Great things do come in small packages! Kodak Advantix
Written: Aug 07 '01
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Pros: Great picture quality, easy to use, small and convienent, flash settings, self timer
Cons: flip flash can get in the way when wearing a hat, no zoom features
The Bottom Line: This is a great go every where camera. However keep your subjects within eight feet if you want detail.
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| mornin_myst's Full Review: Kodak Advantix 3700 IX APS Film Camera |
I bought the Kodak Advantix 3700ix, about a 2 years ago. I was looking for a small reliable camera that I could carry with me all the time. The camera had to be small and lightweight enough to stay in my purse full-time. Also it had to be capable of producing great quality color and black & white photos.
The Advantix 3700ix is great for close up shots of 2 feet or more. The photos are high detail, clear, crisp and true to color. The auto focus works great. The lens focuses on the area within the center of the picture and goes from there. I have never had an underexposed, overexposed or out of focus picture yet.
What do I like about the Advantix?
First of all I like the size of the camera, since I am one who likes to have a camera with me at all times.
You can choose format size by moving a switch to select Classic (C) 4 x 6, Group (H) 4 x 7, or Panoramic (P) 4 x 11. Also you can switch between format sizes on the same roll of film. Another neat feature is no matter what format you use when taking the picture; you have the option of choosing a different size for reprints.
The flash covers the lens protecting the lens when it is not in use. To turn the camera on you just flip up the flash and the lens moves into operating position. The flash is further from the lens and this helps to prevent red eye. Flipping the flash down will turn off the camera. I would recommend keeping the camera in a small case though to prevent it from getting scratched up, and possibly breaking the flip up flash.
The battery is saved by automatically shutting the camera off if the camera is not in use within 1 minute.
This little camera has a self-timer, which can be set for 10 seconds, and has a tripod socket on the bottom of the camera.
The viewfinder is small but it does give a fairly accurate idea of the format and subject size that you are photographing. Also in the viewfinder you will see a steady red light meaning there is a problem either with the flash or the subject is to close. Or you will see a blinking red light that will tell you that there is not enough light and you may have to adjust the flash, or a steady green light meaning all systems are go.
The LCD is fairly easy to read. You can set the time and date stamp for front, back or both sides of the picture. Some of the symbols are hard to recognize at first, such as flash settings, self-timer, and exposure settings etc., but they are well explained in the small product instruction booklet that is provided with the camera. The symbols are fairly easy to get familiarized with after some practice. The control buttons are very small though, it makes it hard for just about anyone who doesn’t have finger nails to press these buttons. For ease of use I generally leave my flash on, unless I am somewhere that doesn’t allow flash, and keep the same general settings.
Another cool feature is the fill flash setting this is good to use when back light conditions are present (this is bright light behind the subject either in indoor or outdoor light), This can create dark shadows on the subject. Using the fill flash will lighten these shadows.
There is no way to load the film cassette wrong since it will only go in one way. The auto rewind feature is neat. You can also swap film cassettes mid-roll, if you are trying to keep them organized by subject. The camera has a rewind button that will rewind your film so you can remove it. Then you can load in the other film cassette and the camera will advance to the next unexposed frame. I really like this feature.
The Advanced Photo System (APS) offers some advantages over 35mm film.
1. When pictures are taken using with 35 mm and the Advantix under the same conditions, they should both produce similar quality pictures. The difference is through the APS (Advanced Photo System). The camera, film and photo finishing can prevent you from making some errors this helps to give you more successful pictures per roll of film.
2. The APS simplifies picture taking and produce better photos through magnetic technology. This allows the camera and film to communicates the technical details of each photograph. This takes the guesswork out of focus, light, exposure, and speed. This technology puts the fun back into picture taking.
3. Another neat feature with the Advantix APS film cassette is that when you get the film processed you will get an index page with thumbnail images of the photos and the negatives are stored safely inside of the film cassette. This has a great advantage by eliminating trying to look at negatives when to order reprints. All you will have to do is look at the index page and write down the number of the photo you would like reprinted and give the photo processor the film cassette.
What are my dislikes about the camera?
I must say that this would be a great all around camera if it had a zoom feature. As it is now, if you want your subjects detailed they must be within 15 feet. I also find the flip up flash can get in the way if you are wearing a hat.
The film and processing are slightly more expensive than 35-mm processing, but you do get more successful pictures in each roll, also panoramic pictures do cost a bit more than the classic or group size. Another thing about APS is that not all photo finishing stores or outfits offer the advantix processing, you will have to check with your photo finisher before placing a processing order. I have only twice run into a problem with trying to get my photos finished, the first time was with a small photography store that was not equipped and another was an online photo-processing outfit. Do make sure you use a high quality photo processing outfit, since the quality of the prints do seem to depend on where you get them processed.
I have used the walmart photo center for processing and I am pleased with the results. However it can take up to 3 days before you see your prints.
In summary
The advantix camera is a great go every camera. It is easy for the beginning photographer to use, as well as the more advanced. The advantix lives up to all that has been advertised and more. I am thoroughly pleased with the camera’s performance. I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants to take good pictures. Point and shoot is the idea behind this fine product by KODAK.
Another thing I would like to mention Kodak offers a film drive 300 scanner that attaches to your computer. With this add on you can place your advantix processed roll of film in the drive and it will upload the images to your computer. I haven’t used this since at the time I checked prices it was around $300.00. I don’t know what it going for now.
Features of the KODAK ADVANTIX 3700ix
Film Advance/Rewind: Automatic
Self Timer: 10-second delay
Film Type: KODAK ADVANTIX Film for color and black-and-white pictures
Lens: Auto focusing 28 mm motorized f/3.5, all-glass KODAK EKTANAR Lens
Focus System: 130 zones, active Auto focus, 130-zone system
Apertures: f/3.5—f/11
Focus Range: 1.3 ft (0.4 m) to infinity
Viewfinder: Real image with Classical, H group, & panoramic format display
Film-Speed: DXIX (ISO) 50—1600 speed for color and black-and-white films
Flash Unit: Built-in, KODAK SENSALITE Flash Automatic. Fill flash, Flash defeat, nightview, and infinity modes.
Flash Range (ISO 200): 1.3 -18 ft (0.4- 5.5 m) 18 ft (5.5 m) range with 200 speed film
Shutter: Programmed, full-aperture shutter 1/4-1/500 seconds
Power Source: Main power: one 3 V lithium KODAK KCR2 (or equivalent) Battery
Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.3 x 1.3 in (92 X 61.5 X 34 mm)
Weight: 4.2 oz. (120 g) without film or battery
Warranted by Kodak to function properly for one full year from the date of purchase.
For more information you can call Kodak at 1 (800) 242-2424 (9a-7p Eastern Time Mon.-Fri.) Or visit the www.kodak.com website
Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 55.00
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Epinions.com ID:
mornin_myst
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Member: Ann
Location: VA
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Hi I am new here and just getting the feel of the place
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