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Which camera would I pick? It’s a real toss-up. Over time, the electronic shutter of the Phoenix will probably hold its speeds better, but having all mechanical speeds available, even when batteries poop, is very attractive—and a 1/125-sec sync is better than 1/60 sec. Then again, there’s that extra 5mm focal length that goes with the Phoenix. Hmm…
No matter how magnificently these two perform, who’s willing to give up all the modern conveniences we first listed? Not I. But two types of photographers might: Students, who really want to understand the basics of exposure, focusing, and controlling depth of field, will learn more operating either camera manually than by letting an auto-everything camera do it all; and landscape, scenic, or still-life photographers bent on the same control, who aren’t crushed by the frantic need for operational speed that contaminates most of our lives. One Ansel Adams scenic is worth how many pictures on the sports pages of your local newspaper?
HOW GOOD ARE THE LENSES?
Phoenix 28–80mm f/3.5–5.6 Macro
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SQF data for 11x14 print size indicate excellent performance at 28- and 50mm, very good at 80mm. However, there was noticeable barrel distortion at 28mm (1.30 percent), and minimal barrel distortion at 50mm (0.43 percent) and 80mm (0.22 percent). At closest focusing distance of 13 inches (1:3) at 80mm, center sharpness was excellent from f/5.6 to f/22. Corner sharpness was poor from f/5.6 to f/8, good at f/11, very good at f/16, good at f/22, and acceptable at f/32. Optimum performance was at f/16. |
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