Excellent Prosumer Cam--But with Canon Digital Rebel in same price range, why buy?
Written: Jul 17 '04
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Pros: Magnificent Build, Full Features, Awesome lens.
Cons: Noise obvious even at ISO 50, when shot is viewed 100%. Can't compare to dSLR.
The Bottom Line: Can't fully recommend c8080 or ANY prosumer with a dSLR like the Canon Digital Rebel in same price range. If not for that, would recommend whole-heartedly.
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| briantium's Full Review: Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom Digital Camera |
The c8080 is a finely wrought camera that is solid and handles very well. The lens is simply outstanding although focusing tends to be loud as the glass adjusts. People complain that the LCD only tilts upward and cannot twist out, but this is minor in my opinion, as excellent angles can be secured with the tilt-screen. Video feature is neat, although I'm not sure if the novelty would wear off in time. This is likely the best prosumer camera on the market.
Unfortunately, with a dSLR like the Canon Digital Rebel in exactly the same price range...what is the attraction of settling for ANY prosumer cam? I came face to face with that dilemma myself only after having purchased the c8080, and upon further research and comparison of pictures discovered that, image-wise, there is simply no contest between the quality of a prosumer and dSLR. At ISOs of up to 400 the Digital Rebel has virtually no noise, and what noise there is at 400 outmatches the 8080s ISO 100 any day. In fact, viewing images from the 8080 at 100% noise is detectable even at ISO 50, depending on the shot. Macro shots of flowers, for example, exhibit no noise on the 8080, even in the blurred background, but look at the shading of buildings and you have what I call, the "colored pencil" effect, as if somebody shaded in those areas with a pencil, leaving a grainy effect. The Canon had nothing like that at 100 ISO. That was enough for me to switch.
But that also depends on the use you need for a camera. The c8080 is smaller and would be more easier to carry around. Plus some might find the video feature useful for off-the-cuff moments if a camcorder is not available. Also, the tilt-feature is vastly useful to avoid bending over or getting into otherwise uncomfortable positions to take certain shots. And honestly, if your primary need is to take shots for 4x6 prints or email, then noise will never be an issue for those things. (But then again, if that's your primary need then go for the c5060 and save a few hundred bucks, that is if you can accept redeye as the flash is too close to the lens on that model.) Also, getting extra lenses--good lenses--will inevitably add to your total expense with a dSLR like the Digital Rebel, which could cancel out the price similarity. Accepting this I still went with the Rebel. But for somebody willing to spend nearly a grand on a camera--or even $800 if you shop online like I did--chances are you're going to want good image quality bottom line, and here there is simply no contest: go for the dSLR.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 700
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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Epinions.com ID:
briantium
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Reviews written: 5
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