That's a lot of cameras in that box...I think I'll start doing 2 at a time. I'll try to make the cameras similar in capability so the comparison makes sense.
The next two cameras up will be the Ricoh TF-500 and the Canon Z70W.
Ricoh TF-500
Looks like it was designed by the same folks who did the Fuji DL-400. Seems likely actually that they came out of the same place and were badged for different companies. There are some notable differences in the two cameras. The TF-500 loads in the conventional manner, unlike the DL-400. The controls on the TF-500 are a bit simpler, lacking the Landscape (hyperfocus) button and lacking a flash mode button. In fact, at first I was disappointed that the flash could not be turned off on the TF-500, but then I read the manual. The flash does pop up and begin charging automatically, but if you just push it back down and hold it for the shot, the camera will expose for the shot without the flash. Not perfect, but functional.
The family resemblance to the Fuji is pretty obvious. One nice thing about this Ricoh is that the lens is 1/2 stop faster at both wide and tele. I like that.
Canon Z70W
A newer/slicker design than the Ricoh, the Canon also looks promising. The zoom is a fairly modest 2.5x, but it starts at 28mm instead of the more common 35mm. That's nice, at times, it might be very nice.
Lots of modes on this thing. If I cared about most of them, I'd have to read the manual.
This was a pretty high end little camera just 11 years ago (hard to believe it's only been that long). Looks to have retailed for around $400. I've gotten a lot of good feedback that says this is the zoom I'll want to keep. I plan on putting the spot, and macro modes to use at least.
I'm glad that I've found your www.stevemphoto.com web site.
You sure can write and teach and inspire. Keep writing - I'll keep reading.
Posted by: Light | February 12, 2011 at 12:37 PM