Year-End Wrap-Up
Compact 35 And APS Cameras

Fujifilm Zoom Date 70

Introductions of new models of compact 35mm cameras have slow-ed down considerably in the past year, but to make up for this deficit, there have been many interesting second and third generation new models in the 24mm wide APS format which is about three and a half years old now. Evidently the camera manufacturers are devoting much of their R&D expertise for this new film size as a number of new APS models are substantially different from their bigger 35mm brothers, making them distinctive and intriguing. Quite a few models are exceptionally thin, have few, or no protrusions on their smooth covers, so they can be easily slid into a briefcase, pocket, or purse and carried along everywhere to record those elusive images that often present themselves when you don't have a larger and often bulkier 35mm camera nearby. These small and very light APS cameras often include a moderate zoom range and a host of extra features that make them very capable of producing excellent record images that can also be enlarged when something other than album size prints are desired.

Fuji Endeavor 1010ix APS

Very few models of compact cameras of either type offer the user much direct control over the programmed fully automatic settings. That is aperture or shutter priority or manual focus. They are extremely simplified so anybody can literally pick one up and start shooting. All models offer some control over flash options and a few also have preprogrammed shooting modes to expand the automatic options. The modes are often macro; sports action; portrait; continuous drive; and night (longer exposure for background recording combined with a flash fill to light a foreground subject).

Very few compact cameras have a fast (f/2.8 or even f/3.5) lens. Smaller maximum lens apertures allow designers to make ever smaller and lighter cameras for portability. Because of this, few of these cameras are particularly suitable for existing light photography inside without resorting to using the built-in flash. However, a broader shutter speed range does allow you to shoot inside with faster film to record more realistic looking existing light images (in flash cancel mode). Many of the zoom lenses extend beyond the 2x range that used to be commonplace. Some have a 3x or 4x zoom, which will produce a quite respectable close-up or a bigger image of a distant subject. But, these longer zoom range lenses often lose two f/stops or more between the shortest and longest fo-cal length. This makes using a 200 or 400 speed film preferable because the range of the flash which might be 12' at 38mm will drop down to about half of that, or less, at 130mm.

Fuji Endeavor 265ix APS

Features To Look For On Compact 35mm. In our estimation most desirable features include: focus lock (a marked indication in the viewfinder which is placed over an off-center subject, partially press down on the shutter release to lock this focus, then recompose and take the picture); infinity (for shooting through glass windows in a vehicle, because the AF might read the window and set a close focus for a distant subject); close-focusing capability; a long flash range; and a broad shutter speed range. A few cameras have a exposure compensation switch which can be helpful for severely backlighted subjects. A bright viewfinder with good close-up correction indicators; a broad range of DX sensing film speeds which extends capabilities for low light use without flash. Date time imprinting can be a handy extra feature on 35mm, but it is standard on most APS models. A few 35mm models offer a prewinding of the film to the end of the roll before the first frame is exposed. Then as each picture is made, the film is wound back into the film cassette. At the end of the roll just a few frames must be rewound, so they can be unloaded more rapidly. This feature is advantageous because if the camera back is accidentally opened, only a few frames of exposed film will be fogged, not the bulk of the exposed roll as with normal film winding.

Canon ELPH2

Simplified, well-marked controls that are easy to operate with a fingertip are helpful. A few cameras have been so miniaturized you must use a fingernail or other small object to operate some controls. Many models have a bulge or depression on the right and left side of the body indicating where the camera should be gripped. A few have a protrusion below the flash head as a warning to the user that they should not hold it there as some of the flash output would be blocked. Some have a flash that pops up from the body slightly helping minimize any possible redeye effect.

Goldline Suprema Sport

Desirable APS Camera Features. Most of the features mentioned earlier are also found on APS models and would be a good rule of thumb to follow when purchasing an APS camera, too. The prime attributes of APS cameras are drastically simplified drop-in film loading with no leader to contend with; negatives are returned uncut, rolled back into the original cassette (each having an exclusive six-digit serial number) for storage; a choice of three framing formats ("C," Classic 4x6" print; "H," HDTV 4x7"; and "P," Panorama 4x11"). APS film is actually 24mm wide vs. 35mm and the image size is 16.7x30mm vs. 24x36mm on 35mm. There are just three speeds of color negative film currently available (100, 200, and 400) plus a 400 speed chromogenic black and white film. These films are offered in 15, 25, and 40 exposure rolls. Although APS color slide film was announced several years ago by Kodak and Fuji, it is not yet available in the U.S.A.

