Two of the cameras from the lot that I find particularly interesting are dual focal length cameras. Instead of zooming from 35mm to 70mm, these cameras simply have 2 focal lengths, 35mm AND 70mm. Point and shoot zooms are generally pretty unimpressive. The need to keep size, weight and price down on a point and shoot camera means you don't get the best quality lens. I wonder if this design can give me a good 70mm to go along with the more useful (to my needs ) 35mm.
I've decided to go with the Fuji DL-400 Tele. They've packed a great many features in to this camera. Most of them even seem to be useful.
Features:
Lens: 35mm f3.5/70mm f6.7. My initial impression of the autofocus is that it is competent. Of course, it could be getting everything wrong and I won't know till the film is back. Another neat feature you don't see too often is the inclusion of a Hyperfocal focusing button. It's on the front and labeled "Landscape." Basically, you push that button and the camera presets focus to the hyperfocal distance for the selected lens.
Flash: Auto with good control. There is a fill in flash button for daytime shooting. When the lens is selected to 35mm, the flash sits behind a diffuser. When 70mm is selected, it pops up from behind the diffuser for a more focused flash. Also, no small thing this, you can turn the flash off.
Film: DX coding up to 1600 iso. Drop in loading. (see next pic) The drop in loading takes up extra space, but works like a charm. The camera also pre-winds the film. If you've never seen that before, it's really a pretty neat feature. When you first load the film, the camera advances the entire roll to the take up spool and registers the number of shots you have left. As you shoot, the film is pulled back in to the film cartridge. The advantage here is that if you happen to open the door by accident, all the shots you have taken are safe inside the cartridge. Cool huh?
Viewfinder: No better or worse then the usual standard for 35mm P&S. Usable. When you switch focal lengths, an element sort of rotates in to place in the viewfinder to match the lens magnification. Again, a clever way of doing things.
Databack: Oh yea, it's got a databack. Thankfully, the thing stays off when you turn it off and you don't have to worry about losing negative space to it.
Here's the drop in loading system....
Just a few shots in to the roll and so far, I'm liking it. Let's hope the lens delivers.
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