Updated 11/14/03. Comments and questions are always welcome. John McCormack. Email

Contents

 News

Which P&S Is Right For Me?

Photo.Net Tips for Using a P&S

My Favorite Single Focal Length P&S Cameras

My Tips and Tricks Page

My Gallery of Street Photography

My Contax T3 Gallery

Specifications And User Comments

Wide Zooms

Standard Zooms

Single Focal Lengths

Canon Z90W

Canon Sure Shot Classic 120

Contax T3

Contax TVS II and III

Leica Minilux Zoom 

Leica Minilux

Fuji Zoom 1000

Pentax 105 WR

Olympus Stylus Epic

Fuji DL Super Mini

Pentax 105SW (and 120SW)

Ricoh GR1

*Konica LEXIO 70

Leica  Z2X

Yashica T4/T5
 (specs. compared with GR1.)

Minolta Freedom
 Zoom Explorer EX

Olympus Stylus Zoom DLX 

 Leica C3

Pentax Espio 24EW

Yashica T4 Zoom

*Recipient of a Japanese Historical Cameras award for year 2000. (Based on the first use of a new technology, and popularity among consumers.)

Company/ Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Canon Sure Shot Classic 120

38-120mm
f/4.5-10.9

1/38-770 (2 or 4 seconds in long exposures)*

Yes, either
+ 1.5 EV or -1.5 EV only. And spot metering!

Hybrid - Active & Passive

20.3 cu in      9.9 oz w/ batteries

No

No

No

$229. CWO offered it recently for $199.

This isn't a Canon commercial, but I am impressed by the 120. Canon offers an amazing array of features in this very compact, aluminum bodied camera that are unique in the P&S world - features not found on some SLRs.  This updated, smaller version of the  Z115 (which offers a faster lens) has a Personal Mode on the Quick Shot dial that allows you to save a set of unique flash, focus, exposure compensation and film transport settings that remain set even when the camera is turned off - a real plus. For example, for street shooting I set the Personal mode to Flash Off, -1.5 Exposure Compensation (with film that can tolerate underexposure) , and 3 point AF. This allows the fastest shutter speeds possible without the intrusive flash going off when you don't want it to. The Personal mode setting is right next to the off switch; one click powers up the camera and puts you in Personal mode. You can also program the camera not to use Red Eye Reduction as a default setting in Auto, Personal and Spot modes. The display panel has been moved to the back of the camera - also a plus.

AF modes include Single Shot and AI Servo (1.5 fps in Sports mode only). Other features include a diopter adjustment, real time shutter release of 0.06 seconds, continuous shooting by holding down the shutter release, and a new Light Guide flash that telescopes out from the side (ala Canon Elph). Canon claims this flash gives more even illumination, and it might reduce "red eye." Luckily the flash is spring mounted and shouldn't be a problem (If pushed into the body, the flash will not fire.)  There's no infinity setting but it's not needed - Canon added both active and passive focusing like the G2 and old Chinon cameras. There's also a Portrait Mode that the PR brochure says "artistically blurs the background to create a romantic, stylish shot." I find this hard to swallow in a  lens that's probably f/9 or f/10 at a focal length for portraits, say 90-105mm.

You will need to use fast film (ISO 400 or 800) or a tripod to avoid camera shake at the tele end of this slow lens or to shoot in low light conditions. Too bad the lens isn't a bit wider at the short end (See new Canon Z90W). The motor/zooming/winding noise is average for a P&S. The battery compartment cover is a pain to use; the type used on the EOS cameras is much better. There are no shutter speed or aperture settings displayed in the viewfinder. Parallax compensation lines are meager and are not adjusted by the camera.  With all the technology that Canon dumped into this camera, is it too much to ask for a camera shake warning (when shutter speeds drop below about 1/30th of a second), shutter speed readings or a flash-out-of-range warning in the viewfinder? I guess most P&S users really don't care. The 120 will fit in a shirt pocket (barely) with a heavy bulge. There's an optional remote control, but if you have another Canon remote, try it with the 120. The Canon RC-1 remote for my Elan II works with the 120.

