In
a number of ways, the C-720UZ is a simpler camera than its predecessor
was, and appears to have been redesigned with a more general usage in
mind.
When
compared to the C-700UZ, the C-720UZ has a shorter maximum focal length,
but still provides an impressive 320mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto.
Similarly, some of the features of the previous model have been removed
from this one: the external flash connection, the overly complex image
formats, and the multi-metering that was probably too time consuming
to be truly effective.
Aperture: f 3.4, shutter speed 1/400 sec.
Aperture: f3.4, shutter speed 1/400 sec.
What's
left is a more rationalized camera, one that is simpler to use, and yet
which provides good flexibility for those willing to delve into its more
advanced functions.
The C-720UZ offers
a genuinely high image quality. The
images are sharp — something that is particularly evident with TIFF
images — and less prone to overexposing the highlights than the
C-700UZ.
In brief, the zoom may be a bit shorter, but the image quality is better;
and that's more valuable than an extra 2X in focal length.
Used
in Program mode, the C-720UZ handles everything, allowing the photographer
to concentrate on the image. Yet, probably because the camera has such
a long zoom and such magnification easily emphasizes camera shake, the
Program mode tends to use the widest aperture and strive for a high shutter
speed to avoid most camera shake.
The result is that many photos taken outdoors in daylight tend to be captured
at shutter speeds above 1/400 sec, and occasionally at the brightest aperture
possible.
Although the Program mode produces excellent photos, sometimes a greater
depth of field is desirable, and in such cases, the aperture priority
mode should be used. If need be, the camera can be stabilized (to prevent
blurring the image from camera shake) by leaning against a wall or tree.
Aperture: f 3.4, shutter speed 1/250 sec.
Still, as had been the case with the C-700UZ, the camera triggers the
"flash required" symbol (a red flash icon) the moment the shutter
speed starts to drop into a range where it might cause a blurred image.
Sometimes, with distant landscapes, the "flash required" warning
appears a bit incongruous...
The
viewfinder of the C-720UZ is probably its weakest point, and this for
two reasons. First, the electronic display is unable to show fine detail;
and second, it freezes for a fraction of a second when the shutter release
is squeezed halfway, causing a noticeable time lag between the moment
the release is pressed, and the one at which the image is taken.
Aperture: f3.4, shutter speed 1/400 sec.
This freeze/delay makes
the C-720UZ difficult to use with subjects that involve fast movement;
and also can easily cause the user to loose track of the subject.
Yet, even these images can be captured with some experience with the camera
and its idiosyncrasies. In view of the image quality the C-720UZ can produce,
that learning curve is well worth it.
