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.
2100461
This camera has a mere 1/2.3" sensor. Image Quality is adequate with these sensors, but nobody has ever called a 1/2.3 sensor's quality "excellent" without "for what it is" in the same sentence. For the same price as this camera, you could buy the Canon S120 with it's great 1" sensor, over five times the surface area, much higher quality there! ... but without the waterproofing. Or you could buy the Nikon 1 AW1, waterproof AND with a 1" sensor ... but you'd be paying $750 and it won't fit in a pocket. For an intersection of waterproof and price and portability .. the Olympus TG-3 has great image quality ... for what it is.
1163843
Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't help with the direct comparison to the Panasonic. Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't... » Read More Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't help with the direct comparison to the Panasonic. « Show Less
1961611
Thanks Tech Guy. I see that it takes SDHC, and the video size limitation is fine by me. I'll have to see if I can get an a solid answer from Canon's tech support on if the 790 can take advantage of the faster in-camera processing Class 6 cards have (the upload to computer speed advantage doesn't mean much to me), and if it varies by brand. I also am wondering if I'll need to replace my current SD card reader if I do buy and use any of these higher capacity / faster SD cards.
885112
It's close but we'd go with the Sony. You'll find the image quality to be better. The Sony also has more focus points, a self-cleaning sensor, better battery life, a larger sensor, a better viewfinder, and it's also lighter and smaller than the Olympus too!
989749
I have the Olympus E510 kit, so i'm biased. But I love my camera. It has all the features you could want in a DSLR, amatuer or pro. However, I don't think you can go wrong with the Canon or Nikon either. They all take great pictures, so it really boils down to ergonomics and personal preferences. I chose the Olympus.
488638
I'm trying to decide whether to go with either the 800IS, 850IS, or the Sony DSC-T100. I guess pic quality is the most important, and I usually trust Canon images above all others in this class....but I really love the size and design of the Sony, especially the sliding lens cover which powers it up. Anyone have an opinion?
142116
If I'm not mistaken, I believe a few more bells and whistles are the only difference between 590 and 790. I think the 790 has a mopping function. Not entirely sure. As for 1.0 and 3.0, the 3.0 is the latest and greatest. Better software, more cameras, better functioning. Hope that helped
628321
I highly recommend the Olympus Stylus Tough models. I own two. The first one I bought about 10 years ago. still works like a champ. And my new one I bought 4 years ago. I am not easy on my cameras. I take them to the beach ever weekend, camping, in the rain and I use them a lot in our pool. I have even dropped mine when riding my motorcycle. Sure it's a little scratched hear and there. I even have a deep nick on her but the camera still works like a champ.
488642
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. 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... » Read More 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. « Show Less
940338
I have upgraded my S90 to the new S120. I have used my S90 extensively as a second camera for traveling and decided to upgrade to the S120. I like the new camera size being smaller and the touch screen. Overall the S120 has a lot of new features which I haven't particularly used. The only gripe that I have is the image quality of the S120 is not as good as the S90. I taken alot of pictures with both and the S90"s pictures are sharper. It might not mean much to most people but I like my pictures razor sharp. My S90 is sharper than my 2 DSLR. Just my opinion.
940341
I have had both the s95 and s100 and they are wonderful cameras..What I love about the Canon 120 :touch screen..great for spot focusing with stills and moviesFaster AfSlow motion video optionShoots 10 fpsVery sold feel....great pocket cameraHDR that really works very wellTerrific low lightSo my answer to you is I think you would be very very happy with the S120//Hope that helps Dave
542771
If you are looking to update and stick with the a-mount system, the A99 is the way to go. I have both and the full frame sensor on the A99 along with the added features and better low light performance makes it my go to camera. The only thing the a A77 is better at is speed, Fps. Your other option is to go mirrorless like the A7 series and use an adapter like the LEA4 to use your A - mount glass. It's an amazing camera for the money I have the A7. The only negative is the lack of in-body stabilization which is remedied by the A7 mk 2 that just came out. Hit up your local camera store and play If you are looking to update and stick with the a-mount system, the A99 is the way to go. I have both and the full frame sensor on the A99 along with the added features and better low light performance makes it my go to camera. The only thing the a A77 is better at is speed, Fps. Your other option is to go mirrorless like the A7 series and use an adapter like the LEA4 to use your A - mount glass. It's an amazing camera for the money I have the A7. The only negative is the lack of in-body stabilization which is remedied by the A7 mk 2 that just came out. Hit up your local camera store and play
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.
1131169
This DSC-W690 16.1 is much better than DSC-W370 in movie mode. Regret to say that W690 is not available any more.
733382
I have a SB 800 and a friend let use his SB 900 for a portrait shoot when mine was in the shop. The flash rocked, if you going to be serious go ahead and pick one up. No sense in buying up incrementally if you know this is where your going to be anyway.
132872
Well, I'm now reading about another option: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20/B 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization.This one compares to the Panasonic ZS3 and both sell for approximately the same price. I guess I'm still stuck in wanting to figure out which one of these models (DSC-H20, ZS3, DSC-W350, W370) can do all of the things they promised but at a faster speed.