Does the image quality match all the bells and whistles technology? In short, yes. I shot a roll of Fuji NHG II 800 at night in less than ideal conditions (street scenes, etc.) and the results were very good. The lens appears sharp up to its maximum focal length but then begins to soften, at least with hand held shots. Metering was accurate - for print film - for which  I suspect the metering is optimized. Automatic backlight compensation works well. Flash power is very good and coverage is even throughout. "Red eye" is still prevalent with the normal flash setting, but the Red Eye Reduction (RER) mode works better than most. The 120 uses a bright, steady, two second light rather than a pulsating strobe. Subjects are less startled but you still need to advise them that RER is being used so they don't move during long exposures. I shot through plate glass windows to test the AF and had no problems. I didn't test the Spot mode and I have no idea how small the metering area is in Spot; the manual is silent on this.  I also shot a roll of Fuji Reala 100 (my favorite print film) in bright snow conditions and indoors with flash. The images were very good; exposures on the snow were accurate and indoor flash images at all but the longest focal lengths were acceptably sharp.

* The manual is confusing about how long the shutter will stay open for low light shots, but a close reading  indicates that it's two seconds in all modes except Night mode or when the flash is turned off, when it's four seconds. In general, the manual is good and offers some useful tips for the novice. Anyone familiar with Canon EOS or Sure Shot cameras can probably use the Classic 120 without reading the manual.

Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Canon 
Z90W

28-90mm
f/4.5 - 9.9

1/50s-1/640s in program Auto.
2s - 1/640 in slow synch.

Yes, either
+ 1.5 EV or -1.5 EV only. 

Hybrid  (Active + Passive)

19.6 cu in - 8.6 oz. w/o batteries
/250g

No

No

No

$189

Comments: This camera was announced on 8/23/00. Specs. include diopter adjustment and the 'best shot' modes of the Classic 120. Spot metering also available. With a 28mm setting it should be a good choice for a travel camera. Retractable light guide flash is on top rather than on the side like the 120. Real Time shutter release and a flat-body, clamshell design, similar to the Stylus Epic. 
Comments from one user: Although the camera doesn't look as "classic" as the Classic 120, it looks better in real life than it does in photos. I like the clamshell design. Two big advantages of the clamshell design: (a) It really feels well protected when closed. (b) There is no "off" switch on the best shot dial. Opening the clamshell turns on the camera. What this means is the ultimate in default control: the camera turns on to whatever mode is set on the best shot dial. The "best shot" dial is nicely oversized, but turns too easily, especially for left-eyed people like me. My nose kept wanting to fiddle with the controls. Another problem with the Z90W best shot dial: it is difficult to tell where it is set. I stared at it blankly for a while trying to figure it out. Canon had a good idea with the oversized best shot dial, but they missed the mark, in my opinion. Maybe it just takes some getting used to. The zoom control is absurd. I couldn't use it without taking my eye from the viewfinder. Even if I could learn to use it without taking my eye from the viewfinder, I would have to switch to right-eyed shooting, as I nearly poked my eye out when I tried to use the zoom control while composing with my left eye. So, the Z90W has some benefits, but overall I wish Canon had used the Classic 120 body and simply replaced the lens. 

Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

New! Konica LEXIO 70

28-70mm
f/3.4 - 7.9

1.3s to 1/500

+1.5 EV only

Active

12.8 cu in   6.3oz.

No

No 

No

$159

Click here for reviews at PhotographyReview.com (This site is changing and links may be broken). 
My initial review: Incredibly small - about the size of a computer mouse (slightly smaller than Yashica T4/T5 and slightly thicker than the Stylus EPIC.) Very fast lens for a zoom P&S. One mode button controls almost all mode functions, including flash. There are a total of 23 shooting modes when various combinations are used. Some other dual settings need pressing of the date button, which is tiny. You can also use the zoom control to jump forward or backward through the mode selections. Very handy.  LCD lights up when camera is turned on or mode button is pushed.