Kodak C700 APS

The features often include a moderately fast lens combined with a broad shutter speed range, making them capable of recording crisp images in low-light levels without flash if you take care to hold the camera extra steady. Most better models of APS cameras can record any of seven to 40 or 50 different titles, but instead of having to refer to a printed alphanumeric coded list to determine the exact title, several models actually show the title text on the cameras LCD, drastically simplifying using this handy feature. MRC (Mid Roll Change) is a feature which permits you to remove a partially exposed roll, shoot another roll or two of different speed film, then put the original roll back in to complete--all without losing a single frame of film. This feat is practically impossible to do in any 35mm camera. More models at different price levels now include the MRC.

Leica Z2X

A magnetic track along the edge of APS film receives and records pertinent data about each frame exposed which can be "read" by printing machines. It is this capability that allows the MRC, titles, and other enhanced features to work on APS. Better model cameras also include a PQI (Print Quality Improvement) feature that records data about scene brightness, where the sky was located, whether flash was used, etc., to assist the automatic printer to produce a better print on the first pass, thereby minimizing the need for time-consuming reprints. A few advanced models even record picture-taking data such as the f/stop, shutter speed, lens focal length, etc., but be aware that not all processing labs have the translation capability to imprint the enhanced data encoded on the film. We have found that many processing labs are now pricing APS processing as a flat rate per roll instead of having a fee for processing the film, making the index print, and then varied prices on the three print formats which made the total bill rather steep when the larger H and P formats were used.

Leica Minilux Zoom

Several models with exceptionally close-focusing capability have a really nice masking viewfinder capability that quickly alerts you to compose properly so you don't crop off part of the subject's head. Compact cameras still are not as accurate for close-ups as an SLR, TTL viewfinder, but it's a far better system than the simple crop lines often placed in the top of most viewfinders. These marks only approximate where you should crop, but don't let you know when you should actually use the marks as they show all the time.

Most Interesting 1999 Models Of 35mm And APS Compact Cameras, Listed Alphabetically. The following brief feature description of each of the more interesting new cameras should assist you when shopping for a new camera. The price quoted is the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) but prevailing "street prices" are always less. Many 35mm models are offered in regular and QD (Quartz Date) versions. There are also hundreds of more basic fixed focus 35mm and APS cameras and many single-use cameras in both formats, but we have not attempted to include them since most of our readers prefer more versatile autofocusing small cameras. If you want a comparison chart of the features of all current 35mm and APS compact cameras (and many other photographic products) check your newsstand for our 1999 Shutterbug's Photography Buyer's Guide which contains a wealth of data to assist our readers.

Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 90

Argus APS 100 is a moderately priced camera with a 24mm f/4.5 lens; shutter speeds of 1/4-1/450 sec; autofocusing and auto flash; DXIX 100-800; five title choices; and MRC.

Argus M-5000 is a 2x power zoom 35mm mo-del with extra features including continuous and infinity lock. It has a 35-70mm f/4.5-9 zoom lens; multi-zone infrared autofocusing down to 2.6'; DX 100-400; measures 4.6x2.6x1.8"; weighs 9.5 oz; and lists for $119.

There is an interesting new 35mm from Canon called the Sure Shot Classic 120 with a 3.2x zoom range, panorama, date function combined with five titles, seven shooting modes plus multimode flash. The lens is a 38-120mm f/4.5-10.9 zoom with autofocusing down to 2' (1.5' in macro); broad shutter speed range of 2-1/770 sec; a flash that powers out from the body and will carry out to 13.5'; DX 25-3200; measures 4.5x 2.5x1.8"; and weighs 8.8 oz. No price was available as yet.

