Ultra Compact Skiing, scenery, sports camera

[Brockwed]

Hi, I'm very new to digital cameras. I'm looking to get an ultra compact digital camera that fits about in my pocket that takes good pictures that can take a beating. I will be using this camera for back country skiing and also just general pictures with the friends. I was looking at the Olympus 790/770/720 SW cameras. They are water proof, shockproof, and freeze proof. I thought this would be good because of skiing and it can take a beating. does this camera take good photos and anything you can say about it? Are there any others you would suggest. Thanks in advance.:thumbsup:

[Photo-John]

Brockwed-
Welcome to the site. You've come to the right place if you're looking to pick up a good outdoor camera. A lot of us here spend a lot of time playing and shooting outdoors. I haven't used the new Olympus models yet. But I used the Olympus Stylus 720 SW extensively and I think it's a very nice little camera. Here's a link to my review for it:

Olympus Stylus 720 SW Pro Review >>

The image quality isn't the best available, but I'm sure the new models are a little better. However, there's nothing out there that can compete with the Olympus Stylus SW cameras as far as durability goes.

This summer I reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS and I believe I said it was my favorite point-and-shoot digital ever. I just recently bought the newer version of that camera, the 12-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS. It's basically the same camera with a 12-megapixel sensor and a titanium body. The jurry is still out as to whether the increased resolution makes any difference. But as far as image quality and cpeed go, it's a great little camera. And as of last Friday I've already done a whole bunch of ski photography with it. It's not as burly as the Olympus cameras. But I take pretty good care of my stuff and have found that most cameras are a lot more durable than people realize. Of course, I don't plan to drop this one on the pavement, like I did the Olympus 720 SW

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Pro Review >>

The tradeoff, in my opinion, is durability vs image quality. The two Canon's I mentioned both have image stabilization, which will make a big difference getting sharp photos in low light. I also think they have better lenses than the Olympus Stylus cameras. But there's a lot to be said for durability. It gives you the confidence to carry and use a camera in more varied conditions. And even thought the Olympus Stylus 720 SW didn't have the best image quality ever, I got tons of great pictures with it because I was willing to carry it all the time and didn't worry at all about damaging it. I'm definitely more careful with the Canons.

Check out our pro reviews for more point-and-shoot camera reviews. I'm not the only pro reviewer. But all of the reviews I write involve some level of outdoor activity with the camera. And I think you'll find a lot of our reviewers do a fair amount of outdoor activity with their cameras.

All Digital Camera Pro Reviews >>

Hope that helps give you some more direction. I'm sure you'll have more questions. I'll make sure to check this thread again to see how I can help

[Brockwed]

wow thanks for the reply. The canon looks really good but i'm just worried if i happen to drop it in the snow if it will damage it. I try to be really careful with all my electronics so i will not purposly drop it just because i can with the olympus. Did you take any video with the olympus? if you did how good was it? thanks again

[Photo-John]

Sorry - no video. Video is not my thing. I don't think video quality is as much of an issue with compact digital cameras, though. Check the video specs on the Olympus site and you should know all you need to know. However, keep in mind, I did say I'm not a video guy