Nice camera that is just a few steps below an SLR, but has a temper.
Written: Jul 31 '03 (Updated Sep 20 '03)
Product Rating:
Ease of Use:
Durability:
Battery Life:
Photo Quality:
Shutter Lag
Pros: High resolution, take 3 different media cards & has a nice list of shooting modes.
Cons: Compact Flash issues and action limitations.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this camera if I wasn't having the Compact Flash incompadability problems (perfect level in-between the SLR and point-and-shoot camera).
bradtaura's Full Review: Olympus Camedia C-5050 Zoom Digital Camera
I bought the Olympus C-5050 in May in preparation for teaching digital imaging in the fall. I wanted something more than a point-and-shoot camera since I was used to my Canon Rebel 2000 (film SLR), which always gave us good results and at the time I couldn’t imagine it ever taking a back seat to another camera.
Nice Qualities/Features
The advantages of shooting with a digital camera became evident when working for the local paper. The fact that you could see a preview of your pictures and adjust your setting became a lifesaver. But this is not unique to my Olympus C-5050.
One thing I really like about the camera is that it didn’t require me loading a bunch of software on my computer to retrieve my pictures. I simply hook it up with my USB cable that came with the camera and go to Window explorer and can look through my pictures. From there I can delete unwanted images, rotate them and burn them to a CD. I am sold on digital photography, but am still frustrated with the problems that this camera has given me.
The main reasons I decided to buy this camera over the Sony and Canon cameras available is that it was definitely more bang for the buck.
*I paid only $627 for it at Circuit City and it was going for $800 in other stores.
*5 mega pixel resolution.
*It takes three different kinds of media-- xD, Compact Flash, and Smart Media
(Sony’s only accept their own brand of memory sticks and I was sick of dealing with that from the digital camera at work). I wanted something more flexible. *see Cons
*Has a viewfinder
*Is shaped better to fit your hand (unlike Sony’s long and slender model) *see Cons
*Has the capacity to add on a flash *see cons
*Has manual functions as well as shutter speed priority, and Aperture priority (which gives you a little more flexibility, though the range can be limited).
CONS--Disadvantages & Problems
Action frustrations--
Though it does have both a “Sports Shooting” mode and a limited manual capacity. It captures action in daylight perfectly but I found shooting action in dark conditions was very frustrating.
It also has a delay from the time you press the button to the time it actually takes the picture (when working in its highest resolution), so if you are trying to get a specific shot, you will have to anticipate and that just isn’t convenient.
Memory card incompatibility?--
I read a review that it wasn’t compatible with higher memory Compact Flash cards. This could be the case since I bought a 256mb compact flash card and the camera is very touchy when it comes to the media door. I have lost images a hundred times because the camera would sound off this irritating alarm saying the “Card Cover Open”, which is never the case. This only happens when I use the Compact Flash card. I tested it using the small xD card that came with the camera and it was fine. I have concluded that (that when using the Compact Flash) any pressure placed on the door while operating the camera sets off the alarm which forces me to hold the camera in an awkward manner. Alas, this defeats the purpose of buying a camera that fit well in my hands. I am going to have to bring it in to the store to have it checked out. One part of me hopes we can fix it, the other part of me want to get my money back and buy another camera, maybe a Canon. Without this problem, I would have rated the camera much higher.
It seemed so flexible--
Another disappointment is that I found out later that it would only work with an Olympus flash that is nearly as expensive at the camera itself. If I had known that, I would have definitely just gone ahead on bought the more expensive Canon.
Wake up!--
The lever that turns the camera on and off is too easy to bump by mistake. I like changing the modes a lot so a slight turn in the wrong direction also pulls the power lever turning it off. I have missed so many "moments" because I was fighting with the camera to turn it back on.
Temper, temper—
Once again, I found that this little camera has an attitude when you turn the camera on before removing the lens cover. It will sound off an alarm and turn itself off. I don’t care for my gadgets scolding me. I would prefer it to sound a kind reminder and not make a scene.
TIPS--
If you are to buy this camera, you will definitely need to buy rechargeable batteries and a charger. You can find them for around $20 with 8 AA rechargeable batteries at Sam’s Club. Don’t pay $40-50 for it at an electronics store!
I wouldn’t really recommend this camera for anyone that may use it at work. There are too many limitations and the Compact flash problem can drive you crazy. For the more serious photographer, it is not quit an SLR, so if you are looking for something of that caliber, save your money and buy something else (like the Canon 10D).
This could be the perfect camera for home as long as the media door issue can be resolved. It truly is a few steps above the point-and-shoot models and I think most people would enjoy its features (shooting modes: Night Scene, Movie, Landscape, Portrait, Sports, Manual, F-stop priority, and Aperture priority). I would have rated it below average had it not had so many great features and nice picture quality.
Update Sept. 16, 2003
We got our camera back and I was thrilled to see they fixed the door problem until I realized that now the "Control Panel" (digital display) isn't working. At this point I have lost all confidence in the quality of this camera. I called Olympus and they told me just to send it back. They don't seem to understand that I don't want to spend all my time under their warranty sending it back in for repair. It is just a hassle and I paid too much for this camera for me not to be able to enjoy it. In addition to that what happens when the warranty runs out? I am stuck with an expensive faulty camera.
I just want my money back to buy a Canon.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 629.00 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
5.0 megapixel sensor creates 2500 x 2000 images for high-resolution prints up to poster size 3x optical plus 3.3x digital (10x total) autofocus zoom l...More at Amazon Marketplace
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