The viewfinder is bright and clear, one of the best I've seen on a P&S, and there's no need to center your eye over the finder. In fact, I can hold the camera slightly away from my eye and scan the scene for possible subjects moving into view. This is great for street shooting. In vertical/portrait mode the finder is not as easy to use but still good. Diopter adjustment of -2 to +2. is available. Well lit, bright icons help you tell focusing distance and also serve as warning lamps for close focusing distance limits. 

The camera retains the last shooting mode when turned off or camera automatically shutdowns - after three minutes. Pressing the mode button after powering up returns the camera to the last mode used. It would be nice to touch the shutter button to power up when auto shutdown occurs.

Film wind, rewind and zoom noise is buzzy but average for this type of P&S. Zoom is stepped, not continuous. The manual is comprehensive and pretty clear - much better than previous Konica manuals. The camera "pouch" included with the camera is pitiful - no belt loop and pretty flimsy. The neck strap is okay and should be used; dropping this small camera is certain to occur at some point unless you're very careful at all times.

Minimum focusing distance in macro mode is a very good .35m (14 inches); without macro it is 70 cm. (27.5 inches). Camera warning tells you if you're too close. Fill flash is always used in macro mode. Flash is close to lens; red eye may be a problem. Red eye reduction is by means of a steady light. Shutter lag is noticeable, but not very long.

Optical Quality: My first roll of Fuji Superia 400 turned out excellent 4x6" prints at all focal lengths. The lens may be a bit soft at 70mm, but this could be due to hand holding shots in low light with flash off, producing slow shutter speeds and less than crisp images. Using Auto mode worked best in low light as the Lexio shutter floor won't drop below 1/45 second in Auto. Fill flash always fires in Macro mode and seems to engage reduced flash intensity, which worked fine for close-up shots, however it would be nice to turn off the flash in macro mode. In other modes, fill flash appears to fire the flash at full intensity; with 400 ISO film the flash tends to wash out subjects within 4-5 feet. A bit of light fall off in the corners is visible at 28mm but it's quite acceptable. See more at Konica's LEXIO 70 page.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Fuji Zoom 1000

28-100mm
f/5.8 - 10.5

1s - 1/500

No

Passive

14.1 cu in. /
6.2 oz /
175g

No

No

No

$ 200

If the specifications are correct, the Fuji 1000 is actually smaller and lighter than the Fuji DL Super Mini. Hmmm? I haven't checked this out as the 1000 is not available locally. The lens is slow at both ends of the zoom, but this is the trend and necessitates using fast ISO 400 and preferably ISO 800 film. Most program modes can be set to remain set after each shot but default to Auto after camera is turned off, a plus. Flash reduces power to 12.5% power in close-up situations, a nice feature. Flash appears to detect backlight situations and fires for fill effect automatically. Macro focusing to 18 inches (When Macro is engaged, lens is set to 100mm.) In Landscape mode, flash is turned off automatically.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Fuji 
DL Super Mini Zoom

28-56mm 
f/4.5 - 7.5

1s-1/500

Yes +/- 2EV in ½ steps

Active

15.3 cu in 7.1oz/ 202g

No

Yes

No

$129 (with rebate) A real deal.

