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Compact 35mm And APS Cameras
There have been relatively few new compact 35 or APS cameras introduced in the past year, and those that have arrived generally don't have any unusual uniqueness or pizzazz. One camera does stand out as radically different--and it's from Kodak--a firm not particularly noted for unusual camera ideas in recent years. The Advantix Preview is a nice little compact APS with 2.6x zoom lens, flip-up flash to minimize redeye effect, and a color LCD preview screen on the back in addition to a viewfinder. It's the first camera to combine features of film recording along with digital electronics image capture to let you immediately see what has actually been recorded--then you can even tell it how many prints you want made of that image. Is this the beginning of a new trend--or just a gimmick to attract buyers? Only time will tell. Some recent models of APS cameras are thinner and lighter than ever, with the tiny Kyocera Socius taking the bows for achieving both of these handy capabilities along with a 2x zoom lens and additional nice features. Other ultra small new products include the Konica Revio CL (with a unique flip-up mirror on top to assist narcissists in making self-portraits); Nikon Nuvis S 2000; and the Olympus i Zoom 2000 each of which weigh under 5 oz and are extremely pocketable since when turned off, they sport sleek, smooth bodies. |
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Kodak also warrants the "different" spotlight with their new EasyLoad 35 cameras. These compacts are truly simple and exceptionally easy to load since only a small portion of the back cover opens for inserting the film cassette and then all you do is push the film leader into a waiting slot. We all have had problems having to stretch the film leader across the film plane a precise distance (or getting a misloaded warning) as is normally done with all other 35mm cameras. Compacts typically have a moderate 2x to 3x zoom range lens, but a new model from Samsung zooms out to a whopping 4.5x 38-170mm range. Although it's often handy to have a zoom lens to gain a longer focal length, be aware that all compact camera zoom lenses will lose an f/stop or two at the longer focal length. Thus they will require a correspondingly slower shutter speed when zoomed out and the flash range will always be less at the telephoto end of the zoom range. This exposure/ flash adjustment is all automatically programmed into the camera, but it's a factor to consider when you contemplate a compact with a longer zoom range lens. Because of this it's generally recommended to always use ISO 200 or 400 film in compacts with a longer range zoom lens. Most compacts have a flash range to about 10' at the wider (faster) focal length. A longer flash range can be handy. Several go out to an excellent 20', at the shortest, fastest aperture, focal length. Some cameras have a raised protrusion below the flash head to warn you if your finger strays in the wrong place. A pop-up flash head helps minimize the annoying redeye effect. |
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Compact 35 Features To Look For. Some of the handier optional features for 35mm compacts include: a date back for recording the date onto the film (usually in the lower right corner of the front of the print); a panorama mode for long, horizontal scenics; and continuous exposure to capture sequences such as action subjects. If you ever take pictures through glass (such as a car, train, or airplane) the autofocusing will often detect the nearby glass and set the focus for close-up, thereby throwing the distant subject you wanted sharp, drastically out of focus. Unfortunately, all you get is a green AF OK indicator light, but you don't know where the focus will be. A number of compacts have an infinity focus button or setting which instantly sets the lens for infinity so you don't have to wait until the film gets back to see if it was focused correctly when shooting through glass. Nearly all compacts have a focus hold wherein you place the central focus mark on the subject, hold the shutter release partway down, then recompose before taking the picture thereby keeping an off-center main subject sharply in focus. Check on the size of the operating controls, particularly the buttons or levers that adjust optional modes or settings. To keep the body small, some cameras also have very small, difficult to operate controls. Check on how the main controls actually work. Often a mode dial is easier to use than several buttons that must be pushed individually or sequentially to go through the various optional modes. |