Minolta Vectis 2000 APS

The Canon ELPH LT is one of the tiniest APS compact cameras available. When closed there are no protrusions on the smooth exterior making it extremely pocketable. Some of the seldom-used operating controls are quite tiny so they have to be operated with a fingernail or pen point. It has a 23mm f/4.8 lens; AF focusing 2' infinity; wide 1/2-1/650 sec shutter speeds; DXIX 25-10,000; flash range 2-10.5'; five optional titles; measures 3.3x2.2x1.4"; weighs only 4.1 oz; and lists for $130. Keeping a similar tiny size body found on most other ELPH models is the Canon ELPH 2 with a 2x zoom lens, MRC, print quantity, five titles, automatic exposure compensation for backlighting, and an exceptionally broad range of shutter speeds. The lens is a 23-46mm f/4.2-5.6 zoom with autofocusing down to 1.5'; 2-1/800 sec shutter speeds; flash range of 9.8'; measures 3.4x 2.2x0.9"; and weighs 6 oz.

Fujifilm Zoom Date 70 is one of the first cameras to sport the new Fujifilm name which is replacing the Discovery name formerly used on this brands 35mm compact line. This model is lightweight (weighs 8.8 oz); has a 2x, 35-70mm f/5.6-9 lens; programmed shutter; multi-step infrared autofocus from 39" to infinity; DX 100-400; flash range to 9' at 35mm; continuous (1 fps) and landscape (infinity) modes; date/ time imprinting; measures 4.6x 2.6x2.1"; and lists for under $180.

Minox CD 70

Endeavor 3000ix Zoom MRC has a quite large LCD on the back encircled with mode input buttons which are exceptionally legible and simple to use compared to some other cameras. It features a 2.8x, 21-58mm f/4.9-6.8 zoom lens; active infrared autofocusing to 2'; PQI; MRC; print quantity; 30 titles; measures 4x2.3x1.3; weighs 5.8 oz; and lists for $400.

Fuji Endeavor 1010ix Tiara
is about the size of a credit card in length and height. It's very similar in size and features to its more expensive big brother the Endeavor 1000ix, which has a metal housing and a few additional features. Features include multi-program-
med flash, and landscape mode to name just a few. It has a fast 24mm f/3.5 lens; auto macro autofocusing to 14"; broad range of shutter speeds of 1/2-1/500 sec; flash range 11.5'; DXIX 25-3200; MRC; PQI; measures 3.3x2.1x1.1"; weighs only 4.8 oz; and lists for $370. The expanding line of Fujifilm APS compact cameras includes the small Endeavor 265ix Zoom with a 2.2x zoom lens and a weight of just 5.6 oz. Simplified controls make it easy to use. A unique round, multifunction wobble-switch circle that lights up is used along with a shift button accesses most modes. The lens is a 23-50mm f/5-8.8 2.2x zoom lens; AF to 2'; programmed electronic shutter 1-1/400 sec; pop-up flash range 2-16'; DXIX 25-3200; PQI; 31 titles; measures 4.3x2.4x1.5"; weighs 5.6 oz; and lists for $270.

Minox GT-S

Goldline has a rather simple, fixed focus, bright yellow and blue, 35mm camera that has the capability of being used underwater down to 30' deep. It's moderately priced so we included it. Called the Suprema Sport and fully motorized, it has a 30mm f/9.5 lens; 1/100 sec shutter speed; flash GN of 10 (with ISO 100 film); measures 4.8x2.8x1.9"; and weighs 5.3 oz.

The ultra-compact Kodak Advantix T 550 APS camera is one of the nicer Kodak models in recent years. The camera is so small and smooth you can easily carry it in a shirt, pants, or coat pocket. A fast 25mm f/3.5 lens combined with autofocusing down to just 1.3' and a wide 1/4-1/500 sec range of shutter speeds make it simple to make existing light pictures without using the flash when using fast film. A tiny flip-up cobra flash extends the flash above the lens, reducing possible redeye effect. It has a 28mm f/3.5 Kodak Ektanar lens; shutter speed range of 1/4-1/500 sec; autofocusing infinity to 19"; DXIX (ISO) 50-1600; flip-up Sensalite flash carries way out to 17.8'; imprints any of 10 titles; measures 3.7x2.5x1.4"; weighs only 4.2 oz; and lists for $149.