This and the Contax TVS III are probably the smallest non-APS zoom cameras with a 2x zoom lens. Slow at the short end. Nice set of features. Can be set to revert to normal after each shot, or the exposure compensation/manual focus modes can be made to remain set as they are for as many shots as you would like, as long as the sliding cover is open. Unusual zoom control is located on back of camera. The earlier DL Super Mini (non-zoom) is highly regarded. Drop-in loading. 3 shot self-timer (handy for street photography). Close focuses to 23.6 inches (60 cm) There are comments about this "poor man's TVS" in the PhotoNet Q&A section. (This thread may be deleted at any time.) NOTE: The DL Super Mini is getting harder to find. Last time I checked B&H Photo still had it listed on their web site.
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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Olympus 
Stylus Zoom DLX 80

28-80mm f/4.5-8.9

2s-1/600

No

Active

285g/   10 oz

Yes

Yes

No

$250

Comments: Introduced at PMA show Feb., 1998. Has Spot mode and spot metering. Same chunky design of other Stylii. Good zoom control. Closes up slowly when powered off. Diopter adjustment. If you insist on a longer zoom, the even newer Stylus Zoom 140 is almost the exact same size as the DLX 80 and uses passive AF. It's reputed to be the smallest camera in this zoom range. See specs at Olympus' web site.
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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Leica C3

28-80 mm f/3.6-7.9 LEICA Vario-Elmar 

1/370-99s

   + 2 EV

Active

270 g 
(9.5 oz) 
dimension: 5" x 2.6" x 1.8" 

No

No

Yes, time exposures up to 99sec

$399. 

Another fast lens zoom to compete with the new Yashica T4 Zoom. User reviews are few but general opinions say the C3 is an average performer at best. The body design is very similar to the Leica Z2X. Close focusing is not great: 0.8 m (2 ft 7 in). Flash guide numbers (ISO 100): Wide-angle: 14m (46 ft), Telephoto: 20m (66ft). ISO 50-3200. Continuous shooting possible. See more on this camera and the new Leica C2 at Leica's compact camera web site. Accepts DX coded films from 50 to 3200 ISO. A three year warranty is standard.
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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Leica 
Z2X

35-70mm f/4-7.6

1/4-1/300

Yes, +2 EV 

Passive*

18.2cu in 245g/
8.6 oz

No

No

Yes

$269

Comments: The Z2X may be replaced by the Leica C2, which is similar to the C3 (above) but with passive focusing and a 35-70mm zoom lens. *Passive AF is active-assisted in low light (the AF speed is very good). F/4 is a bit slow at short end. Fairly compact. All modes (except self-timer) are set with one switch - a minus; it takes seven pokes to set flash to Off. The viewfinder is bright and has good eye relief. Users say the lens quality is excellent - sharp and contrasty. (It's probably the same lens used on the older Leica Mini Zoom, which was very good.) Exposure Compensation of +2 EV only can be set only in Auto mode. Shutter lag is minimal. Click here for more discussion on PhotoNet. (The thread may be deleted at any time.)

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Leica Minilux Zoom

Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f/3.5-6.5

1-1/250

Yes, +/-2 EV 

Active

24.4cu 13.2oz/ 375g

No

Yes - scale type

Yes

$850

Comments: 1/250 is fastest shutter speed. Has only Program mode; no provision for aperture or shutter priority. Center-weighted metering. No useful info. in the viewfinder. Viewfinder is small but bright. Built-in flash (GN-13) and hot shoe for separate Leica CF dedicated flash (GN 20). Permits quick and permanent storing of "preferred functions" - a plus. The mode for exposure compensation is quicker to set than on the regular Minilux. Continuous shooting when shutter is held down. All titanium body. To me it seems smaller, quieter and more compact than the regular Minilux. Accessories include electric cable release, case, mini-tripod, panorama adapter, databack and the Leica CF flash. See all the specs. on Leica's Minilux Zoom page. Users say the optical performance is very high (For many the non-zoom Minilux is a better choice overall and optical quality is top notch; it gets rave reviews for its fast f/2.4 lens and outstanding image quality.) More reviews of the zoom version here.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Contax
TVSII  and TVS III (see comments)

Vario Sonnar T* 28-56mm f/3.5-6.5

16 s - 1/700 in P. 16 s -1/500 in A priority

Yes, +/-5 EV in 1/3 incr.

