Here
are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities of any given camera
model. The images are altered only in terms of size and sharpness after
reduction and by the JPEG compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned,
assume that any marbling or artefacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however, that they
still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL
LIFE PHOTO
For
this indoor setting the camera's flash is used in addition to some daylight
coming through a window.
The C-4000Z
has the advantage of a good wide angle (the equivalent of a 32mm) with
very little distortion.
Moreover, the built-in flash provides good coverage and does not have
noticeable falloff on the periphery of the frame.
The image shows very precise colours, and good sharpness.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.8
Exposure:
Program
Mode
Shutter
Speed:
1/30
Res.:
2288
x 1712
Flash:
On
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File
Size:
1,666
KB
Focal
Length:
32
mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM
PHOTO
Now
we zoom in on a specific area. The intent is to test the sharpness of
the image at the zoom's maximum setting. The camera remains at the same
distance as with the preceding photo.
The maximum zoom of the C-4000Z provides a short but useable telephoto.
The built-in flash is quite powerful, and lights the subject very well.
In fact, although the shutter speed has increased to 1/100th, the beige
foreground is nearly overexposed by the flash.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.8
Exposure:
Program
Mode
Shutter
Speed:
1/100
Res.:
2288
x 1712
Flash:
On
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File
Size:
1,814
KB
Focal
Length:
96
mm (35mm Eq.)
Aperture Priority: f 2.8, Speed 1/400 sec, Super Macro mode.
MACRO
PHOTO
The
C-4000Z offers 2 distinct Macro modes. The standard one, turned on by
a button above the LCD screen, and a Super Macro mode turned on in the
menu.
The Super Macro mode allows the camera to focus with the lens a mere 2
cm (1 inch) from the subject. The field of view (horizontally) is then
about 3 cm (1.2 inch).
BUILDING PHOTO
This
image is our "outdoor" test. The architecture of the building, in particular
the angled girders, immediately show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed
entrance can also often reveal the quality of the exposure.
At
its widest angle, the lens of the C-4000Z provides a wide field of view.
Although the lens shows no particular distortion in wide angle, its sharpness
is highest in the central part of the frame and diminishes slightly toward
the edges, when the frame is looked at horizontally.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Program
Mode
Shutter
Speed:
1/800
Resolution:
2288
x 1712
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Uncompressed
ISO:
100
File
Size:
11,490
KB
Focal
Length:
32
mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM
PHOTO
Zoomed in, the lens yields
a sharp image from edge to edge and captures a lot of detail.
Here again, colours and exposure are both quite accurate.
The
photo, just like the wide shot above, is saved using the uncompressed
TIFF format which has a file size of 11.5 MB.
The C-4000Z is capable of saving the file in 18 seconds, a very reasonable
delay.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f3.2
Exposure:
Program
Mode
Shutter
Speed:
1/800
Resolution:
2288
x 1712
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Uncompressed
ISO:
100
File
Size:
11,490
KB
Focal
Length:
96
mm (35mm Eq.)
NIGHT
PHOTO
This
camera is capable of long exposures, and this series of night photos gives
an idea of its capabilities.
Aperture:
f2.8; shutter speed: 16 sec, 400 ISO.
The
C-4000Z is capable of a maximum exposure time of 16 seconds when used
in manual mode. Combined with the highest CCD sensitivity setting of 400
ISO, this lets the camera capture photos at night with very little ambient
light.
A noise reduction system is available as one of the menu options, and
needs to be enabled for the best results. Even then, some noise can be
discerned in the image, when the camera is pushed to its limits, as is
the case here.
However,
given a night time subject such as city lights, the C-4000Z produces excellent
images consistently (see the Image Quality section).