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A broad shutter speed range (say 1/4 to 1/400 sec) is handy if you use faster film and want to take existing light pictures without using the camera's built-in flash. A few models also have bulb and long timed exposures for recording nighttime situations. Exposure is always fully programmed automatic for simple, rapid snapshot use without thinking. You never actually have to set the lens aperture or shutter speed yourself. Usually you have optional modes for different subjects such as portraits, sports action, macro close-ups, night (longer exposure for background recording combined with a flash fill to light a foreground subject), and continuous drive. In each mode the camera automatically readjusts to the parameters best suited for the subject. Loading 35mm film is pretty standard, with the entire rear of the camera opening, except for the new EasyLoad 35s from Kodak. A few cameras have a prewind feature that winds the film fully onto the take-up spool before you make the first exposure, then winds it back into the cassette. So, if the camera back is accidentally opened, you won't fog and ruin as much film. Desirable APS Features. All of the earlier comments also apply to the new, smaller 24mm APS format cameras. Other things to look for in this format include: message imprint capability (usually 5-30 different titles are offered); MRC (Mid Roll Change) which allows you to remove one roll, expose a second, then put the first roll back in to finish without losing a frame of film. |
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All APS film includes a magnetic track on the edge which can record important data about how each frame was exposed (such as scene brightness, where the sky was located, if flash was used or not, etc.). This information is then read by the labs' automatic printing machines to produce better print quality. The feature is called PQI (Print Quality Improve-ment) but not all APS cameras include this capability. A few cameras allow you to instruct the lab to make from zero to nine prints of any image. This capability is called PQix. The 24mm APS film is capable of producing excellent standard 4x6" prints and can be enlarged to 8x10 or 8x12 with minimal grain visible, even on fast DXIX 400 films. Some of the unique capabilities of the smaller APS format include very simplified drop-in film loading with no leader at all to contend with. The film is returned--uncut--in the original cassette (having an exclusive six-digit serial number, which also appears on the print back). The film is stored in the cassette and you can buy storage boxes about the size of a VHS videocassette which holds 10-12 APS cassettes plus the index print with thumbnail size images of the entire 15, 25, or 40 exposure roll of film. Color negative film in DXIX 100, 200, and 400 is available in five major brands and there is a chromogenic black and white APS film. No color slide film is available in the U.S.A. The cameras offer a choice of three formats: "C" (Classic 4x6" print), "H" (HDTV 4x7"), and "P" (Panorama 4x11"). The APS film image is always 16.7x30mm (vs. 24x36mm on standard 35mm format) but is masked in printing as indicated by the coded data on the magnetic edge track. Better models of APS cameras have a moderately fast lens (typically about f/4) and a broad shutter speed range (1/2 to 1/400 sec is about normal) so they are capable of existing light pictures without using the built-in flash when loaded with faster film. Initially color processing labs would have a base charge for film processing then add a per-print charge with the larger "H" and "P" size prints