Opinions on camera...

[TotalHate728]

Hey all!

I've been looking for a new digital camera for a while now, and I think I've found the one I have been looking for.

It's the Olympus FE-3010 [12 MP] and it's about $130. I've read some good reviews and some bad reviews, but mostly good. But I want to hear it from someone directly. Does anyone actually own this camera, or have any idea how good it is?

If it's not too good quality wise, can anyone possibly suggest a different camera in the $150-200 range? I'm just looking for something that will take very good pictures outside or inside, a LCD screen that is visible in any condition, and maybe one that will take video as well.

Thanks in advance!

[Jordan09]

I can;t vouch for that one. However, I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 and I like it a lot. It's just over $200 most places.

[Anbesol]

Hello, totalhate. Interesting name.

Personally I would never ever use a camera that doesnt have the standard M A S (M Av Tv w/canon) modes. Without those modes you are required to use dummie modes. Dummie modes are fine on a cheap point and shoot, but I can't recommend a camera if it doesn't at least offer the option for actual photography modes, as I think those modes are essential for every body. Also rather unfortunately, those modes are less and less often included with cameras, I guess it might be for the simple reason of camera manufacturers wanting to force users into more expensive cameras. In your search I would definitely keep the eyes peeled for those modes.

One of my favorite bargains in the point and shoot category near that price is the Canon SX110IS. Its 9 Megapixels is a lot more effective than most consumer cams at 12, its got a great optical zoom, very solid build, stabilization, etc. Its a bit thicker than the olympus, but still a very small camera considering the optics (a lot more zoom than the olympus). It would definitely be running circles around the Olympus you mentioned in performance and image quality, the only thing the Olympus has over it is the smaller size.

Heres a link to an in depth review of the SX110IS. SX110IS

And heres a link to some user reviews - link.

[TotalHate728]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Anbesol, thank you for the suggestion. But there are a couple of issues. First, it's a bit out of my price range at $230, and since I've always seemed to have terrible luck with cameras that take regular batteries [VERY short battery life, seconds] I just can't see myself getting one without a rechargeable. Apart from that, it looks like an awesome camera.

So, I guess I'll go into more detail. I originally saw this Kodak for around $130:

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQueri...requestid=1501

But I read some reviews and found that the LCD screen was hard to see in sunlight. One of the most common uses of my future camera is going to be concerts. So, if I'm in an outdoor venue, and I can't see the screen, it's kinda pointless. But, some say the screen is fine. Any opinions on this one?

If not, I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to scope some out. I've made a list of what I'm looking for:

In the $150 range
Rechargeable battery
Good battery life
Ability to see LCD screen anywhere [Shouldn't have to add this since all cameras should be able to do this]
Good zoom
Ability to take video [not necessary]

If anyone has any more things I should be looking for, please let me know. But with those things to look for, will I be able to find a good one for around $150-200?

Thanks again everyone!

Also, about my username. It's a No Doubt song and it happens to be my favorite.

[Anbesol]

Ugh, Sorry buddy, but friends dont let friends buy Kodaks. I'm afraid I'm going to have to confiscate your best buy card (or credit card, or money, whatever you were planning on using to buy it). Seriously, I hate to generalize but ANY olympus would be better than any Kodak, if its between those two, definitely go for the Olympus. Kodaks any more are just built for old frail folks with Alzheimers and for little kids, they take 'dummy modes' and make it super dummy modes, you'll even feel insulted and patronized by the horrendous interface.

You can also get rechargable AAs, often times theyre better and more reliable than rechargable Li-Ions (depending on which).

But I read some reviews and found that the LCD screen was hard to see in sunlight. One of the most common uses of my future camera is going to be concerts. So, if I'm in an outdoor venue, and I can't see the screen, it's kinda pointless. But, some say the screen is fine. Any opinions on this one?

If it has that thick plastic cover over the LCD, thats usually the biggest problem causing glare. I dont think you get to be too picky if your budget is so tight. For what its worth - you should be able to find the SX100IS for under $200, if thats even an option still with AAs.

[TotalHate728]

Thanks again for the reply.

So I guess I won't be getting the Kodak. Kinda had a bad feeling about it to begin with. Thanks for letting me know about that.

About the battery subject, I don't really care about the AA batteries compared to a lithium, as long as they last. Like I said before, cameras that took AA batteries in my past never seemed to work for more than a couple minutes or even seconds. But, if they last, that's totally fine with me.

And the LCD screen thing, I know I could live with it if the screen isn't the easiest to see. I'll work with it. And that's a big if. Screen could be totally fine.

So, I guess when I go searching tomorrow, I won't be getting a Kodak.

I'll keep my out for a good Canon as well since that sounds like a good line of cameras.

Thanks again!

[Anbesol]

Canon states the SX100IS to have a battery performance of about 400 shots. The standards for this measurement involve half time stock flash usage, half time IS usage, and about 10-15 seconds of LCD review per shot. Depending on how you use it, that number of course is a variable (as with any energy use).

[TotalHate728]

Canon states the SX100IS to have a battery performance of about 400 shots.

Ooh, I totally missed that part. If that's the case, then this one will work out just fine then. Awesome! I just need to try and find it for under $200. Wish me luck!

Once again, thank you for all of your help! I really appreciate it!

[Anbesol]

Be sure to pick up a set of NiMH AA batteries, those are rechargeable and work very well with cameras. The SX100IS would be easily found under $200, the newer SX110IS you'll have to find a sale on it, as its MSRP is $250.

No problem, glad I could help!