My first proper camera... (Sure Shot AF-7)

Member Name: chriswynne16

Product:	Sure Shot AF-7
Date:	05/09/05 (1194 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great price, good camera for those just starting out

Disadvantages: Scratches easily, features not very advanced for more experienced photographers

Introduction

As a 16 year old, with primary interests in rock music and online gaming, photography is not an area I have a great deal of expertise in. In fact, until the beginning of summer last year, my experience of using cameras extended about as far one-use, disposable cameras which can be bought in boots for about £5. Anyway, last summer I decided that it was about time I purchased a camera which would produce higher quality pictures and generally prove to be a lot more useful for retaining memories of happy summer holidays.

Well, there's a little bit of background for you, and I am sure you can all realise by now, that the camera I purchased, is indeed the camera I am about to review. So, what was I looking for exactly? Well, something not overly expensive, but on the other hand something which would allow me some basic options for taking different types of pictures. After much deliberation and advice from my Dad, (who is actually a rather keen photographer, and was all for me spending a lot more money on something a lot better…) I settled for the Canon SureShot AF-7.

Design / Appearance

The camera is very compact, and not too heavy to carry around with you. It is a very smart and attractive design, with a dark, black, metallic finish. One thing I have found with this camera however, is that it is very prone to scratches and minor markings on the outer case due to the material it is made from. Having said that, it's really not a great problem so long as the damage does not extend as far as to disrupt the functionality of the camera itself.

Ease of Use

Over the past year, I have found this camera increasingly easy to use. The buttons are clear and easy to understand, and it really didn't take me very long to be able to use with confidence all the different features which the camera has to offer. The on/off switch is very large for increased ease of use.

The changing of films and batteries is also very simple, and the mechanisms are indeed very effective. The film loading is fully automatic for both advance and rewind, and also mid-roll rewind. With reference to batteries, I will add at this point that this camera requires two standard AA-type batteries, which from my experience power the camera for a good amount of time before running out and needing replacing. Two batteries are supplied with the camera at purchase.

One further thing relating to ease of use, is that I have found the viewfinder of this camera is very large, considerably bigger than any disposable camera which I have used in the past. It is extremely clear and bright and also offers "long eye relief" making the camera easier to use for people needing to wear glasses. In the viewfinder also, there are LED indications alerting the user when the flash or auto-focus systems are ready.

Extra Features

Flash:

The flash on this camera is very efficient and can be set to one of three different settings. There is obviously flash on and flash off, but also an extra setting which automatically initiates the flash feature if there is not sufficient light to make a good photo. This third setting also prevents under-exposed photographs and adjusts automatically the "red-eye" effect which can often occur. The flash is very powerful, allowing photos to be taking in conditions with limited light, up to 10 metres away.

Self-timer:

The camera is equipped with a self-timer function, allowing the shutter button to be pressed, but the picture taken a set amount of time after. I have personally found this very convenient, especially if there is no-one around to take a picture for you and you want everyone with you to be included.

Extras: Case and Strap

Included with this camera is a carrying case and strap, which I have made great use out of, especially the strap, since I am always worrying that I might drop the camera whilst taking a picture.

Technical Information

General:
• Camera Type: Point & Shoot camera
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.5 cm x 4.6 cm x 7.4 cm
• Weight: 210 g
• Camera Format: 35mm
• Focus Adjustment: Automatic
• Focal Length: 35 mm
• Exposure Range: 1/160 sec - 1/45 sec
• Viewfinder: Real-image
• Camera Flash: Built-in flash
• Red Eye Reduction: Built-in

Lens System:
• Focal Length: 35 mm
• Focus Adjustment: Automatic
• Lens Aperture: F/3.8
• Min' Focus Range: 80 cm
• Type: Lens

Viewfinder:
• Magnification: 0.68x
• Viewfinder Frames: Autofocus frame

Price

As far as pricing, when I bought my camera last year, I seem to remember paying around £40 for it, but I have had a quick look on the internet and the lowest price I can seem to find is from Argos at £31.99.

Overall, if you are looking for a fairly basic camera, at a cheap price, but still with a good amount of extras to make enjoyable usage, then this camera is for you. If you are a more serious photographer (like my dad…) then maybe you would want to look for something a bit more advanced.

Summary: Great looking, basic camera, which does that little bit extra. Well worth the money.

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