Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The introduction of the C-7070 Wide Zoom brings added wide angle capabilities to Olympus’ versatile C-series of digital cameras. Carrying-over a successful blend of consumer design and prosumer features, the C-7070 enables engaged point-and-shooters to grow and seasoned photographers to flourish. Utilizing a 7.1 megapixel, 1/1.8 type (.55 type) CCD sensor, the C-7070 Wide Zoom contains ample resolution for cropping and enlarging images. The applied TruePic TURBO image processor works to ensure crisp, sharp images are recorded with minimal noise and increased speed. The camera is packaged with an all-glass, 27mm–110mm (equivalent) wide zoom lens, catering to the previously neglected group of digital wide angle enthusiasts.
Advertisement

Auto Mode
With a hefty range of control, the C-7070 amply blends manual options and automatic proficiency. For those users gravitated towards automatic functionality, the C-7070 will seamlessly control ISO, white balance, exposure settings and focus. The expansive array of options and fused automatic and manual controls presents a major draw to this camera. With options at all gradations in-between, the C-7070 is structured to appeal to any level user, providing room for inexperienced photographers to develop and avid manual enthusiasts to take a breather.

Drive / Burst Mode
There are two continuous shooting settings included on the C-7070. When speed takes precedent, users can select a “Hi Speed” setting that will record up to 4 consecutive images in RAW and JPEG compression formats at 3.3 frames per second. When the duration of the sequence is of more importance, a “Normal Burst” mode is available that will capture up to 10 subsequent images at 1.7 frames per second in HQ setting.

Playback Mode
Following image capture, there are a slew of Playback options available. Users can opt to view pre-recorded stills, an index of images, or histogram display, outlining the contrast values within the shot. Image rotation, projection and enlargement of up to 7x the image’s original size is also available. Cropping and re-sizing of images can be achieved during playback mode, enabling users to trim away unwanted portions of the frame. Red Eye Fix and RAW data editing options are also offered in playback mode.

Movie Mode
The Camedia C-7070 functions like a proficient point-and-shoot in movie mode, recording VGA QuickTime Motion JPEG videos at 640x480 resolution, at 30 or 15 frames per second. Users can also opt to shoot QVGA QuickTime Motion JPEG video at 320x240 resolution, at 30 or 15 frames per second.

Custom Image Presets
To cater to both Point-and-Shoot and Prosumer needs, the C-7070 contains 9-preset options as well as four primary exposure modes. Program, Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes are placed on the main mode dial, while a host of image presets are included within the digitized menu. Point-and-Shoot users can instantly orient the camera to Portrait, Sports, Portrait + Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Underwater Wide, and Underwater scenarios as well as shoot in Macro, Panorama, or Movie modes.

Advertisement