73 is a great choice; the resolution is IMHO just right (640x480), and it's very easy to use.
I upgraded to an FD95 a few months ago, and I absolutely love it. It's far more expensive than the FD73, but it has much greater resolution (1600x1200), a great zoom, and lots of features that I missed from my 35mm days. I don't use any of its fancy features for my auction photos, though, which I still take at 640x480.
The downside to the Mavica line is the cost, which is higher than other cameras with comparable resolution. The tradeoff is that you're getting the convenience of floppies, along with very good optics and a lot of nice features. For me the Mavica is worth the extra cost, but you would do well to shop around a bit before you take the plunge.
posted on February 27, 2001 10:00:38 PM new
Question! I've begun seeing ads for Sony Mavica 75s for about 399, in our area. Is the 75 replacing the 73, or is the 73 still going to be around? --Adele
posted on February 27, 2001 10:52:23 PM new
I bought an "open box" Mavica FD73 from Best Buy last Christmas (original buyer had purchased it and returned it within the week to upgrade to an FD85--hadn't even unwrapped most of the components!). I tested it in the store and it was fine (I'd had exerience playing with friends' FD70, FD85, and FD90 cameras, so I knew the paces to put it through). I got it for an obscenely low price [because it was "open box"], and have been thrilled with it ever since. If I had a bigger budget, I'd probably have sprung for an FD83 or FD85, with a little bit higher resolution, but ANY Sony Mavica is a VAST improvement over having to shoot regular film and then scanning in the photos! The FD90 is overkill unless you want the ability to shoot video as well as stills. Not being able to use "memory sticks" doesn't bother me, either--I just keep swapping in new floppies, LOL!
[ edited by janusaries on Feb 27, 2001 10:53 PM ]
[ edited by janusaries on Feb 27, 2001 10:54 PM ]
posted on February 28, 2001 04:19:39 AM new
I bought one of the first Mavicas off of ebay back when they weren't even in our little stores yet. My only regret is that I didn't pay the extra and get the model with the zoom lens. They probably all have it now tho? Anyway, mine is still working great!
posted on February 28, 2001 04:26:04 AM new
color me confused! So, if I dont mind using up lots of floppies, I can go with the Mavica FD 73? Or, can someone clarify if I need the attachment memory stick even with the FD73?
posted on February 28, 2001 04:34:00 AM new
No, the FD73 doesn't take the memory stick, just the floppies. If you're only going to use the camera for eBay, I'd say the FD73 will be fine.
Do some checking around though, the prices vary widely. The site I mentioned earlier, www.buydig.com, has the FD73 listed with no price, it says you have to call for the price. They list the FD85 for $414 so the FD73 will be quite a bit less than that, I'd guess.
posted on February 28, 2001 05:14:43 AM new
Hi! I'm the one who started the thread you refered to! I bought an FD85 at www.buydig.com and I am thrilled with it. After using cords the Mavica floppy disk feature has cut my auction prep time in half! We have also enjoyed sending Happy Birthday movie clips via email to family far away!
Thanks so much for everyones recommendations and input!