Passive

23.3cu 13.2oz/ 375g

No

Yes - scale type

Yes

$950 
(TVS III: $1,099 at B&H)

Comments: With aperture priority, a fast shutter, wide exposure compensations and filter threads, the TVS is more versatile than the Minilux Zoom, in my opinion. The TVS II has a slightly different viewfinder (claimed to be three times brighter), improved manual focusing, a built in lens cover, and no panoramic function. Options: data back, semi hard case (cowhide), flash adapter SA-1, TVS metal hood, Contax Filters (30.5mm: 5 types). Click here to  visit the Contax home page. The new TVS III has a 30-60mm f/3.7-6.7 lens, is smaller, has faster high shutter speed, is more motorized and doesn't accept filters. It sells for about $US 1,000. See the Contax web site for details.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Yashica T4  Zoom

Zeiss T*
28-70mm
f/4.5-8 (4 element/3 group lens)

2s-1/300 at 28mm
2s to 1/250 at 70mm. 

+1.5 &
-1.5EV

Passive. 5 point multi and Spot AF

195g
6.9 oz.

No

No

No, but rumored to have LT mode to 120 sec.

Est. $200.

Comments: Yashica has entered the wide zoom field, which is already getting crowded. User reviews on Photographyreview.com are generally positive about the lens, though shutter lag is bad and the viewfinder is squinty.  See full specs. here. A remote control is optional. Diopter correction and Spot AF are included. The fastest shutter speed is a little slow, but rumor has it that the flash is an "auto variable" type that adjusts output according to the subject's distance. It's nice to see some exposure control included also. If Yashica had added these last two features and the Long Time mode to an updated T4/T5, they could have skipped the zoom lens, in my opinion. See one user's initial test shots here.  Probably a better buy than the Leica C3.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Contax T3

35mm  f/2.8

16s to 1/1,200s/  1s to 180s w/ LT setting

+/-2 EV (1/3 EV steps)*

Passive

15.8cu in. 
230g / 7.4 oz.

No

Yes

Yes, 
( Up to 3 min. in LT mode)

$699.

If I were to write the specs. for the premier P&S, the T3 would be it. It's almost as small as the Stylus Epic and the T3 is 20% smaller and lighter than the T2. The design, size, viewfinder, noise levels and custom functions are all executed extremely well. Close focusing to 13 inches (.35m).* (May be set to 1/2 EV steps using one of the seven custom functions.) The T3 will accept 30.5mm filters like the older TVS models and the TVS II lens hood, but you must have the optional filter adapter to mount the hood or filters. Also accepts TLA 200 flash (and only the TLA 200) with an optional Contax bracket. There's a Photo.Net discussion thread here and a user list here. My T3 gallery of test images is available here. Yes, the MF is not as easy as on the T2 or Minilux but the custom functions on the T3 for MF and AFL settings are more convenient and outweigh any inconveniences, IMO. AFL button also engages spot AF. See more reviews of the T3 at PhotographyReview.com 

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Leica Minilux

Summarit 40mm f/2.4

1s to 1/400 plus Bulb

+/- 2EV 

Active

18 cu in 330g 11.6oz

No

Yes

Yes

$ 650.00

I sold my Minilux to buy a Contax T3 because I like the T3's smaller size, flash controls and custom functions, but I've regarded the Minilux as a smaller Contax G or automated Canonet. This hefty camera has the fastest lens of any P&S on this page. I sometimes think it could use a faster top speed but its fast lens shines with ISO 100 film. Controls for flash and modes are a bit fiddly but not hateful. While the flash is strong, it doesn't produce too much red eye. The viewfinder is small but bright but you have to look at the top deck to see shutter speeds. Bulb mode makes it fun to shoot night scenes. Accepts remote cable release (My Canon EOS wired release works fine on the Minilux). Images and reviews can be found at Richard Saylor's Site, Les Bonser's Photo Dog site and at The Virtual Gallery.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Olympus Stylus Epic

35mm f/2.8

2s-1/1000(4s in night mode)

