The DSC-F717 represents the fourth generation of Sony's L-shaped 5x zoom split lens / body design. This started back in August 1999 with the 2 megapixel DSC- F505, in April 2000 the DSC-F505V gained a 3 megapixel sensor but only captured 2.6 megapixels of that (because of the lens design). August 2001 saw the announcement of the DSC-F707, with a larger lens this camera sported a 2/3" 5 megapixel CCD. One year on we are presented with the DSC-F717...Read more

Minolta stormed into the prosumer end of the market with what was the first five megapixel digital camera, the DiMAGE 7. Just a year later they announced the DiMAGE 7i seen as an progressive update to the 7. The DiMAGE 7i has a five megapixel CCD sensor and 28 - 200 mm equiv. (7x zoom) lens. Clearly the D7i is essentially an 'upgraded' D7, the body design, control layout and overall operation is virtually identical... Read more