Although the small Kodak Advantix C700 APS camera looks similar to other recently introduced models of Kodak's APS camera line, it has several advanced features that set it apart. First is MRC. There are 30 different titles but instead of merely choosing a number for the title, the actual title is scrolled across the LCD making text selection very easy. The lens is a 30-60mm f/5.9 Kodak Aspheric lens; shutter speed range 1/2-1/360 sec; autofocusing infinity to 2.5'; DXIX 50-1600; flip-up Sensalite flash range to 15'; dimensions: 4.8x2.7x1.7"; weighs 8 oz; and lists for $190.

Nikon Nuvis 300

The Konica Zup 120 VP compact 35mm is simple to use, with a clean design and easy to understand controls. It has a 3.2x power zoom lens and all optional modes are accessed in sequence by one button. It has 1.5 EV exposure compensation, and infinity focus. The lens is a 38-120mm f/3.6-10.6, 3.2x power zoom; autofocusing is down to 2.6'; shutter speed range of 1-1/300 sec; DX 25-3200; flash range out to 18.4'; measures 7.7x2.7x2.2"; weighs 9.1 oz; and lists for $350. The tiny APS Konica Revio is offered in a distinctive green version. It's quite small and lightweight yet it has a moderate 2x zoom, a broad range of shutter speeds, and a relatively fast lens. Nearly all of the controls are found on the back, mostly around a small LCD. There is a broad range of optional modes all accessed in sequence. The lens is a 24-48mm f/4-7.6, 2x power zoom; autofocusing down to 1.6'; broad shutter speed range 2-1/500 sec; DXIX 100-400; flash range of 13.5'; measures 3.8x2.3x1.1"; weighs only 5.2 oz; and lists for $390.

The Leica Minilux Zoom is now available in an elegant black titanium finish version. Besides a built-in flash it has a hot shoe for an optional external dedicated flash when more powerful light is needed. There are two settings for long-time exposures and an exposure override for backlighting or unusual subjects. This camera has a 35-70mm f/3.5-6.5 Vario Elmar lens; active autofocusing down to 28"; shutter speeds 1-1/250; DX 25-5000; flash range of 9.3'; measures 5x2.9x1.8"; weighs 13.1 oz; and lists for $999. The small Leica Z2X 35mm is also available in black now in addition to the original silver finish model. It has center-weighted metering, long exposure capability, and 2 EV exposure compensation. The lens is a Vario Elmar 35-70mm f/4-7.6; passive AF to 28"; 1/4-1/300 shutter speeds; DX 50-3200; flash range of 8.8'; measures 4.9x2.7x1.7"; weighs 8.6 oz; and lists for $319. A data back version is offered on both cameras.

Nikon Nuvis S

The 35mm Minolta Freedom Zoom 140 EX features a broad 3.7x zoom range, double exposure, continuous framing, optional spot metering, macro, and a remote control. The lens is a 38-140mm f/3.5-9.4 zoom with autofocusing to 31" (also 1/4x life size macro mode at 105mm); 2-1/500 sec speeds; DX 25-3200; flash range out to 23'; measures 5.3x2.8x2.3"; weighs 11.2 oz; and lists for $426. A date model is offered. Minolta's Freedom Action Zoom 90 is lightweight and simplified. It has a 38-90mm f/4.8-10.8 zoom; autofocusing down to 39"; 1-1/200 sec shutter speeds; DX 100-400; flash range of 14.6'; measures 4.7x2.8x1.9"; weighs under 8 oz; and lists for $197.

Probably the most interesting compact from Minolta is the Vectis 2000; a tiny APS model with a very thin, sleek, elongated body having unique rounded ends with simplified controls concealed on the back until the clamshell cover is opened. It focuses down to 15" and has a LCD mask that appears in the viewfinder to assist in proper close-up framing. There are 42 different imprint titles in any of 12 different languages. It has a 2x, 22.5-45mm f/5.4-6.6 zoom lens; three-beam active IR autofocusing 1.3' to infinity; wide shutter speed range 8-1/500 sec; DXIX 25-3200; flash range 1.3-11.8'; PQI; measures 4x2.1x1.2"; weighs 5.1 oz; and lists for $375.