No, but see comments

Active

14.84 cu in 133g 4.7oz

Yes

No

No

$89 (Best Buy for the bucks)

Comments: See a good Photo.Net review here. This baby is really compact and light. Has one of the fastest shutter speeds in the group. I wish it had Bulb and an Infinity mode. Has Spot AF mode which also sets metering to a central area (Spot mode is engaged by pushing two mode buttons at once). Flash has long reach - and creates lots of red-eye. Camera will detect and fire flash to correct for fluorescent lighting's greenish cast. Optional remote available. Wind/rewind noise is average. Shutter fires quickly, with less shutter lag than most. Lens favors wide apertures. Some complain that AF can miss if you're not careful (Make sure AF green light is lit; shutter will fire regardless of AF lock. Also make sure AF window is clean).  Clam shell cover is easy to use but a slight nudge with a finger can cause it start shutdown and reset modes to Auto. Some complain it is too small for big hands. Compares well with the Yashica T4 Super (T5). Olympus has sold over 18 million Epics in its 10 year history. 

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Pentax 105 WR (replaced by 105 WR)

38-105mm f/4.5-11

4s-1/400 
(1/2s-5 min in Bulb)

No

Active- 5 point and Spot AF

360 g 12.7oz

Yes.
Best of the group

No

Yes. 

$200

Comments:  Bulky but tough, water resistant (Class 5) case. Flash Zooms. Lacks manual exposure compensation (auto in backlight).  Replaces the older 90WR, which had a faster lens, better features and was highly regarded by outdoor types. The 90WR can still be found in the used market. Unless you need the water resistant features, the Pentax 928 offers more user controls over exposure.

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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Pentax 105SW (and 120SW)

28-105mm
f/5.6-12.8

2s - 1/400 (½ s - 1 min. in Bulb)

No

Passive

15.8cu in 
190g /
6.7 oz.

No

No

Yes

$200

Comments: Another entry into the wide and long zoom category. Offers spot AF and diopter adjustment of -3 to +1. The one exposure advantage the Pentax line offers is Bulb mode if you like to shoot at night or in very low light. The Fuji Zoom 1000 appears to offer more features in a smaller body. The Pentax 120SW offers the same features as the 105SW with a 28-120mm lens. 
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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

New!

Pentax Espio 24EW

24-105mm f/4.9-12.5

1/400 sec. to 2 sec.; 1/2 sec. to 1 min. in bulb mode; 1/2 sec. to 5 min. in bulb-timer mode.

+/- 3 EV in ½ stops

Passive 7 point AF with spot AF

7.1 oz.

(200 g)

No

No

Yes + Bulb Timer mode

      $239

The Espio EW24 is nicely outfitted with diopter correction, +/- 3EV exposure compensation, 1/400 to 2 sec. shutter speeds in program AE, bulb plus bulb timer mode to 5 minutes, spot AF, auto zooming flash and close focusing for 1:3.7 macro. Click here for more information at the Pentax USA site.
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Company /Model

Lens Focal Length

Shutter Speeds

Exp. Control

AF Type

Volume Wght.

Weather resistant case

Manual Focus?

Bulb Mode?

Estimated Street Price in US $

Minolta Freedom Explorer (Riva)

28-70mm f/3.5-8.4

8s-1/500

No

Active 

21.6 cu in 245g 8.6oz

No

No

No *

$139

[This camera has been replaced by a new EX with a 28-75mm (noisy) zoom.] Click for Phil Greenspun's comments. A bit outdated, but a good buy. Smaller than most zooms. Continuous drive of 1 frame every 1.5 sec. Soft flash feature. Good flash reach, but some users complain that it takes too long to power up. *Will auto expose to 8 seconds at 70mm. Update: 2/99 - Practical Photography magazine rated the Explorer tops in a shoot out among some popular P&S zooms and, along with the Konica Z-up 140, was rated a BEST BUY. An American consumer reporting magazine (you know which one) rated the EX number one for optical quality.