The Sony DSC-F717 camera has replaced the Sony DSC-F707, becoming the fourth generation of Sony's L shaped digital cameras. The Sony F717 uses the same body, Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom, and 5 megapixel sensor as the previous versions. Expanded options and added features are the main differences between these generations of cameras.The Sony DSC-F717 camera adds an ISO sensitivity of 800 to the camera. Maximum shutter speed when using Program AE is 1/2000 per second, compared to 1/1000 per second in previous generations. This model allows for five selectable autofocus points. Also added is a Full Auto mode in addition to the Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Full Manual, and Scene modes. You also have access to additional options for the white balance for fluorescent and tungsten lighting. The USB connectivity is provided via USB 2.0. The accessory shoe is hot, and MPEG clips use MPEG HQX, allowing for an unlimited 16 frames per second. A Multi-Burst mode can be found in the movie mode. Included storage is a 32 MB memory stick to store a large amount of photos and videos. Additional features include a short shutter lag, fast startup time, autofocus, and advanced All White Balance.The 1/2000 shutter speed can be a helpful feature with certain modes and apertures. For example, you can select 1/2000 per second in Auto Exposure and Program AE modes. The 1/2000 second speed will work in the Aperture Priority mode if the aperture is F5.6 or smaller. The reason behind this is a combined shutter/aperture iris mechanism, allowing the camera to shoot faster the smaller the aperture.The Sony Cyber-shot DSC F717 uses a CCD optical sensor and has a 2x digital zoom. It records video in MPEG-1 format and images in JPEG and TIFF formats. In addition to the USB port, the Sony DSC F717 has component video connectivity. The flash is a pop up feature with a range of 1 foot to 15 feet. It has a red eye reduction feature as well as plus and minus flash compensation. Along with AP, automatic, program, manual, and shutter priority, it also offers landscape, twilight, portrait, and twilight portrait mode shooting programs. Available special effects include negative art, black and white, solarization, and sepia.The lens aperture ranges from f/2.0 to f/2.4. It has a minimal focal length of 9.7 mm and a maximum of 48.5 mm. This makes the focal length equal to that of 125 feet in a 35 mm camera. The minimal focus distance is 1.6 feet with a macro range of 8 inches to 20 inches. The lens takes a 58 mm filter. You have the option of both automatic and manual focus for your photography, and you can also choose between motorized and manual zoom.This Sony digital camera has a continuous shooting speed of 2 frames per second. There is a 10 second self-timer delay. Other features include built-in speakers, a microphone for audio in your movies, optional date and time stamp, auto power save, and digital noise reduction. Included in the package from Sony is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.