olympus c765

[Duckfan]

Does anyone out there have experience with this camera? I found a really good deal on one and I can't decide if it will be better for me or not. I currently have an HP. I am really basically a point and shot kind of picture taker but I would love to have the 10x zoom over my current 3x. Still, if it doesn't take pictures better over all I am just not sure. I like being able to use aa batteries over the special one in the Olympus and I don't know if lack of image stablizer would be a problem. Any advice? (my dh eyes just glaze over if I mention cameras)

 

[ukcatfan]

I personally would not even consider a super zoom that does not have IS. My first digital was an Olympus and I loved the results even at 1.3MP, but without IS it is difficult to get a good shot when zoomed out to the max. The IS is beneficial all of the time, not just at max focal length. Consider one of the Canon S-IS models (S1-IS, S2-IS, S3-IS). If 3MP is enough, you might still be able to find an S1 for cheap. Panasonic super zooms are also very nice. Check a review site like Steve's .

I would stay away from Kodak.

Kevin

 

[Goofyish]

I sold my C-765 on Ebay a few months ago before getting a Canon S3 is.

The Olympus took a good photo but although it has a very long x10 optical zoom it has no image stabilizer, so you can only take advantage of the long lens in good lighting conditions.

Build quality never felt that good either with some cheap plastic compared to the Canon.

I also found an annoying problem - if you put it on the top picture quality (SHQ) the camera doesn't stay in that mode if you switch it off and then on again - it defaults to HQ everytime!

 

[manning]

I personally would not even consider a super zoom that does not have IS. My first digital was an Olympus and I loved the results even at 1.3MP, but without IS it is difficult to get a good shot when zoomed out to the max. The IS is beneficial all of the time, not just at max focal length. Consider one of the Canon S-IS models (S1-IS, S2-IS, S3-IS). If 3MP is enough, you might still be able to find an S1 for cheap. Panasonic super zooms are also very nice. Check a review site like Steve's .

I would stay away from Kodak.

Kevin

Under the 10-12x zoom in Steve's list the Panasonic fz30 is discontinued and has been replaced with the fz50. It is just hitting the street now. Jury is still out on how good it is but some say it is no worse than the fz30.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I would stay away from Kodak.

As I would also stay away from Panasonic.

 

[ukcatfan]

From what I have read lately, Panasonic made a great run at Canon, but their experience in the industry is starting to limit them compared to Canon's extensive experience. I have heard some saying that Fuji is getting better, but I still do not like them.

Be sure to look around in person and online. Sometimes you can find a new but discontinued model for really cheap. When I was shopping for my S1, I almost ended up with an Olympus 7something because I found it at Target for $150 cheaper than the S1. Similar specs but no IS. I decided to go ahead and pay for the better S1, but it was a tough decision.