Product Reviews

With the jump straight from 6-megapixel to 8-megapixel CCDs in compact cameras last year, who would have thought the belated arrival of 7-megapixel chips would have generated so many new models, including the Olympus Camedia C-70? There's good reason, though. For a start, the 1/1.8in-type 7-megapixel CCD is smaller and so less expensive than those used in high-end 8-megapixel compacts. Furthermore, the 3072 x 2304 pixel image from the cheaper 7-megapixel chip can provide enough detail to be reproduced up to 10 x 8in at 300dpi. It can also be easily integrated into existing lens and shutter units.

The C-70 eschews the usual 3x or 4x zoom range for a new 39-190mm f/2.8-4.8 optic with a 5x zoom. Surprisingly, Olympus has managed to keep both lens and body reasonably compact. We wouldn't say it's pocketable, but it's one of the smallest in its class. Its build quality is good too, and as the majority of the body and lens barrel are made from metal, there's none of the creaking, ill-fitting panels seen on lesser cameras.

The autofocus system is faster than previous models, but this appears to have been at the expense of an increase in noise. In common with most compacts, a relatively modest maximum aperture affects focusing accuracy in low light, so we're pleased to see the inclusion of an exceptionally bright and powerful autofocus assist lamp.

Olympus has also followed the trend for larger monitors, and the C-70's 2in screen is better quality and more detailed than most. It's unfazed by bright lighting, too. We're not so keen on the optical viewfinder though: like so many viewfinders these days, it's placed to the centre of the body, and there's no dioptre adjustment for glasses-wearers. There's a pop-up flash and tiny microphone for a TV-friendly 640 x 480 pixel movie clip feature, which are positioned where the viewfinder should have been. Regrettably, with the C-70's thirst for juice, the viewfinder is likely

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to be used more often than most others.

Even considering the time taken to shift the bulky zoom lens into position, powering-up times are respectable. However, there's a noticeable delay immediately afterwards while the autofocus and metering systems kick in, which is infuriating when you're attempting quick grab shots or candids. Thankfully, the autofocus uses a similar wide-area detection system to that of Canon's reliable but ageing AiAF system.

Olympus has also tried to improve the layout of the menu. While it's certainly a step in the right direction with much slicker-looking and clearer icons, the layout still isn't a patch on Canon's PowerShot range. However, you now select metering and autofocus choices from a dedicated menu, which echoes Canon's function menu. You'll also find the new 2cm macro feature plus spot and multi-spot metering options.

We were particularly impressed with the C-70's close-focusing ability, especially as a new feature enables you to guide a scrollable autofocus target to any one of more than 140 focusing points, in effect covering the entire image. These settings and more can be saved to one of four custom My Mode options for quick recall, but there's also the usual mix of auto, semi-auto and manual exposure modes. There are five scene modes and a sports option, which is frequently overlooked by manufacturers.

The C-70's 2fps continuous-shooting option is reasonable for this type of camera, and CCD-raw files are buffered for a total of two shots. However, there's no difference when switching to Jpeg, and Tiff files can only be captured one at a time. Sadly, processing is sluggish for all three file types, and even high-quality Jpegs take just over three seconds to display.

However, the quality of images is worth the wait, with fine colour rendition and good white balance control under most lighting. Noise levels are good, too, but, there is a penalty for such a zoom range, including occasional colour fringing and some barrel distortion at its widest. Ultimately, we would have settled for a narrower zoom ratio and greater coverage from the more useful 28-100mm range adopted by the likes of the Canon PowerShot S70.

Despite some mixed results, the C-70 is user-friendly, well-made and capable of producing some great results. At a £100 less than Sony's chunky DSC-V3, it's worth considering, but most competition will come from Canon's well-rounded PowerShot S70. Nevertheless, the Olympus Camedia C-70 can still be enthusiastically recommended.