commanding a higher price. Now most labs charge a flat fee for APS processing and printing no matter what format prints are made. But, be aware that the film and processing are usually considerably more than 35mm film and processing charges. You can get next day APS processing most everywhere today and many one-hour labs now handle this 5-year-old format also. Most Interesting 2000 Models Of 35mm And APS Compact Cameras. In our opinion the following models were the most interesting cameras introduced in the past 12 months. As in prior years, we have only chosen the more advanced autofocus cameras, which generally are of more interest to our sophisticated readership. Then we selected just a couple of the more interesting 35mm and/or APS models from each firm. There are hundreds more really basic fixed focus cameras in 35mm and APS formats if you want an even simpler camera. The price quoted is the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) so the actual street or selling price will be considerably less. Some models are offered in both regular and QD (Quartz Date) imprinting versions but this is becoming standard on many 35mm models and is always standard on better APS cameras. For a detailed feature by feature comparison chart of all current 35mm and APS AF cameras (in addition to many other current photographic products) check your 2000 edition of the Shutterbug's Photography Buyer's Guide. A brand-new 35mm from Canon is called the Sure Shot Z90W with a sleek, flat-body design. It has some interesting features such as a "Best Shot" dial on the back for selecting any of seven operating modes; a retractable zoom flash; a 3.2x 28-90mm three-point Hybrid autofocusing zoom lens; measures 4.6x2.5x1.7"; weighs 9 oz; and lists for $290. A caption model is offered. For underwater or outdoor sports use in all types of weather, there's the Canon ELPH Sport APS that's usable in water depths to 16.5'. For easier use with goggles and gloves, it has a large viewfinder and oversized controls and it's buoyant enough to float. The 23mm f/4.8 lens autofocuses to 2' but used underwater it reverts to fixed focus with a range of 3-10' or Underwater Macro 1.5-3'; 1/2-1/650 sec speeds; flash range to 7.5'; PQI; DXIX 25-10,000; measures 4.1x2.9x 2.8"; weighs 8.2 oz; and lists for $270. The Canon ELPH LT 260 has a smooth exterior so it's very pocketable. The 2x 26-52mm f/4.2-6.7 lens autofocuses down to 18"; 2-1/560 sec speeds; flash to 19'; PQix selection; five titles; measures 3.7x2.5x1.2"; weighs 5.3 oz; and lists for $220. |
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The Exakta Super Zoom 1200AF has a 3.2x 38-120mm f/4-9 lens with autofocusing down to 25"; 1/4-1/330 sec; DX 50-3200; panorama; exposure compensation; multiple exposure; weighs 10.6 oz; and lists for $200. The broad line of 35mm compacts from Fuji includes many very functional models, most of which have the automatic film prewinding feature. The Discovery 312 Zoom Date has a 3.2x 38-120mm f/5.6-9.9 zoom lens with 626 step, active autofocusing down to 2.3'; flash range out to 13'; DX 50-3200; function selection dial on top; panorama; continuous; interval timer; date back; measures 5.3x2.8x2.6"; weighs 10.8 oz; and lists for $280. In APS format there's the flagship model Fuji Nexia 3100ix Z with a 3x 23-70mm f/4.8-9.5 zoom lens that autofocuses down to 2'; a broad shutter speed range of 1-1/600 sec; DXIX 25-3200; pop-up flash range to 14.8'; PQI; MRC; measures 4x2.5x1.4"; weighs 6.1 oz; and lists for $300. The Fuji Nexia 320ix Z has a lot of nice extra features including PQix and 31 titles, at a more moderate price. It has a 2.2x 23-50mm f/5-8.8 zoom lens with autofocusing to 2'; DXIX 25-3200; pop-up flash range out to 16.4'; PQI; MRC; measures 4.3x2.4x1.5"; weighs 6.2 oz; and lists for $230. The most radical new camera of the year is the Kodak Advantix Preview, an APS film camera with a preview 1.8" color LCD on the back that shows only the last image captured. If you like the image, you can program in the number of prints desired. It has a 2.6x 25-65mm f/4.3-10.4 zoom; autofocusing to 2'; flip flash that carries out to a whopping 34'; DXIX 50-800; PQI; MRC; PQix; title