Nikon Nuvis 200

Minox has redesigned their distinctive 35mm GT cameras having a fold-down "drawbridge panel" lens cover. These are not autofocusing cameras but are so small and distinctive they had to be included. Both have manually operated functions including aperture priority automatic, manual focusing and film wind/rewind. There is a hot shoe for an external flash. The new models are said to be quieter than their predecessors and sport a sleek silver-colored finish. The lens is a Minoxar 35mm f/2.8; manual focusing to 27.5"; broad shutter speed range 30-1/500 sec; measures 3.9x2.4x1.3"; weighs 6.7 oz; and lists for $359 (GT-E) and $389 (GT-S with DX code ISO setting). The new Minox CD 70 has a 35-70 Minoctar lens; autofocusing down to 24"; multimode flash; exposure compensation; and lists for $139.

Nikon's Nuvis S APS is distinctively different and attracts attention. When the smooth, silver clad stainless steel clamshell body is closed it does not look like a camera. Pull it open and you have a very capable APS camera with a wide 3x zoom range. The array of well-marked controls on the back are concealed when it's closed. It has a broad range of shutter speeds, AF down to only 1.5', and MRC. When you set one of the 30 different titles, the entire title text slowly scrolls across the small LCD to remind you. The lens is 22.5-66mm f/5.2-7.5; programmed electronic shutter 1-1/400 sec; wide area passive AF to 1.5'; multimode flash range of 12'; DXIX 50-1600; MRC; print quantity selection; optional remote control; measures 3.7x2.6x1.3"; weighs 8.1 oz; and lists for $350. Two brand-new small APS models are more conventional in appearance but are interesting. First is the Nikon Nuvis 300 with a 3x zoom lens and minimal weight of just 5.5 oz. In addition to the usual multifunction flash, focus lock, and infinity lock, it has MRC and five titles. The lens is a 28-80mm f/4.2-11 zoom with autofocusing down to 2.3'; shutter speeds of 1/3-1/400 sec; the flash carries out to nearly 20'; DXIX 50-3200; measures 3.9x2.3x1.4"; weighs 5.5 oz; and lists for $199. The Nuvis 200 has a 24-48mm f/4.5-8.4 zoom with autofocusing down to 2'; 1/5-1/360 sec shutter; DXIX 50-1600; flash range out to 17'; measures 4.3x 2.5x1.3"; and weighs 6 oz.

Olympus Accura Zoom 130S

The more interesting new 35mm model from Olympus is the Accura Zoom 130S QD with a wide 3.4x 38-130mm f/4-10.3 zoom lens; passive autofocusing down to 2'; broad shutter speed range of 4-1/400 sec; DX 50-3200; flash range way out to 21'; measures 4.7x2.6 x1.8"; weighs 9 oz; and lists for $395. In APS is the unique Newpic M 10 macro camera with three fixed focus modes. Super macro mode lets you take pictures of small items 0.33-1' from the lens. The flash fires and the lens aperture is f/44 for exceptional depth. An included macro adapter frame both frames the subject and indicates the distance, so you don't have to use the viewfinder. It has a 25mm f/6.7 fixed focus lens; 1/90-1/300 sec speeds; DXIX 200-400; measures 4.3x 2.5x1.8"; weighs 6 oz; and lists for $164. Also new is the Newpic Zoom 600 with a 30-60mm f/4.5-8.5, 2x zoom lens; 1/6-1/320 sec speeds; autofocusing from 2' to infinity; DXIX 50-1600; flash range out to 20'; measures 4.5x2.2 x1.5"; weighs 7 oz; and lists for $181.

Olympus Newpic M10 Macro APS

Brand new from Pentax is the IQZoom 105G with some interesting features including a viewfinder that adjusts the size of the image area as the 2.8x lens zooms for more accurate framing. It has a 38-105mm f/4.5-11 zoom lens; autofocusing down to 2.2'; 1-1/360 sec shutter speeds, plus 1/2-5 minutes in bulb; DX 25-3200; measures 4.7x2.7x2.1"; weighs 8.8 oz; and lists for $262. The Pentax Efina AF50 is a rather basic APS model with some nice features at a moderate price. It has a 24mm f/4.5 lens; autofocusing down to 2.6'; 1/60-1/250 sec speeds; DXIX 100-400; measures 4.3x2. 5x1.5"; weighs 5.5 oz; and lists for just $87.

