Olympus Stylus 7010 anyone?

[Loopner]

I have the Olympus E510, but I really wanted a smaller camera to take with us on our next Disney trip (Jan. 2010). I know that it won't be the same, but I wanted to not have to lug around the large camera every day for 8 days. I plan on switching off and on (maybe every other day).

Anyway, DH wanted to get me a camera for Christmas and I wanted to stick with an Olympus. Based on the research we did, we found the Olympus Stylus 7010 should meet my needs.

So tell me.... who has one? Can you tell me what you like and/or dislike about it? I've heard mostly good things, but I wanted to hear from this board (my fellow Disney picture takers) as to why you might like it or dislike it for a Disney trip specifically.

Also, just for fun, let me know which parks you would *have* to have your DSLR camera in and which one(s) you could handle having the other camera in. I took so many pictures on our last trip that many won't be duplicated. I had too much fun taking pictures of things I didn't usually photograph (like buildings, lanterns, benches, etc...

Thanks!

 

[Loopner]

Really... no one?

Does anyone have any of the smaller Olympus cameras?

 

[DizzyV6P]

I got the Olympus stylus 790 SW after dropping and breaking my last two P&S cameras.
See review here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/olympus-stylus-790-sw/4505-6501_7-32552108.html

I found low light shots to be less than stellar. The flash is ok, but low light shots in almost any setting was below average. Too much noise. The advantage of this type of camera is that it's shockproof and water proof. My wife uses this camera most of the time and she doesn't have much complaints. Maybe its just the DSLR snob in me, but its just hard for me to find a decent P&S that will give me fast enough shots and even decent low light performance. I've only found the Nikon and Canon variants to have decent low-light noise levels. My parents Panasonic is also good. I don't have the model number, but its noise levels are better than my Olympus. Regular snapshots w/ the Olympus is about average....its nothing to write home about. I brought it along for a friends wedding (I was a groomsman so I couldn't lug my DSLR around) and I regret doing it to this day. There were just too many memorable pictures I could have taken a lot better with the DSLR and too many moments that I missed due to the slow P&S. Granted, a wedding is not a day at Disney, but I assure you, the moment you miss that one priceless shot of your child laughing on a ride, or ice cream falling and dripping down their shirt, you will regret not having a fast camera on hand.

Here's a decent review of your particular camera.
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4123&review=olympus+stylus+7010

On my last Disney trip, I had both my Canon 40D and the Olympus with me. After a few shots of the Olympus, I gave it back to my wife and stayed with the DSLR. P&S are great for snapshots. If you want memorable photographs, stay with your DSLR. When in doubt, bring both and have your partner lug around the one you don't feel like using.

 

[Loopner]

Thank you *so* much for your response & feedback DizzyV6P! I really appreciate hearing everything you had to say. Thanks for the link to the review, too!

You gave me a lot to think about.