Digital Newbie with focus issues

[HockeyGoddess]

I bought an Olympus Camedia C765 Ultra Zoom last year when we went to USO and was able to take some really wonderful photos (husband infront of sign, me by pretty flowers)....thought this whole digital thing was a piece of cake.

Then tried to take photos of my cousins wedding, nothing too difficult, bridemaids, bride walking slowly down aisle...not. I couldn't take a picture of anyone/anything that was moving, not even moving very slowly. Everything was a blur. So I tried shifting to that little running guy image on the dial thingy (I'm real techical can ya tell), still blurry.

Anway, is there something I can do to correct this problem? We're going to WDW in 02/07 and I really want to be able to take picture of the parades, fireworks, possibly a snail. Should I buy a different kind of digital or go back to my old point & shoot 35mm?

Would love your professional feedback

 

[Kelly Grannell]

The Olympus point and shoots are notorious for its poor low-light focusing. I bought their highest end C8080WZ last year and honest-to-God I almost slammed it to the ground because of the focus issue. It's not just my camera but I tried their C7070, C7000, they all had (still have?) the same problem.

For low-light performance, as far as I know, nothing beats Canon and Sony. For low-ligh AND high-ISO performance, nothing beats Canon.

You may want to get into dSLR if you want to be more serious into photography and/or if you take a lot of low-light situations. The used 300D are being sold on eBay anywhere from around US$350 (usually silver, some scratches, heavily used -- 10,000 shots already taken) to extremely mint condition with a bunch of accessories for around $600 (usually black, low usage -- less than 4,000 shots taken, w/ battery grip, cable shutter release, a slew of brand new accessories such as neckstrap, battery charger, even the softwares are still sealed). You can also still buy brand-new silver 300D $650 (but no battery grip and cable shutter release, an extra $200-ish)

 

[HockeyGoddess]

Kelly,

Thanks for your response, I have looked (after I picked myself up off the floor) at some of the SLR cameras and I do agree they are the way to go but for the amount of pictures I take I just can't justify the $$$ right now....of course I have 319 days to talk myself into the purchase

BTW, I've checked out some of your posted photos...awesome!!!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

What is your budget. Maybe I can find something for your (either dSLR, or another camera that will closer fit your needs)

 

[HockeyGoddess]

Kelly, my budget would only be in the $300.00 range so maybe the Cannon Powershot A620?

The hard part is that just last year I spent $300.00 on the Olympus plus another $180.00 for the P10 printer ( I wish there was a smiley for kicking yourself in the butt).

I'm considering putting my Olympus package up on EBay or seeing if I could trade it in on something better.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

A620 is a very capable camera. You won't be disappointed with it (price is taken into consideration, of course.)