imprinting; measures 4.7x2.9x2"; weighs 9 oz; and will list for $330. The ultra-compact Kodak Advantix T550 APS camera has a new sibling, the T700. It's a weatherproof camera with a 25-50mm f/4.6-8.7 2x zoom lens; 1/2-1/250 sec speeds; autofocusing down to 2'; DXIX 50-1600; flip-up flash range out to 21'; measures 3.6x2.6x1.4"; weighs only 5.3 oz; and will list for $180. Also new is the Advantix C800 with a 27-80mm f/5.6-8.5 3x zoom lens; 1/2-1/330 sec speeds; autofocus to 2'; DXIX 50-1600; flash range of 2'; measures 4.9x2.6x1.8"; weighs 8 oz; and will list for $220. An interactive LCD screen guides you through functions and even shows the actual title instead of using a two-digit code as many APS cameras use. Kodak makes loading 35mm film very easy with two models of EasyLoad 35 cameras. Instead of the entire back flipping open, a small door over the film chamber opens, you insert the cassette and the film leader goes into a slot (without having to precisely place it over the film aperture), then you close the door and start shooting. Most of the controls are on the back around a small LCD screen. The KE60 has a 29mm f/5.6 lens; 1/60-1/400 sec shutter; four-step autofocusing to 1.5'; DX 100-800; flash range of 12'; measures 5x2.5x1.5"; weighs 6.1 oz; and lists for $60. The KE85 EasyLoad 35 sports a 2.3x 38-85mm f/3.9-8.5 zoom; broad 4-1/500 sec shutter; four-step autofocusing down to 2'; DX 100-800; flash range to 21'; measures 5.1x2.7x1.5"; and lists for $100. |
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The new top 35mm model from Konica is the Z-up 150 VP Zoom with a 3.6x 38-150mm f/5-13.8 power zoom lens; autofocusing to 31"; 1-1/320 sec speeds; a new flash management system said to reduce battery power consumption; a 1.5 EV exposure compensation; DX 25-3200; measures 4.8x2.7x2.4"; weighs 10.9 oz; and lists for $500. The handsome silver clad Z-up 118 Super has a 3.1x 38-118mm f/3.6-10.6 lens with autofocusing down to 31"; 1-1/300 sec; DX 25-3200; exposure compensation; measures 4.7x2.6x2.1"; and lists for $340. The very tiny Konica Revio APS line now has three different models. The new Revio 3 has a 2.8x 21-58mm f/4.9-9.8 zoom that focuses down to 24"; a broad range of shutter speeds 1.5-1/500 sec; most controls are on the back around a small LCD; PQI; MRC; unique fold-up self-portrait mirror; DXIX 100-400; measures 3.9x2.4x 1.1"; weighs just 6 oz; and lists for $259. The affordable Revio CL has a non-zoom 25mm f/6.7 lens; active autofocusing down to 2'; DXIX 100-400; a self-portrait mirror; measures 3.8x2.3x1.1"; weighs a scant 4.7 oz; and lists for $99 in any of four colors. |
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Undoubtedly one of the lightest compacts is the new Kyocera Socius APS that weighs in at a mere 4.2 oz! This little gem sports a 2x 21-42mm f/4.9-7.3 lens with autofocusing down to a mere 14"; 2-1/300 sec speeds; DXIX 50-3200; flash range to 14'; measures 4x2x1.2'; and lists for $370. It has an easy to use time differential function to readjust the date and time when you travel and is available in two colors. New from Leica is the C1 with a Vario-Elmar 3x 38-105mm f/4-10.5 zoom lens; shutter speeds down to long exposures of up to 99 sec; DX 50-3200; measures 5x2.6x1.8"; and lists for $479 which includes a leather case. Relatively few specifications were available on this new model. Macromax has added an interesting new autofocusing zoom lens model to their line of 35mm compacts with manually set extreme macro focusing capabilities. The 35mm Goko MAC10 Z3000 has autofocusing down to 28" with its 3x 38-115mm f/3.9-10.8 zoom lens but there are two additional manual focusing ranges, Super Macro 8-20" and Ultra Macro 4-8". For determining the subject distance, there are two straps, a neck strap with marks to measure the 8-20" range and a wrist strap for the 4-8" range. An optional folding frame more accurately indicates the close-up range field. The shutter speed is 2.7-1/250 sec; DX 100-3200; measures 4.7x2.7x2"; weighs 8.9 oz; and lists for $299. |