Polaroid 900Z 35mm has a moderate 2x range with AF to a modest 2.4'. But it also has a special super macro close-up mode that fixes the lens at about 35mm focal length and lets you shoot extra-close subjects from 1 to 2.4' from the lens. In this mode the flash always fires to assure proper lighting. It has a 35-70mm f/5.3-10 zoom lens; 30 zone AF to 2.4'; shutter speeds 1/50-1/330 sec; flash range NA; DX 100-800; measures 4.8x2.5x1.6"; weighs under 7 oz; and lists for $80.

Rollei includes a number of extra features in the 35mm Prego 70 Data camera including double exposure capability, panorama, an intervalometer for sequential timed exposures, and a data back. The lens is a 35-70mm f/3.9-7.1 Vario Apogon HFT; autofocusing down to 2.1'; 1/3-1/400 sec shutter plus bulb; DX 50-3200; measurements of 4.3x2.4x1.3"; weight of 6 oz; and a list price of $299. The first Rollei model for APS format is the Nano 80 with MRC. It has a 28-80mm f/4-10.8 Vario Apogon HFT zoom lens; autofocusing down to 26"; 1/3-1/400 sec speeds; DXIX 50-3200; flash range of 20'; measures 3.8x2.3 x1.4"; weighs only 7 oz; and lists for $399.

Olympus Newpic Zoom 600 APS

The Samsung Evoca 140S compact 35 has a broad 3.7x zoom range, plus a quite wide range of optional modes and features considering the small size of the body. Frequently used controls are on the top while the less often used optional creative modes are selected by a dial on the front. A date back function that includes seven captions is standard, as is a panorama mode. It sports a Schneider-Kreuznach 38-140mm f/4.6-12.2 power zoom lens; shutter speed range of 1/3-1/400 sec plus bulb; DX 50-3200; auto flash; flash range 2.2-16.4'; viewfinder diopter adjustment; measures 4.5x2.6x1.7"; weighs 8.1 oz; and lists for $390. Maxima Zoom 105GL one of the smallest 2.8x zoom cameras available has a 38-105mm f/5-12.7 zoom lens; autofocusing to 35"; 1/3-1/300 sec shutter speeds; DX 50-3200; flash range of 11.4'; measures 4.4x2.5x1.7"; weighs 7.4 oz; and lists for $250. Also new from Samsung is the APS model Impax 210i with a 2x zoom lens, gold-finish body and clean styling. Nearly all of the controls are clustered around a small LCD panel in the middle of the back. The viewfinder is bright and clear and it actually masks down so you know for certain which format will be used. It has a 28-56mm f/5.6-10.7 power zoom lens; AF down to 4.6'; shutter speed range 1/3-1/250 sec; DXIX 50-1600; auto flash; flash range 4.6-13'; measures 3.9x2.3x1.4"; weighs 5.3 oz; and lists for $200.

Pentax IQZoom 105G

Only preliminary details were available on the brand new Vivitar PZ 3140QD, their first compact 35mm with a wide 3.7x zoom range and lots of features including a data back and panorama mode. It has a 38-140mm f/3.9-f/10 zoom lens; infrared autofocusing; DX 50-3200; and will list for $300. Also new is the Vivitar PZ8000QD which will have a 38-120mm f/4-9 Series 1 zoom lens; autofocusing down to 17.7"; DX 50-3200; measures 5x2.8x2.2"; weighs 10.9 oz; and will list for $270. Other specs were not yet available on either of these interesting new models. Vivitar's APS Z385 has a silver finish with most of the operating controls clustered around a LCD on the back. It has a nice 2.8x range 30-85mm f/3.8-9.5, 2.8x power zoom lens; autofocusing down to 2.6'; electronic programmed shutter 1/75-1/300 sec; DXIX 50-1600; measures 4.7x1.8x2.6"; weighs 7.7 oz; and lists for $250.

