Perfect little camera - even for a photo enthusiast
Written: Jun 30 '01 (Updated Aug 07 '01)
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Pros: Great size, easy to load film, perfect camera for "photo dummies" looking for great snapshots
Cons: small viewfinder, no mid-roll switching, no zoom
The Bottom Line: This camera is a great buy. If you are looking for a small, very functional, automatic point and shoot with a few bells and whistles, this is for you.
mariel9898's Full Review: Kodak Advantix C400AF APS Film Camera
This camera was sent to me by Kodak after a cheaper Kodak APS that I bought broke with the film still in it. I sent it back to Kodak since it was under warranty, and they sent me a new C400. Ironic, since I was originally going to buy the C400 but the original one was clearance priced at $20. In the end, I’m glad things turned out the way they did. I bought an APS because I was going on vacation and my 35mm Nikon broke and I was told it would take at least 10 days to get it fixed. Being and avid 35mm SLR user who knows quite a bit about photography, I really thought that I would not like this new format, but I wasn’t about to leave on vacation with no camera. I was not disappointed, and took this camera on my latest vacation, leaving the bulkier 35mm behind. When I want quick pictures, without the bulk of carrying my professional equipment, this is the camera I reach for.
Basic Use
This camera is truly a point and shoot autofocus, which makes it perfect for quick shots, and for taking to places where you may want something small that fits in a purse. It uses a two zone infrared focusing system, which means that as long as you are at least 2 1/5 feet away from your subject, the picture will be perfectly focused.
Like all APS cameras it takes photos in three different sizes on the same roll, classic, group, and panoramic. Simply move the bar on the top left to get the size you want - the viewfinder adjusts to whatever you set it to. It also has a self timer feature which you can use when you want yourself in the picture.
This camera is very well designed. It’s a nice silver color. It is perfectly designed for holding as there is an indentation on the back right for your thumb. On the front, there are rubbery strips on both the left and the right which always ensures that you will hold the camera perfectly. The flash is attached to the lens cover - when you raise the cover you see the flash and the camera turns on.. It also means that both the flash and the lens are protected when not in use. When not in use for 4 minutes the camera shuts off automatically, which makes accidental shots almost impossible.
One small complaint I have is that the viewfinder is rather small. This is a problem for me at night or in low light situations. Most APS cameras are like this, I’ve only seen one Olympus model that had a large viewfinder.
Film
Nothing is easier than loading the film since it just pops in. You can’t put it in wrong since it only goes in one way. After you pop the film in, it automatically winds so you can shoot right away. When you are done, you just flip the lever on the side of the camera and the film pops out. The lever needs a firm touch so there isn’t any accidental popping out of the film. The APS films come with a number coding system on the bottom. 1 means not exposed (new film), 2 means partially exposed (some pictures have been taken), 3 means fully exposed (time to bring it to get developed) and 4 means developed.
When you get your pictures back you get and index print which is a picture of all the individual pictures on that roll. Each roll of APS film has a different identifier number. This makes it easy to keep track of what roll a picture is on when you need to order reprints - simply match up the roll number on the negative to that on the index print. Just make sure to keep the index print and the developed roll together - they sell albums specifically for this.
This uses 24mm APS film. If you routinely make enlargements of more than 8" X 10", I would not recommend this format, but for regular picture sizes this is great. You might have a problem putting the panoramic size into a regular photo album. The panoramic photos are not as sharp as the smaller ones, but the quality is still good, especially with 200 speed film.
One of the advertised advantages of APS is that you can switch films in mid roll - for example if you are going from bright light to a night time setting, you can take your partially exposed 200 speed film and replace it with 400 speed film, and then come back and finish the 200 later. Unfortunately, this camera does not have this feature, and in fact I’ve only seen the mid-roll switch feature on the more expensive APS cameras.
Flash
Lighting is the most important thing to consider when taking pictures. This camera has 5 different flash options. On automatic the flash goes off whenever it needs to, so you don’t have to think about it. There is a small red light by the viewfinder, which lets you know when the flash is ready to go - once it stops blinking, the flash is ready.
It also has a fill flash feature which to me is invaluable. Ever get those pictures when the light is behind the subject (when people are next to a window on a sunny day for example) and all you get is a great shot of the scenery while the people are dark? Fill flash helps to eliminate that. Just press the button on the back of the camera to cycle through the different flash settings. The LCD panel shows which setting you are on. The manual gives great directions for this. There are also nighttime flash settings which are great, but make sure to use a tripod or to hold the camera on a steady surface.
The placement of the flash is great. It helps to cut down on red-eye, as well as doubling as an on button and a lens protector. Since it’s on the top, you won’t cover it up with your fingers - a problem my Mom often has on her APS which has a side mounted flash.
Fixed focus system 23mm hybrid lens LCD panel clearly displays shooting information Pop-up flash fires in low-light situations Self-timer lets you tak...More at Amazon Marketplace
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