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Minolta has a bunch of new models including the 35mm Minolta Freedom Zoom 150. This model features a long 4x zoom range 37.5-140mm f/5.4-11.9 lens; broad shutter speeds of 10-1/500 sec; passive autofocusing down to 24"; DX 25-3200; a film chamber lock that prevents accidental opening of the back; exposure compensation; continuous drive; measures 4.4x2.4x1.7"; weighs 6.7 oz; and lists for $444 in a kit with remote control, case, and film. The Freedom Zoom Explorer EX has a wider angle 3x 28-75mm f/3.5-8.9 zoom lens; three-beam active autofocus to 1.3' at any focal length; broad 8-1/500 sec speeds; DX 25-3200; pop-up flash range out to 19'; measures 4.8x2.6x1.7"; weighs 9.6 oz; and the kit lists for $282. For APS there is the small metal clamshell covered Vectis 3000. It has a 3x 22-66mm f/5.9-9.3 zoom lens; active autofocusing down to 15.7"; 8-1/500 sec speeds; DXIX 25-3200; flash range to 11.8'; flat pad-type button controls on the back; 40 titles; PQI; measures 4x2.3 x1.2"; weighs 5.6 oz; and the kit lists for $410. The compact Vectis 300L is said to be the lightest 3x zoom APS. The 24-70mm f/5.7-11.2 lens has active autofocus down to 1.6'; DXIX 25-3200; flash range out to 15.4'; 40 titles; PQI; measures 3.9x2.3x1.2"; weighs 5.1 oz; and the kit lists for $299. The Minox CD 140 has the widest zoom range of any Minox 35mm camera. The Minoctar 38-140mm f/3.9-10 3.7x zoom lens has an active autofocus down to 2.5'; 1-1/300 sec speed range; DX 50-3200; measures 4.7x2.6x2.1"; and lists for $219. A data back model is available. |
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A new version of the distinctive clamshell covered APS called the Nikon Nuvis S 2000 has a shorter 2x zoom and a plastic shell at a considerably more reasonable list price of $225. Inside the smooth case is a 24-48mm f/4.5-8.2 lens; passive autofocusing down to just 1.3'; 2.5-1/500 sec; pop-up flash ranges out to 16'; DXIX 50-800; imprints any of 30 titles; measures 4.8x2.4x1.1"; weighs only 4.9 oz; and has an optional remote control. It's lighter and has a wider shutter speed range and slightly faster lens than the original model. |
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There are two interesting new 35mm models. The Nikon Lite-Touch Zoom 120ED/QD has a 3.2x 38-120mm f/5.3-10.5 zoom with extra-low dispersion glass; 2-1/360 sec; passive autofocusing down to 2.4'; flash range to 13'; DX 50-3200; measures 4.5x2.4x1.6"; weighs 7.3 oz; and lists for $255. The QD model also includes panorama mode. Finally there's the Nikon One-Touch Zoom 90QD with a 2.5x 38-90mm zoom; normal autofocusing to 1.5' plus macro mode with a 1-2.3' focus range; 2.6-1/250 sec; flash range to 11.5'; measures 4.6x2.5x2.1"; weighs 7.9 oz; and lists for $140. |
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Olympus has several quite interesting models among their broad product offering. The Infinity Stylus Zoom 140 Deluxe features an exclusive visual confirmation viewfinder that darkens when the picture is made and has standard quartz date feature. It has a 3.7x 38-140mm f/4-11 lens that has passive-type multi autofocusing down to 2'; broad shutter speed range of 4.4-1/400 sec; good flash range out to 21'; DX 50-3200; measures 4.7x2.6x1.8"; weighs 9.6 oz; and lists for $349. The Infinity Stylus Zoom 115 is available in black or champagne gold, with or without quartz date mode. The lens is a 3x 38-115mm f/4.5-9.7 with autofocusing to 24"; DX 50-3200; flash range to 16'; measures 4.7x2.6x1.9"; weighs 8.6 oz; and lists for $343 in black. For APS format there is the tiny, light i Zoom 2000 which is about the size of a deck of cards. Available in silver or black, it has a 25-50mm f/4.6-8.7 lens that autofocuses down to 24"; 1.8-1/500 sec speeds; DXIX 25-3200; flash out to 11'; PQI; measures 3.5x2.4x1.2"; weighs a mere 4.4 oz; and lists for $254. The i Zoom 60, an all-weather APS model, has a 2x 28-60mm f/4.7-8.1 zoom with autofocusing down to 24"; broad shutter range of 4-1/500 sec; DXIX 25-3200; flash out to 15'; measures 4.2x2.1x1.3'; weighs 5.8 oz; and lists for $324. |
