Title : Minolta Freedom Explorer EX Panorama 28-75 Zoom Date 35mm Camera
Author : Minolta
Release Date : 20000329
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $239.99
Amazon.com Price : $
(
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : This stylish pocket-sized 'capsule' 35mm Minolta Freedom Explorer camera features a built-in wide-angle 28-75mm lens. Designed for both scenic shots and close-ups, the Minolta Freedom Explorer EX lets users select panorama mode and date imprinting at any time. Users may also choose between selectable exposure modes to ensure proper exposure for close-up, night portrait, or landscape/night view shots every time. This camera also offers precise, three-beam active infrared autofocus for sharp pictures. The built-in automatic flash system includes 'soft flash' for close-ups, along with red-eye reduction, autoflash, flash fill, and cancel flash. Film advance and rewind are automatic and fuss free, and users can select continuous advance or midroll rewind. The Minolta Freedom Explorer EX also features a 10-second self-timer setting and wireless remote control release. Along with the camera, the kit includes a carrying case, strap, film, batteries, remote control, and a two-year warranty.
Buyer Reviews : I was drawn to this camera because of the special macro setting with a minimum distance from objects at 1.1 feet. It is specified as having a 'smallest field of 6 inches' - but at 1.1 feet, the smallest frame is about 17' wide. Out of focus close-up images happen about 40% of the time - either because I was closer than 1.1 feet or the autofocus may be inaccurate at that distance.
All these P&S cameras start out in 28mm wide angle mode - which naturally distorts the image (at the edges especially and indoors as noted in other reviews). There is no way to find the 'standard' 50mm setting to minimize the distortion, except to guess w/ the zoom.
These finer points should not discurage most users of this very sturdy camera. However, the zoom control is cramped (if you use your left eye to focus), and it does take some time to find the image in the viewfinder, especially with a dark image in view.
The camera endured 2 years of torture in the bottom of my bookbag. Maybe I'll actually use the free softcase in the bookbag to provide more padding. It's light enough to carry around all the time for those moments when you say 'I wish I had a camera right now'. Good flash control. You must use the 'landscape' setting if there is an object in the forground - or you get an image focused on the back of someone's head.
(by dj-1984)
Features/Technical Specs : * Deluxe point-and-shoot kit with 28-75mm zoom * Programmed autoexposure with center-weighted metering and 4 special modes * 3-beam active infrared focusing * Built-in flash with red-eye reduction * Panorama mode, continuous shooting, date imprinting, and self-timer
