Canon has been a trusted name in the world of photography for decades. When it introduced the Sure Shot Z90W, also known as Prima Super 90 Wide or Autoboy EPO, in 2000, it presented a unique blend of functionality and simplicity. Today, we’ll dive deep into this camera’s features, evaluating what makes it tick and whether it still holds up in today’s fast-evolving photography landscape. The Prima Super 90 Wide is part of Canons well known Sure Shot Series.
Design and Features
The Canon Sure Shot Z90W boasts a compact and efficient design. A significant feature is its sliding clamshell case, which protects the lens – a design choice reminiscent of the Olympus XA and mju series. The pop-up flash is another interesting addition, designed such that pushing it down temporarily disables it. This ensures minimal fidgeting and is quite convenient.
The camera’s back is dominated by an LCD screen nestled within a sizable wheel. This wheel serves as the navigator for the various modes the camera offers. These modes include auto, spot focus/metering, night shot, portrait, macro, real-time shutter, and personal mode. Each mode has its specific use-case, allowing for a diverse range of photo-taking scenarios.
Film and Film Format
The camera is compatible with 35mm film, which has always been a popular choice among photographers for its sharpness, color accuracy, and versatility. For those looking to use this camera, films like Kodak Portra 400 or Fuji Superia X-TRA 400 would be ideal for general use. For low light scenarios, considering something like the Ilford HP5 Plus would be suitable. It’s essential to note the importance of DX-coded films, as the camera adjusts ISO settings based on them. Without DX coding, the camera defaults to ISO 25.
Power Source and Battery Life
Running on a single CR123 3V lithium battery, the Canon Sure Shot Z90W is energy efficient. On average, with 50% flash use, it can facilitate the shooting of around 14 rolls of 24-exposure film. For those interested in getting a replacement or extra battery, you can find it here on Amazon.
Exposure Control and Light Metering
The camera’s programmed exposure ranges from 2 seconds to 1/640 seconds, providing flexibility in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, it has a manual exposure compensation feature that allows adjustments up to +/- 1.5 EV. This capability ensures that the camera can handle tricky lighting situations such as back-lit subjects effectively.
Size, Weight and Ergonomics
With dimensions of 117 x 64 x 43 mm and weighing 245 g (with batteries), the Canon Sure Shot Z90W is fairly portable. Its compactness doesn’t sacrifice ergonomics. The positioning of the LCD screen, mode wheel, and other controls is intuitive, making the camera comfortable to operate.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lens | 28–90 mm ƒ/4,5–9,9 (7 elements/6 groups) with two aspheric elements |
| Focus | Hybrid autofocus, 0.6 m to infinity (0.45 m in macro mode) |
| Shutter | Programmed, 2–1/640 s |
| Exposure | Variable based on settings |
| Film Speed | ISO 25–3200 (using DX coded films) |
| Film Transport | Automatic loading, advance, and rewind |
| Finder | Zooming finder with LED indicators |
| Flash | Built-in pop-up flash with variable range |
| Power | 1 x CR123 3V lithium battery |
| Dimensions | 117 x 64 x 43 mm |
| Weight | 245 g with batteries |
Conclusion
The Canon Sure Shot Z90W, with its diverse features and straightforward usability, remains a solid choice in the realm of compact cameras. Whether you’re a casual shooter or someone looking for a bit more depth without the complexity, this camera is worth considering. Its compatibility with 35mm film ensures that it still has a place in today’s photography world. If you come across one or are thinking of diving back into film photography, the Canon Sure Shot Z90W could be a worthy companion.
