Olympus SW 790 Is this the best version of the Olympus SW series......?
323607
It is the newest, least expensive and I think the most attractive of the rugged series (720, 770 and 790). I think the 720 screen could be viewed better in direct sunlight, the 770 you can have in deeper water (waterproof 33 ft vs. 790's 10 feet). But of the three, the 790 is the one I'm buying- it looks the best and fulfills my need of being a camera I can take to the pool and on vacation and can even drop (having previously broken a Kodak and a Canon camera due to my clumsy nature) without ruining.
748242
Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I bought it. But I use it for both video and photo. If I wanted just photo I never would have purchased it. Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I... » Read More Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I bought it. But I use it for both video and photo. If I wanted just photo I never would have purchased it. « Show Less
940337
S120 ;) (sorry don't know anything about the Nikons so I really have nothing objective here, but, I love this camera, love it). This camera is worth it's weight in my pocket for what it does when I need it to. Unreal quality and speed, and the video is on par with my 6D if not better in the same conditions.
2234811
Yeah the biggest complaint for the SX200IS was the automatic flash every time. I'm gonna wait to see if that has been fixed in the SX210IS before I go ahead an order. Looks like a great improvement in every other area!I'm glad I held out on getting my super-zoom point and shoot! Within the last few weeks Nikon, Fujifilm, Canon, and Panasonic all announced their Spring 2010 models. There are some real good options out there!
1865356
Based on the quality of the camera, I would say yes. I previously had every iteration of Canon SX series, and when its production went from Japan to China plant, the quality really deteriorated. This does not seem to be the case with S120
1611807
THIS QUESTION IS ANSWERED. THANKS TO ALL. (I ended up buying the Olympus E-M1.)
1779797
I have owned this camera twice!! lol. I bought it and sold it to my sister in law and then tried playing with some SLR's and didn't like the cost for buying lenses. This camera is about the best I have seen in its class. Its low light capability is higher than most power zooms on the market right now it will go up to 12800 ISO which is higher than most.
1887671
I had the sd1400 and the picture quality is pretty good for a point and shoot. don't expect slr quality but i like this camera. i returned my sd1400 because it was at a higher price and just waiting for it to drop which i know it will any day now. i'm going to get the 940 or 1400, whichever i find at a better price.
2060109
I own one, and have taken it everywhere since Olympus net it to me to review. I think the UW shots are pretty good, not as sharp as the Hero, but as sharp as my Lumix TS5. I have not tried night shots of the sky, but have shot outdoor parties. Samples: http://digital-photography-school.com/review-olympus-tg-850-tough-waterproof-camera/
1748281
D10 all the way. Its stats are similar to the Olympus with it taking better pictures. I have heard good things about the Lumix, but it is only Wp to 10 feet.
1046019
The link for the comparison at cameralabs.com is not applicable because it tested the Sigma 18-200 DC prior to the release of the OS version. The OS version is much better optically than its predecessor and also includes HSM (High Speed Motor). I have read test reviews and comparisons at other sites such as popphoto that indicate the Sigma is sharper and has less distortion than the Nikon 18-200 VR, but they also state it is slightly louder. I just received my Sigma 18-200 OS today and have done limited testing, but I can tell you the AF and OS noise are not bad (the OS chirps when it turns on and off). The Sigma AF is louder than my Nikon 18-135 (w/SWM), but quieter than the AF on my Nikon 50mm 1.8 prime (wo/SWM). The HSM AF seems just as fast as my Nikon lenses. The build quality feels better than the Nikon 18-135; the zoom is smooth and solid. The first things I tested today were barrel distortion and OS functionality. Barrel distortion is present at the wide end on ALL wide-range zooms, but the Sigma controls it better. The Sigma has noticeably less barrel distortion at 18mm than my Nikon. This benefit of the Sigma is moot really, because barrel distortion of both lenses can easily be corrected with software. The OS functions very well, I can shoot hand-held down to 1/10th of a second with no blur. I will post again after I have time to do more testing.
