Viewfinder
While the viewfinder has quickly become a lost novelty, the small optical device is still a welcomed inclusion for some users. The Olympus C-7070 contains a real-image optical viewfinder with an autofocus and backlight mark mechanism. This helps the viewfinder approach functionality but will likely still fall short as most optical viewfinder generally do. While Electric viewfinders are criticized for their depletion of battery life, they provide a far more accurate replication of the scene that seems to dwarf their optical counterparts.

LCD Screen
The C-7070 Wide Zoom includes a dynamic semi-transmissive 1.8” LCD display, composed of 130,000 pixels. The screen swivels a full 180-degrees to provide visibility at all necessary angles and desired views. The semi-transmissive screen is designed for accessible viewing in high-contrast scenes and profuse lighting. This mobile LCD display is not the largest screen among its grouping, but aims to be the most versatile.

Flash
The C-7070 contains an embedded flash with a working range of 31” — 21.1’ (0.8m-3.7m) when zoomed out to Wide Angle and 31” — 7.2’ (0.8m — 2.2m) in full Telephoto view. For those discontent with the restrictive fixed flash units typically found on most digital cameras, the C-7070 should be a welcomed departure. There are eight preset flash modes available for the user to select from: Auto flash for low and backlight, “Red-eye” Reduction, Fill-in, Slow Shutter Synchronized (first curtain), Slow Shutter Synchronized (first curtain) w/ red-eye reduction, Slow Shutter Synchronized (second curtain), Flash off, and for the prosumer crowd, the ever-important External mode. While this expansive list of presets is likely to encompass most shooting situations, the C-7070 illustrates further versatility and broad appeal with the inclusion of a TTL Hot Shoe for seamless integration of accessory flash units. An additional PC sync option is available to enable studio photographers to link to external strobes and studio lamps with a PC cable and adaptor.

Zoom Lens
The distinguishing characteristic of the Olympus C-7070 is the wide angle opportunity inherent in its stock lens. Surrounded by an influx of telephoto-oriented “ultra zoom” models, the C-7070 offers a refreshing departure from the increasing trend toward oversized subjects and flattened perspective. The C-7070 comes with a 5.7mm — 22.8mm wide zoom, equivalent to a 27mm — 110mm lens in 35mm format. Although this is not an incredibly wide angle perspective, the C-7070 appears to be a rare recent release to apply equal emphasis to the wide field of view, as to the telephoto. With 4x optical zoom and a supplemental 5x digital zoom, the C-7070 grants significant flexibility in terms of shot variety and compositional perspective.

Designed to appease prosumer users as well as engaged point-and-shooters, the C-7070 offers lens interchangeability, providing further versatility in the range of shots available to its users. With a CLA-7 conversion adaptor, users can apply three accessory lenses to the barrel of the C-7070 Wide Zoom.

For those seeking a more extreme wide angle view, there is a WCON-17C fixed 19mm (equivalent) wide angle lens available, which reduces the visible frame by a 0.7x conversion factor. For users attracted to the C-7070’s wide angle offerings, but unwilling to sacrifice “ultra zoom” indulgences, a TCON-17C, 1.7x teleconverter lens will extend the C-7070’s focal length to 187mm. However, when 187mm just isn’t enough to fill your telephoto fix, true junkies can rest assured, a TCON-30C, 3.0x teleconversion lens is available to increase the visible focal length to a 330mm (equivalent) perspective.