Canon or Olympus

[Ocean]

Hey guys. I'm currently on the market again looking for a new digital camera to replace my Nikon Coolpix. My experience with Nikon wasn't one that was enjoyable and I'm sorry to say I most likely will never own a Nikon again.

A few of my friends have Canon Powershots and those cameras appear to be so much better in every attribute. I orignally was going to get a Canon Powershot 450 (5MP), but I decided to hold off when my father mentioned Olympus and their cameras. Their "Stylus" series is what competes with Canon's "Powershot" series, I believe. The Stylus I was also considering was the 710 (7.1MP). I can it cheaper than the Canon, but it has 7.1MP? Now...I don't know where to run.

Which camera is the better camera for my money? Now, I'm more interested in picture quality than features and such. I want something small, fast, with great picture quality.

Which do you recommend and why?



Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[mwfanelli]

Which camera is the better camera for my money? Now, I'm more interested in picture quality than features and such. I want something small, fast, with great picture quality.
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The truth of the matter is that there is very little difference between these cameras. Even the difference between the noisiest to the cleanest is usually not as big an issue as it sounds. My advice is to go to a store and try a few out. Pick the one you like the best. Getting tied up in technical specs with a P&S just isn't worth the gray hairs! I'm not certain, but it think the Olympus' use SONY sensors just like the Canons do.

[Photo-John]

Michael is sort of right about differences between the the Canons and the Olympus cameras. There are differences, but they probably don't matter as much as you've been led to believe. The important thing is to get a camera you're comfortable with. I do believe Canon has an edge over Olympus and pretty much everyone else right now in terms of image quality. However, if you aren't comfortable with the camera feel, controls, and features, it doesn't matter how good the image quality is. I'm not saying that the Canons are bad - they aren't. They're the best selling cameras on the planet right now. But image quality isn't everything. You might like the feel or functionality of the Olympus cameras better - or Casio, or Panasonic, or Pentax, or Sony.

The Olympus Stylus digital cameras are all weatherproof. That's what the Stylus line is all about. If that appeals to you, definitely get an Olympus. We have a pro review of the Olympus Stylus Digital 800. I really liked that camera. Right now I'm working on a review of the Olympus Stylus 720 SW, which is actually waterproof to ten feet. Keep your eyes open for that review. Here's a link to all of our pro reviews including the Olympus Stylus Digital 800: http://www.photographyreview.com/proreviewscrx.aspx

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have more questions

[Ronnoco]

Right now I'm working on a review of the Olympus Stylus 720 SW, which is actually waterproof to ten feet. Keep your eyes open for that review.

I was considering the Olympus Stylus 720 SW for my son, but the lack of an optical viewfinder and some other weaknesses, discouraged me. I bought a Canon with an optical viewfinder.

Ronnoco

[Photo-John]

I was considering the Olympus Stylus 720 SW for my son, but the lack of an optical viewfinder and some other weaknesses, discouraged me. I bought a Canon with an optical viewfinder.

It's got its pros and cons, for sure. If you want a durable compact, nothing's gonna beat it. And I'm pretty happy with the image quality. But for action photos I sure do miss having an optical viewfinder. The flash is pretty poor, too. I think I might have liked the Stylus 800 better. It's a tough call. I do like that I don't have to worry about hurting the 720 SW.

I should be wrapping up the review soon. And if you check the gallery I've already posted a few photos taken with it.