I bought the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom with date back after my Pentax Zoom broke down and after encountering problems with the Minolta Riva Zoom 70. Please read my review on the Minolta for more info on my experience with the Riva Zoom.

The Sure shot is a quality camera that delivered. Features include auto focus with focus lock and artificial intelligence, wide angle 38mm to telephoto zoom 85mm, auto flash mode with red eye reduction, auto flash mode without red eye reduction, flash on mode, flash off mode, real time release mode and self-timer mode with slow-synchro function, and of course, the date back imprint on the pictures.

The artificial intelligence feature of the camera allows the camera to focus on the subject even when the subject is not in the center of the viewfinder and there is an obstruction in front of it). Also, the AI feature is great when taking pictures from behind a window. Many times, when taking pictures through a glass window that the auto focus will focus on the glass and not on the subject behind it. This is great as I've taken many pictures from inside shuttles and busses without it showing up as so on the pictures.

The self-timer mode is for delayed shutter release in taking pictures of yourself during daylight conditions. Thus, you are able to take pictures of yourself if the camera is propped up and supported by a tripod.

The slow-synchro function (up to 0.5 sec shutter speed) allows for an enhanced picture taking of evening or night views. By slowing down the shutter speed, it will allow more light to enter the camera's lens and hopefully, the picture will show up better than if the feature was not provided. This is nice to have when taking indoor pictures of places not very well lit.

The focus lock of the camera is a nice feature that allows the point of focus in pictures to not necessarily be located at the center. You first "lock in" the focus of the subject in the middle of your viewfinder by pressing the take picture button halfway until you hear the "click". You will need to keep your finger and pressure on the button and when you are satified with the position your subject in the picture, you can depress the button and take the picture.

I like the self-timer mode with slow-synchro so that low lighting backgrounds will show up better on pictures and the real time release mode to take fast action shots. These two features are usually found in most manual cameras that require more knowledge of photography and cameras that the usual camera owner does not have.

Overall, I really like my Canon Sure Shot camera because it offered features that are usually found in manual cameras. It is simple to operate. All that's needed is to turn the power on dial and you're set. The things that might take a bit of getting used to are the "auto lock" feature in which the camera clicks when the shutter button is clicked halfway which may fool some people in thinking the picture was taken, and the zoom buttons which are located on the front face of the camera, rather than up top, as with most cameras. I would recommend this camera for the features and quality although it may cost a bit more than other comparable cameras. When buying a camera, you will need to figure out what features you like and need and compare against the competition.

One strong advice is to buy from a fairly well-known vendor, one in which will give out refunds in case you are dissatisfied with the camera, as I learned the hard way, with my Minolta purchase. Do not buy unless you are familiar with their return policy.

Thanks for taking the time to read and rate my review.



Recommended: Yes