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The Pentax IQ Zoom 145M Super pushes the zoom limits with a 3.8x zoom lens that automatically adjusts to the close-distance compensation frame or to the panorama frame when selected. Other nice features include a passive five-point autofocus; six-segment multi-pattern metering; and timed shutter speeds of 1/2 sec to 1 min in bulb mode. The 38-145mm f/4.8-12.5 lens autofocuses down to 2.6'; normal speed range is 2-1/400 sec; DX 25-3200; date imprinting; measures 4.5x2.6x2"; and lists for $455. The Pentax IQ Zoom 928M has the popular extra wide angle to medium telephoto 3.2x zoom and has a flat, smooth front when the lens is retracted. A control dial on top sets the various programs including a quick-set infinity mode. The 28-90mm f/4.8-10.9 lens autofocuses down to 1.7'; shutter speed range of 2-1/300 plus 1/2 sec to 1 min in bulb; DX 25-3200; panorama; date standard; measures 4.5x2.7x1.8"; weighs 8.1 oz; and lists for $332. The Pentax efina T is a tiny, 3x zoom, APS camera that's very pocketable. It features a 23-69mm f/5.6-9.9 lens with autofocusing to 2.1'; 2-1/400 sec; flash range to 12'; large mode dial; PQI; MRC; 31 titles; measures 3.7x2.3x1.2"; weighs 6.9 oz; and lists for $315. |
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Polaroid has just introduced several new moderately priced 35mm and APS cameras of interest. The 8500Z has a 3x 38-115mm data back; seven flash modes and lists for $120. For APS there's the 7500Z with a 2x 25-50mm f/5.8-8.9 zoom that autofocuses down to 1.5'; 1/40-1/250 sec; DXIX 100-400; PQI; measures 4.3x2.4x1.1"; and weighs 6.6 oz. |
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Rollei offers two feature-laden series of compact 35mm cameras differing primarily in the range of the zoom lens focal lengths. The top model Prego 140 has clearly marked, push-button controls. It has a 3.7x 38-140mm f/4.6-12.2 lens with autofocusing down to 2.2'; 1/3-1/400 sec shutter; DX 50-3200; flash to 17'; panorama; measures 4.6x2.6x1.8"; weighs 8.3 oz; and has a list price of $380. There are three models of the more affordable Giro 35mm series. The Giro 105 has a 2.8x 38-105mm f/5-12.8 zoom that autofocuses down to 2.6'; flash covers out to 15'; has continuous and bulb; and lists for $250. |
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Samsung has crammed a broad 4.5x zoom range along with a host of interesting features in their top model compact 35. The Evoca 170SE features a 38-170mm f/4.7-13.5 Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan power zoom lens; shutter speed range of 1/3-1/400 sec; DX 50-3200; auto flash; 11 shooting modes; panorama; measures 4.8x2.8x2"; weighs 9.9 oz; and lists for $540. A top control dial is used for most adjustments, quartz dating and five captions are standard. The Samsung Maxima Zoom 130GL QD has a 3.4x 38-130mm f/4.2-11.7 zoom lens; autofocusing to 33"; 1/3-1/300 sec shutter; DX 50-3200; flash range of a whopping 22'; measures 4.6 x2.7x1.7"; weighs 7.6 oz; and lists for $340. It has four shooting modes, quartz dating, and five caption modes. |
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Vivitar has two interesting new 35mm models. The PZ3125 has a 3.3x 38-125mm f/3.9-11.8 zoom lens with infrared autofocusing to 21"; 1-1/300 sec speeds; DX 50-3200; panorama; standard data back; measures 2.7x4.8x2"; and lists for $250. The 540MZ has a 3x 38-115mm f/4-11 zoom having infrared autofocusing with a macro mode; DX 100-3200; data back is standard; measures 4.7x2.7x2"; and lists for $250. We have only touched the surface of new compact cameras here, selecting just the more interesting and versatile models. Since a few firms offer a dozen, or more, different models it can be confusing when looking for a new compact camera. For a broader discussion on currently available compact 35s and APS cameras, check your newsstand for the 2000 edition of Shutterbug's Photography Buyer's Guide which contains detailed charts comparing all of the features found on today's photographic products, plus lots of helpful shopping tips. It helps make the bewildering variety of compact camera models a bit simpler to sort through so you can find the product that best suits your shooting needs. These Cameras Are New And
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