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
The
scene is lit by a 50W halogen light overhead which helps the camera focus,
but the camera's own flash lights the subject.
The camera is a bit less
than 2m (6.5 ft) away from the subject, and in wide angle the light from
the flash does not show any falloff. The photo is sharp and clear, and
the exposure has allowed the light from the overhead lamp to show through
as evidenced by the shadows.
The colours produced with the flash are good and are fairly saturated.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Average
Shutter
Speed:
1/30
Res.:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
On
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File
Size:
1,068
KB
Focal
Length:
38
mm
(35mm Eq.)
ZOOM
PHOTO
The
zoom is used to close in on a part of the display. The intent is to test
the sharpness of the image at the zoom's maximum setting, with the camera
remaining at the same distance as in the preceding photo.
The camera is mounted on a tripod which stabilizes the image in the viewfinder
when the lens is at its maximum magnification, and ensures a shake-free
image at the shutter speed required by the built-in flash.
The camera produces a sharp image (see below) and very vibrant colours.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Average
Shutter
Speed:
1/160
Res.:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
On
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File
Size:
979
KB
Focal
Length:
380
mm
(35mm Eq.)
Aperture: f 3.2, Speed 1/125 sec.
MACRO
PHOTO
The
macro focusing range of the C-700UZ is 10 cm to 60 cm (3.9 in to 23.4
in) at the maximum wide angle; and 1.2 m to 2.0 m (3.9 ft to 6.5 ft) in
telephoto. In wide angle, this produces a field of view from one edge
of the frame to the other, of approximately 12 cm (4.5 in) at the minimum
distance.
With very even lighting the C-700UZ produces excellent macros, with high
detail. A section of the full-size image is shown below. Worth noting,
the very smooth edges of the petals, even when these are running diagonally
in the frame.
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.
With a range of 38mm to 380mm the C-700 UZ has
a focal length range that covers from a very usable wide angle to a long
telephoto. This range allows the camera to be used for practically any
subject.
However, to obtain the best images, lighting and contrast have to be taken
into account whenever possible. In this photo and the next, the subject
contains sharp contrast between light and dark areas and a slight chromatic
abberation can be detected.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f2.8
Exposure:
Average
Shutter
Speed:
1/1000
Resolution:
1600
x 1200
Flash:
Off
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
100
File
Size:
985
KB
Focal
Length:
38
mm
(35mm Eq.)
ZOOM
PHOTO
Zooming in, the metering
provides a clear and bright photo, in both the sunlit and shadow areas
of the frame.
Clearly, overall the C-700UZ is a good camera, but two aspects of its
design should be kept in mind. At its maximum zoom, handheld shots can
become difficult to frame precisely as the image in the viewfinder moves
quite a bit; and second, the camera tends to develop a noticeable chromatic
abberation when photographing subjects that contain strong contrasts.