1893354
Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
1537495
Neither the SD750 nor the SD1000 are designed to survive falls of 3-5 feet or more. They may survive but will be worse for wear and show the dings of falling. For that toughness feature, you have to purchase and Olympus Stylus 790SW, 770SW, or a Pentax Optio W30, which are significantly more expensive (for the toughness, not the photo quality). Since your aesthetic sense aims you at the SD750, buy the camera you love to look at, the SD750 and the SD1000 have about the same features. Two cameras worth considering (if you can afford an extra $50-$100) are the Canon SD850 and SD870. In addition to the face recognition feature of 750/1000, the 850/870 also have a feature termed "Optical Image Stabilization." (Avoid cameras with "digital image stabilization" if you want to consider this feature). The "optical image stablization" feature reduces the blur that occurs during the hand holding of the camera. It will save about 10-20% of your picture taking shots. The trade off is the 850/870 cameras are slightly bigger than the SD750. So choose based on aesthetics, size and cost. Picture quality will be about the same (with the 850/870 winning out because of the optical image stabilization feature). Toughness is not an appicable criterion. Regardless, go the your local camera shop or superstore to try them out and then buy your camera from Amazon or best price available.
1365589
I have that exact model, the Olympus E510, purchased right here from Amazon about 4 months ago and I LOVE it. It is an excellent camera. The live view works quite well (though in certain modes you can't use it...but that's ok..you don't always want to use "live view" mode and there are reasons for that which will become apparent when you get it and start learning the camera.) One of the selling points it had for me was the four thirds sensor. It allows the lenses to be shorter (and lighter!) and it also is a closer ratio to standard paper sizes such as 5x7 and 8x10. the four thirds ratio doesn't require zealous cropping to fit that ratio whereas a two thirds does. The four thirds also gives a greater depth of field compared to it's two thirds kin. It's a responsive, sturdy camera with plenty of features to keep you busy for a long, long time. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. I am an artist an I purchased this camera to take reference photos. I have multiple sclerosis so I cannot work from life since I can't stand long enough to paint a picture plein aire or with a live model. I CAN, however, walk around and take lovely pictures for use in my comfortable studio later. I am also a portrait painter and I wanted a camera that would take beautiful portraits without washing out and dramatic lighting (which digital cameras tend to 'want' to do). So, an affordable, very well constructed camera that is capable of everything from beautiful scenic landscapes, dramatic portraits including under candlelight or at night, and even some macro work for some fun semi-absract paintings...it does them all terrifically. You will want to invest in some better lenses, though, if you got the kit. Not because they are bad, mind you. The two lenses it comes with are quite decently made and solidly constructed just like the camera body. It's just that once you get the camera's basics down and play you're going to be so tempted to go out and get those more expensive lenses because you will be having so much fun with it.
220161
Thanks very much. By the way, we have a Canon G12. I feel it too distorting both colours and proportions and of course slow between 2 clicks. What would you suggest to improve on "fidelity" and speed: A. Canon S100 over Nikon P7100 (and Olympus XZ-1?)?B. Olympus E-PM1 over Nikon J1? C. or Nikon V1 solves everything? PS. I have no Nikon lenses so I am not stuck on Nikon. Thanks
1053340
Absolutely. It it's an excellent camera. Great photos, fun and useful scene modes. Underwater shots come out awesome. Many compliments from anyone I show photos to. I've given mine some rough use and it takes it in stride. You will be glad you saved the money...a friend has the lumix and I don't see the need to spend any more that I did on my Olympus. Love it!
1440613
d7100 is far better, but its also more money, if you are just starting out 5300 is great, lots of features like toy camera mode, painting mode , it also has wifi and gps built in, my wife is just starting out so I opted for this instead of the more advanced 7100,also d7100 was named most stolen camera in the world!