Olympus C-7070

Model Design / Appearance
Cased in a compact, magnesium frame, the C-7070 Wide Zoom is rectangular in shape. Its smooth, charcoal-finished body is divided by fluid, organic curves. A sharp horizontal line cuts across the top of the camera, outlining the protruding plane across the top section of the camera’s front. A thick, sweeping curve defines the camera’s right hand grip and indents the camera’s front face. All-in-all, the C-7070 Wide Zoom projects an alternative SLR-like design, defying the boxier SLR-like mirages typically revered by Kodak and Fuji. With this model, Olympus opts for a sleeker, more compressed SLR-like form, embodying the sporty, professional SLR style, with increased fluidity.

Size / Portability
The C-7070 appears to have been designed with a strong intent on durability, without the sacrifice of portability. The camera’s magnesium form spans 4.6" x 3.4" x 2.6" and weighs 13.05oz without battery and media card. While the C-7070 is not designed to be a pocket-sized counterpart, its lens interchangeability and curved edges help to minimize surface area, allowing it to fit within a small accessory bag. The camera comes with a neck or wrist strap attachment; however, I would encourage those users planning to take the camera on prolonged shoots to bring along a bag or pouch to aid in transport. While the 13.05oz base weight, plus memory card and batteries should remain under a pound, continual pull on the back of the user’s neck is sure to wane on patience, comfort and likely enjoyment.

Handling Ability
The C-7070 is designed to appease users seeking a lightweight camera with a solid feel. The C-7070’s rounded overall body and textured grip lends itself to a stable two-hand grip when balanced with the lens. From this position, users can easily access all major shooting controls: exposure, mode and focal settings. The swivel LCD screen grants added flexibility and mobility when shooting from obscure angles or recording a self-portrait. Its menu interface and settings are easy to navigate and retain the general simplified functionality of many previous Olympus models. The C-7070 represents an appropriate blend of automatic simplicity and manual control for those users looking to step away from the 35mm format and move into a semi-automated digital imager.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
Controls and dials on the C-7070 Wide Zoom appear to be more visually in-line with higher-end prosumer models, utilizing the large frame and spacious control layout to provide greater handling ease and control. The directional selection control on the camera is formed out of four separate buttons, rather then the more traditional navigational dial. The solid spacing between the four directional buttons creates additional support for the engaging finger and diminishes the possibility of accidental selection and unrecognized responses commonly associated with single-piece dials. All essential buttons protrude significantly from the surface of the camera, allowing the user to locate and access controls while shooting. The large mode dial is placed behind the shutter button, in reach of the user’s right thumb, enabling quick alteration between shots. The zoom toggle controls are placed on top of the camera, on a focal adjustment ring surrounding the shutter release. A rotating selection dial protrudes from the upper right portion of the back of the C-7070, enabling users to manually alter exposure settings while keeping their index finger on the shutter release control.

Menu
The basic menu of the C-7070 retains the structural layout and functionality of previous Olympus models. Upon engagement, user’s face four selection options, accessing Drive, ISO, Digital Zoom, and Mode Menu options. The Mode Menu brings up general shooting settings and acts more like typical menus with further shooting options available. Overall the menu on the C-7070 should remain consistent with most Olympus models in terms of ease of use and intuitive control.

Ease of Use
While many Olympus digital cameras exhibit intuitive internal control and simplistic menu navigation, the C-7070 Wide Zoom is not designed to be an introductory imager. Handling and functionality may take a bit of effort to become familiar with the full range of options available; however, there are enough simplified features and automatic settings included to provide basic accessibility for novice users right out of the box. If it’s a point-and-shoot imager that is sought, the C-7070 can pass, but to fully utilize the camera’s capabilities, some effort and/or knowledge will be essential.