Going from Olympus 4mp to 7-8mp....

[JoshD]

Question for you..

I really am happy with my 3 year old Olmypus Stylus 4mp camera, but I am ready for something new/better. I use it alot for hiking and mountain biking, and I love the durability of the Stylus series. I have been looking at the new 7-8mp models and they look pretty sweet.

My question is, is it worth upgrading from my 3year old 4mp model to a new 7-8mp model? Will I notice that much difference in the performance and image quality? Main uses are for digital photos for email, iPhoto, occasional prints, nothing too extravagent. Also, will the 7-8mp models offer better shutter speed for action shots, and better quality of low light shots? Or do the megapixels have nothing to do with that.

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Josh

[Dylan8i]

mp is just how detailed the photo can be, it has nothing to do with the other settings. for email, small-med prints and that kind of stuff you probbably won;t notice a difference (due to only MP). but newer cameras can def have more settings with better af and that kind of stuff that might help you out. i'm not familiar with the series but go to the store and try them out and see if you can see a difference, and what functions they have you might want.

[JoshD]

Ended up going with a Canon actually! Powershot SD700 IS. HUGE difference in quality with my Olympus, it is amazing. I took shots with the Olympus 8mp at the store, adn this 6mp is so much better it is crazy. Little more money, but well worth it. I'll post some pics once I start taking them

[Dylan8i]

glad you found one you like.

[Photo-John]

glad you found one you like.

Josh-
Sorry I didn't get to your question before you bought a camera. But it sounds like everything worked out fine. What I would have told is yes - a newer, 7 or 8-megapixel camera will make a huge differeence. The new sensors not only have more resolution, but on a good camera, they also have less noise and deliver overall better image quality. So you aren't just paying for more pixels. You're paying for more and better pixels.

Other things you'll get in a newer camera are noticeably less shutter-lag and better shot-to-shot time. A bigger LCD. More sensitivity - or higher ISO settings - two ways to say the same thing. And with the SD700 IS you also got one of other big improvements - image stabilization. Image stabilization really works, and really helps people take better pictures. It's a very good feature to have and I think you made a good camera choice.

Please do post some photos, bother here and in the gallery. And please post a review once you've had the camera long enough to really get to know it. We need reviews for the SD700 IS.

Have fun with the new camera. I'm syched for you!

[JoshD]

Thanks John, I am stoked on it. One thing that sold me on it compared to the Olympus 8mp, was the Manual Mode capability, shutter lag in High ISO is FAR less with the Canon. Cant wait to take it riding with me, see the difference...so far I have just tested it on moving cars, and looks great!

I just have to be a little more careful with this one. Idont think it is as durable as Olympus's are, gotta take more care with it. No more keeping it in the side pocket of my baggies when riding.

I will definately post some pics when I get some going. Gotta look into a Photoshop program as well...Hmmmm

Have fun with the new camera. I'm syched for you![/QUOTE]

[wordscount]

I think Canon Powershot SD700 is a good choice… but I had a question for you my friend had a problem with its noisy video… is it true or its an exception with his camera….

[JoshD]

I think Canon Powershot SD700 is a good choice… but I had a question for you my friend had a problem with its noisy video… is it true or its an exception with his camera….

Hmmm I am not sure, have not even used the video as of yet. Probably won't use much video either, but if I do I will report back if it is noisy!

[wordscount]

Yeah!!! I would suggest just check out for it… coz my friend really had a tough time with its noise video…