Pentax efina AF 50 APS

The Yashica Zoomate 80 is a compact 35 with a 2x zoom having bronze and black styling and a BBS (Bright Bulb System) for redeye reduction instead of multiple weak flashes, which sometimes startle the subject. The lens is 38-80mm f/4.9-9.4 zoom; autofocusing is down to 39"; shutter speeds 4-1/250 sec; flash range to 12.6'; DX 100-800; measures 4.9x2.8x1.9"; weighs 7.4 oz; and lists for $250. The Yashica Acclaim Z65 is a small APS compact that's easy to hold. The range of the built-in flash is 3-13' and it has an instant flash button that will fire the fill-in flash on demand by simply pressing the button. The 2x, 32.5-65mm f/4.9-9.3 zoom lens has autofocusing from 35" to infinity; 1/4-1/300 sec shutter speed range; multimode flash; DXIX 50-1600; measures 4.3x2.6x1.6"; weighs 6.9 oz; and lists for $280.

As can be observed by this brief overview of the more interesting new compact cameras, there is a multitude of very capable models to choose from. Many of the major firms offer a dozen or more different models so it is difficult to decide exactly which model would be of most interest to your specific requirements. For a more comprehensive article on what's currently available, look on your newsstand for a copy of our 1999 Shutterbug's Photography Buyer's Guide containing more helpful shopping tips plus detailed charts comparing the features of today's photographic products of all types. It will be a great assistance in your quest for any new photographic item. You can also order your copy directly through Shutterbug.

Rollei Prego 70

Manufacturers/Distributors

Argus Camera Co.
1100 Howard Ave.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(888) 552-7487
(847) 228-5300
fax: (847) 981-1998
www.arguscamera.com

Rollei Nano 80 APS

Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
(800) 423-2366
phone/fax: (516) 488-6700
www.usa.canon.com

Eastman Kodak Co.
343 State St.
Rochester, NY 14650
(800) 242-2424
fax: (716) 724-5629
www.kodak.com

Samsung Evoca 140S

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc.
555 Taxter Rd.
Elmsford, NY 10523
(800) 800-3854
(914) 789-8100
fax: (914) 789-8583
www.fujifilm.com

Goldline U.S.A.
503 N Van Buren St.
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-5246
fax: (618) 997-8503

Samsung Impax 210i APS

Konica U.S.A, Inc.
440 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
(800) 695-6642
(201) 568-3100
fax: (201) 569-2167
www.konica.com

Leica Camera Inc.
156 Ludlow Ave.
Northvale, NJ 07647
(800) 222-0118
(201) 767-7500
fax: (201) 767-8666
www.leica-camera.com

Vivitar PZ3140QD

Minolta Corp.
101 Williams Dr.
Ramsey, NJ 07446
(201) 825-4000
fax: (201) 327-1475
Photofax: (800) 528-4767
www.minoltausa.com

Minox
156 Ludlow Ave.
Northvale, NJ 07647
(201) 767-7500
www.minox.com

Vivitar Z385 APS

Nikon Inc.
1300 Walt Whitman Rd.
Melville, NY 11747
(800) 645-6687
(516) 547-4200
fax: (516) 547-0362
www.nikonusa.com

Olympus America Inc.
Two Corporate Center Dr.
Melville, NY 11747
(800) 622-6372
(516) 844-5000
fax: (516) 844-5262
www.olympus.com

Pentax Corp.
35 Inverness Dr. E
Englewood, CO 80155
(800) 729-1419
(303) 799-8000
fax: (303) 790-1131
www.pentax.com

Polaroid Corp.
575 Technology Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
(781) 386-2000
fax: (781) 386-9339
www.polaroid.com

Rollei Fototechnic
40 Seaview Dr.
Secaucus, NJ 07094
(888) 876-5534
fax: (201) 902-9342

Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc.
40 Seaview Dr.
Secaucus, NJ 07094
(800) 762-7746
fax: (201) 902-9342
www.simplyamazing.com

Vivitar Corp.
1280 Rancho Conejo Blvd.
Newbury Park, CA 91320
(805) 498-7008
fax: (805) 498-5086
www.vivitar.com

Yashica Optical Division (Kyocera Corp.)
2301-200 Cottontail Ln.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(800) 526-0266
www.yashica.com

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