A nice combination of features for the novice/intermediate photographer.
Long time Canon owners get into the habit of referring to Canon SLR cameras by their letter designation. Starting with R series, we advance to F, A, and T series cameras. All use the Canon breech lock lens mount,though the R series lenses are not compatible with the later F, A, and T cameras. However, Canon FL/FD lenses will work as they are fashioned on all the rest. As you might guess, the T series cameras (T50,T70,T80,T90) are (with one exception) the last manual focus cameras ever made by Canon. They vary greatly. The T50 was an SLR point and shoot while the full featured T90 was much beloved by photojournalists for its ruggedness and widely admired as a masterpiece of camera design. The T80 was Canons first autofocus camera,and the T70? Well, that was their replacement for the AE-l,AE-l Program. You might say that it concentrates the features of the two previous cameras. The A series cameras required a separate autowinder. The T70 has one built in. The A series cameras required an expensive, (though long lasting) PX28 battery, the T70 uses two AA alkalines. Like the AE-1 program, the T70 has both shutter priority and program modes. However, the program mode can be set for wide, normal and telephoto lenses. The camera meter can be set to full averaging mode, or semi spot metering. Finally, all these features are wrapped up in a compact composite plastic body. These are just some differences between the T70 and AE-1,AE-1 program.
As cameras go, this one is easy to use, though I wish it had something to indicated that film is moving through the camera. A small quibble, but it would be nice. Likewise it would be nice to have more dials and less menus to navigate by pushing buttons. Still, the T70 is relatively easy to set up and use. All and all, the Canon T70 is a nice combination of features. If you have more than one Canon FD lens gathering dust in your gadget bag, a good condition T70 would go a long way to help you extend the working life of your glass. I would recommend it for that reason alone.Read full review
