The world of compact cameras has its fair share of contenders, and Canon has been a leader in this space for a considerable time. The Canon Sure Shot AF-7S, also recognized as the Sure Shot Owl PF or Prima AF-9 S, presents itself as a worthy member of the Canon’s Sure Shot Series. Let’s deep dive into the facets of this camera, from its unique design to its technical prowess.
Design and Features
At first glance, the Canon Sure Shot AF-7S boasts a white gold exterior, lending it an appearance of elegance. It’s not just about looks; it’s a part of the esteemed Big Finder series known for its significant viewfinder, making it particularly user-friendly. Along with its impressive viewfinder, the camera features an oversized shutter button, simplifying the shooting process.
Film and Film Format
The AF-7S employs a 35mm film format, a popular choice for many photographers due to its balance of image quality and affordability. The camera’s LCD display keeps the user informed about the film count and other settings, ensuring they’re always in control.
For those who might be wondering about film choices, it’s recommended to go with well-known 35mm films. Options like the Kodak Portra for color or Ilford HP5 Plus for black and white can complement this camera well.
Power Source and Battery Life
This camera is powered by 2xAA batteries. A point to note: Ni-Cd or lithium AA-size batteries aren’t compatible. One can expect approximately 18 rolls of 24-exposure film with 50% flash use from AA alkaline manganese batteries. If you’re looking to stock up, AA batteries are readily available on Amazon.
Exposure Control and Light Metering
The automatic exposure in the AF-7S aids photographers in achieving well-balanced shots. It can adjust from about 1/160 sec at f/11 to around 1/45 sec at f/3.8, depending on the lighting conditions. The built-in flash is a significant asset, especially in low-light scenarios. It automatically triggers in such conditions but can also be manually controlled.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics
The camera comes in two variants: the Date and the non-Date models. While they share similar height and width (125 x 73.5mm), the Date model is slightly deeper at 50mm compared to the non-Date’s 46mm. As for weight, the Date model stands at 220g (excluding batteries), and the non-Date model is a tad lighter at 210g.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lens | Canon 35mm f/3.8 |
| Focus Range | 0.8m to infinity |
| Shutter | Programmed shutter/aperture |
| Viewfinder | Reverse Galilean viewfinder |
| Film Loading | Automatic |
| Film Speeds | DX-coded film, ISO 100 (200) or 400 |
| Self-timer | 10 sec. delay |
| Exposure Control Range | 1/160 sec. at f/11 to 1/45 sec. at f/3.8 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, with red-eye reduction |
| Flash Working Range (ISO 100) | 0.8 – 5.0m |
| Flash Working Range (ISO 400) | 0.8 – 10.0m |
| Flash Recycling Time | Approx. 5sec. |
| Power Source | Two LR6 AA-size batteries |
| Dimensions (Date Model) | 125 x 73.5 x 50mm |
| Dimensions (non-Date Model) | 125 x 73.5 x 46mm |
| Weight (Date Model) | 220g |
| Weight (non-Date Model) | 210g |
Conclusion
The Canon Sure Shot AF-7S is a blend of elegant design and functionality. It’s a tool designed for those who want to capture memories without delving too deep into the technicalities. While it might not be for those seeking extensive manual controls, it surely holds its own in the world of compact cameras.