The 7MP BenQ T700 compact digital camera sports a 3in LCD rear panel with touch-screen control functionality. BenQ claim that it's the world's slimmest touch-screen model, but what did the WDC test team make of it?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

88%

BenQ T700

Overall score:88%
Features:85%
Value:95%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:85%
Design:90%

Pros:

  • Image quality, Design, Large touch-screen LCD

Cons:

  • Operational speed

Product:

BenQ T700 Review

Price as reviewed:

£140.00

Size Matters

With the demand for larger LCD screens at an all-time high, yet the need for compact design ever-present, touch-screen technology is becoming increasingly important in camera design. At just 16.9mm wide (14.9mm at its slimmest) BenQ claim that it’s the world’s slimmest 3in touch-screen compact digital camera.

3x Optical Zoom

Optical technology has not been compromised for such headline-grabbing features with BenQ incorporating a 3x Pentax optical zoom lens and a maximum ISO 1200 in shake-free mode. In use the T700 provides an effective touchscreen based menu interface, with clear icons, intuitive menus and, above all, responsive buttons.

Image Quality

Image quality is good on the whole, with exposures tending to be both accurate and pleasing on the eye, though the white balance tends to produce slightly warm images, with shadows and highlights not being handled particularly well either. The T700 can lay claim to being not only one of the best touch-screen compacts but also one of the most affordable.

Verdict

While the T700 is aimed at more style-conscious photographers, ease of use and great image control and would make it a fine choice as a first compact.

Details

Flash Modes:5
White Balance:Auto
ISO Range:80-1200
Metering System:-
Exposure Modes:Auto 28 scene modes
Shutter Speeds:1/2000 - 1 sec (Scene mode 4 sec)
Lens:-
LCD:3in
File Formats:JPEG/Movie Mod640 x 480 / 320 x 240 / 160 x 128 (30fps) MPEG4 AVI format. Continuous recording with sound
Sensor:7MP
Memory Card:SD
Connectivity:USB 2.0
Power:Li-ion
Dimensions:Refer to manufacturers website
Weight:Refer to manufacturers website
Other:-