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.
1419976
Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the... » Read More Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. « Show Less
552822
I have been tossing and turning over this very same dilema. After MUCH research, I have settled on the sd800 for the following reasons: #1- The .28 wide angle lens (great to have indoors and for group shots!!) #2- 7.1mp is PLENTY! Don't get up in the more mp is more trap! It just slows down picture taking, transferring and printing. Unless you are literally making posters, it is impossible to distinguish any difference between 7mp and 8mp. #3- The 2.5" screen looks huge in person, but the 3" (which I thought I wanted) leaves no room for your right thumb. This might sound stupid, but I've held both cameras, and it felt like I had to really work to keep my thumb off of that 3" screen (again, avoid the "more is more" draw). These, along with the price were enough to tip the scale for me. Hope this helps!
940340
I cannot offer a nikon/canon comparison however I upgraded from a S90 to the S120 and am VERY VERY impressed. Amazingly fast user interface, bright rear screen and long battery life are some of the high points. Low light performance is AMAZING compared to my S90. The difference is almost like the change from T2I to 6D full frame in my canon SLR! The bad? Still no RAW converters out there, not even DXO though they report one coming later this month.
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
989750
The Olympus E-510 was rated "the best entry level DSLR" on the Christmas 2007 issue of "What Digital Camera".I had this camera for a couple of weeks and the picture quality is amazing. (make sure to lower the intensity of the noise filter as recommended by most reviewers)
1417752
The SX120 is a pro compact camera with a fast lens and takes pictures in RAW mode for great post production editing. it is also a very compact size making it easy to carry in a pocket all day. It does not have the focal range as the SX700 and it is a bit more expensive, but I think that it is more of a DSLR replacement due to its many high end capabilities. Having said this, it is a wonderful camera to set on auto and take great shots all day in any light. BTW, I took my S120 to London this year and took over 500 perfect shots! Good luck, ES
1796829
@Coog makes good points for a new G series, however, my number one interest in the G12 is the viewfinder. This is simply where the S100 doesn't make the cut. The fully articulating rear screen on my S5 IS has enabled many, many otherwise unobtainable shots. Being able to hold the camera in positions where one's head can't go simply enables shots that would otherwise be missed. With that, I hope that Canon does continue the G series, swapping sensors and processors as prices come down. I need these sub-$400 cameras because I'm pretty hard on pocketables. The last two only lasted 4 months each.
551731
I have both the SB800 and the newer SB910 in my camera case with my D800. I find when just using one flash I seem to lean toward the SB910 as it has a few features that I prefer. Believe it or not, my favorite new feature is the positive On/Off switch on the newer model. They are both top notch flash units and both are a pleasure to use.
1299083
If you have 2 choices, then you must go and try both cameras and try to choose by what you feel. I have the Canon, its my 3rd G series (had the 9 and 11, among 6 or 7 other cameras) and overall its an amazing camera, really. Very VERY quick, with is something that can really make a differnece when hunting for that special pic. Nothing to envy in luminosity to the best reflex out there, it takes pictures with low light that are incredible for the size and price of this machine. And my favourite! the slow motion video recorder, great adition and lots of fun there. The wifi? never used it, yet!
488637
I originally bought the Sony W90 based on specs. My first one was defective. It took pictures, but only the pictures in very bright light were acceptable. I exchanged for another W90 and although better, it still had VERY high levels of noise even with flash. I returned that one and bought a Canon 800IS. The Canon has taken EXCELLENT pictures even in low light. The image stabilization works well and the pictures taken with ISO 1600 are about the same noise level as the sony at 400 and 800 ISO. At 800 ISO the Canon produces better pictures than the Sony at 100 ISO. For my money...The Canon is better hands down.
1611807
THIS QUESTION IS ANSWERED. THANKS TO ALL. (I ended up buying the Olympus E-M1.)
1649318
Has anyone seen any actual reviews of this camera as opposed to marketing spec lists? Sometimes I've seen pre-production models of cameras that get reviewed prior to actual release. It is the low light ability claims of the Nikon that I'll need to see put to the test. That's probably the biggest Achilles heel of all these superzooms. It may have a CMOS sensor (which explains the burst speed of this camera) but it is still the same small size sensor as all the superzooms so I'm dubious about any huge improvement in low light. All of the previous versions of this new crop of superzooms (Nikon, Sony, Fuji) only got a flat four star rating in Amazon while the Panasonic FZ35 and FZ40 both are at 4.6. This new group has longer zooms than the Pansonics but I need to know if the picture quality is improved in any way.
132582
If you plan to shoot inside photos with low light, the 4000 wins. Also, for continuous "burst" shooting of fast action--kids playing, etc. However, the SD series culminating in the 1400 is a proven, smaller, stylish Elph--better for all-around use, with unbeatable Canon images. If this was my only camera, I'd go with the SD1400 (and trust my steady hand for the low-light shots).
1748284
I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous experience with their products and superior photos. However, the Panasonic offering higher video quality in HD format is enticing. I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous... » Read More I am partial to Canon and am excited to see they are introducing a model in the rugged, waterproof class. I previously used the first generation waterproof Olympus Stylus and after it broke moved to the Pentax Optio W series. It has been a good camera as far as durability, but it just doesn't produce photos like our Canon Powershot SD1000. As far as the post question, I can't wait to see some product reviews/comparisons. Based on my previous experience with the Stylus line, I am ruling out the Olympus. Although right now I am leaning towards the Canon based on previous experience with their products and superior photos. However, the Panasonic offering higher video quality in HD format is enticing. « Show Less
567353
I have the Sony. (Took 3 thousand photos and video on an international trip). It is mostly fine, but there are 2 complaints with which I agree on the message boards. 1. Blue purple tint and glare from the lens coating in bright sunlight. 2. In general, not perfectly sharp pictures usually. (I have 5 year old Kodak 5mp that is often more sharp). The good...amazing motion stabilization. 'Able to take photos in almost any light condition without the flash!! I also have some good photos from moving vehicles. Very compact and no protruding lens or lens motor. Quick startup. HD movie is ok also. Acceptable battery life. FYI. There are assorted complaints about the Canons also. I have now read enough not to expect perfect photos from ANY point and shoot, but like you, I hate to drag around that Nikon. (You might try one of the new cameras with a bit larger sensor, like 4 3rds).
974224
I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should... » Read More I too am looking for a new cyber-shot. I am looking to buy the dsc-w290 but I have heard great things about the WX1, such as the new panoramic sweep mode and cmos sensor. Not to mention zoomable HD video is amazing.Why you should wait however, is that this is the first batch of cameras with the new sensor. It also uses a smaller LCD than the 3.0 inch they started using such as the dsc-w290 and is only 10.1 mp which if you shoot in 16:9 mode, will be even less.Sony will come out with new cameras being announced in January at the CES 2010 show and then you should decide. If nothing substantial is announced, the price for this will have dropped greatly. « Show Less