Editorial Review:Product Description:Providing the ultimate in FD Mavica features, the MVC-FD97 delivers the benefits of dual media capabilities and an impressive 10x optical zoom lens. With 2.1-megapixel resolution, aperture and shutter priority settings and an eyelevel viewfinder provide imaging solutions unmatched in this category. A logical step-up from the MVC-FD92, the MVC-FD97 offers dual media function, 2.1 megapixel optimal image quality, an impressive 10x optical zoom and MPEG Movie mode to capture audio and video.The MVC-FD97 has a Memory Stick Slot that fully enhances the functionality of FD Mavica. Image data saved in the Memory Stick and floppy disk can be interchanged freely, which enables two-way internal data transmission. A new Copy Mode allows users to proceed copying in case the total file size of images exceeds the size of a floppy disk (1.4MB). The copying process continues with the replacement of a new floppy disk. The MVC-FD97 offers a new Clip Motion Recording Mode. Just press the shutter button, images captured will be converted to Clip Motion and automatically connected as continuous frames. Users can easily make animation and save the file directly in Memory Stick without going through any computer process, while the Clip Motion files can be played on a computer. Other newly added functions of the MVC-FD97 include MPEG Movie Recording Mode and USB terminal. Users are able to capture short movie clips up to 85 minutes and 20 seconds with an optional 128MB Memory Stick. The USB terminal allows for speedy transmission of data and images.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Are the pictures clear??
When asked to take pictures at work, my wife requested the use of my FD97. Not going into a lot of detail, the first comment out of a supervisor's mouth was "look at the blood glistening on the barb wire." That says it all in picture quality.
I will agree with one other person here who mentions the slowness in recording, especially with the memory stick. There is a problem taking pictures of active targets. And the picture you get may actually be a millisecond later than you pressed the button - a lot of time for those kids to move around.
Vacation shots are a dream come true. And the zoom telephoto let's you crop your pictures before taking them.
I get about 140 pictures using 1600 pix on the 128 memory stick. I recommend it five stars, my wife and I each own one now.
Rating: 
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Memory Chip Slow
I have had my FD97 for a year now. I bought it to replace my FD71 because I needed one that would give me pictures that would print out good 8 x 10s. This one takes excellent pictures that print perfect 8 x 10s, which I need for my business.
There are only a couple complaints I have about the camera, one is the slowness in recording, especially with the memory stick. The other is the problem to taking pictures of babies or any child that might move before the camera decides to record once I press the button. It is wonderful for stills, but misses a lot of otherwise good pictures of my grandchildren!
Rating: -
Haven't Found A Downside Yet
After having shot at least 1000 pictures with my Mavica FD97, I have yet to find the downside. Features I especially like:
Optical 10X zoom. This optical zoom covers any situation I have encountered, from getting-up-close to the action while staying behind the fire lines, to getting close to a facial shot without distortion or intimidating the subject.
High resolution images. When coupled with a good printer, the resolution of the images shot at the highest available count renders a print that looks continuous-tone, even under a jeweler's loupe.
Ease of operation: Basic operations enabling great pix are quick to master. Advanced options aren't necessary to utilize in order to get the picture desired, but they are there, and I have yet to discover their full potential.
Rating: 
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Not so good for fast moving subjects
I bought this camera as a replacement for an FD91. I loved eveything about the FD91 except the need to carry a bunch of floppies around with me.
This camera solves that with the memory stick option, yet still let's you use floppies for when you want to take a quick couple of shots and hand the pictures off to someone else.
The only problem I have with it is that it uses a focus and exposure lock when the shutter release is pressed halfway. This doesn't work when you are following a moving object. By the time the camera is ready to fire the object has moved and is no longer in focus. I read the manual thoroughly and found no way to override this feature other than shifting to manual focus. The FD91 had a continuous focus system so this problem never occurred.
If you don't shoot a lot of fast moving objects, this camera is superb. If you do, you will be dissatisfied.
Rating: -
Outstanding Camera
Wow! This camera is so easy to master. Just follow the instructions. It takes the most amazing pictures. It's a little slow processing using floppys, and if you use high resolution settings, you only get 2 to 4 pics per floppy. If you're not interested in real high resolution pics, you can get 20 to 30 pics per floppy. Memory sticks are the way to go. They process quickly, and depending the size of the sticks used, you can get hundreds of high resolution pics per stick. Buy the Lexar Memory Sticks. They're a great product at a great price. Film will soon be a thing of the past. I highly recommend the FD97, and Lexar memory sticks. You won't be sorry.