Once again, 700 or 2100? (a few questions)

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100 supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the 700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the 2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the 2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a deciding factor....

Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod. So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

Click to expand...

Brad,

For me , the IS made an enormous difference. I took many test shots in 3 different stores with the 700 and when I got home, was disappointed in most (I took my own SM card with me). With the 2100's IS, almost every single shot I take is a keeper. Just amazing. Last night, I tried to take a picture of a friend's cat sleeping in a dark room. So, with no flash, I tried to hand-hold an exposure at 1 second. No good, even with IS. But, I was able to get a nice, clear shot at 1/4 second. For me, that wouldn't be possible (my hands aren't very steady) without IS, even at 1X zoom.

I bought the 2100 without ever seeing one in real life and am glad I did.

HTH...

• CraigF

Bradly

If you can get the C-2100 go for it, I wouldn't even consider the 700 over the C-2100. The IS Is outstanding on the C-2100, I NEVER have to use a tripod, and believe me there will be times you need that long zoom and don't have your tripod, or it takes to long to set it up And from my understanding the 700 has alot more Purple Fringing then the C-2100, just my 2 cents You will love the C-2100 if that is the way you go. Have a Great Day....................................Bobby

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

http://www.etronics.com still have some 2100UZ left at a great price.

Harry

Bobby said:

If you can get the C-2100 go for it, I wouldn't even consider the
700 over the C-2100. The IS Is outstanding on the C-2100, I NEVER
have to use a tripod, and believe me there will be times you need
that long zoom and don't have your tripod, or it takes to long to
set it up And from my understanding the 700 has alot more Purple
Fringing then the C-2100, just my 2 cents You will love the
C-2100 if that is the way you go. Have a Great
Day....................................Bobby

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I am another happy C700 owner. Have had it for about 3 months and love it. Had owned D460 before this one and am having much more fun with the manual controls on the C700. I have taken many good picture at full zoom. The trick I find is to watch the information on the EVF, it is very helpful. With some experimentation, you can find the lowest shutter speed that you can hold at full zoom and get a clear picture. For me it is 1/50th of a second is the lowest I will attempt, though I feel more comfortable at atleast 1/100th, otherwise I will bump up the ISO or zoom back a little toward wide angle a bit to help reduce the effects of shaky-ness. If you take a lot of pictures outside in bright sun light this isn't a problem to get fast enough shutter speeds for hand holding at full zoom.

Just another note. I find the strengths of this camera is not in auto mode, but in the Program or A/S/M. I haven't put the camera in the Auto mode since the first week I got it. You can do a much better job of capturing good pictures in certain situations than letting the camera do it all it's self. I have virtually eliminated any CA in many pitures by using the Aperture Priority mode and use a f value of 6 or higher depending on the amount of light and wieghing that against my shutter speed to get a clear picture. Sometimes a little CA is unavoidable. Using Auto or even Program mode might not stop down on the f-stop enough and thats where the CA has a better chance of getting into your pictures.
Have fun

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

I am a very happy C-700 owner. For me, size was a significant issue. I just don't think I'd bring the C-2100 as many places as the C-700. Of course, I'd love IS, but I haven't had a significant problem without it (and I LOVE using my zoom). If IS is more important to you than size, go for the 2100 while it's still available. If size is a factor, I doubt you'll be disappointed with the C-700 (although I agree with a previous poster that auto mode is good, but not as good as P or A/S/M).

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Aargh! No offence, but I'm sick of this question!

Okay, take a look at this picture, shot with a C-700:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/wyuey/vwp?.dir=/C-700+Test+Photos&.dnm=Skate+boards.jpg&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t

I don't find that this shot is 'missing something'. Rather, I'm impressed with the color rendition (the colors look exactly as they appeared in the shop) and the sharpness of the photo. It's straight out of the camera, no editing, period.

What do you think?

Bill

These are the points I would consider:

2100 is bigger than the 700. If you want something that feels like an SLR go with the 2100, if you want something small go with the 700.

2100 has the stabilizer. If you only use full zoom on bright sunny days you can live without it, but it's real nice to have.

The CCD in the 2100 is larger than the one in the 700 (larger CCD means less noise and better dynamic range). I haven't seen that many night shots from the 700 to compare to the 2100, so don't know how much of a factor this is. Of course how good the CCD chip is in any camera you get is a roll of the dice.

Size vs stabilizer are the big differences between the cameras.

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

If size is VERY important to you go with the C-700 if not seriously consider the C-2100. Most of reviews I've read give the C-2100 an edge over the C-700 not only in features of which we are already aware of but also in photo quality. One very important feature that the C-700 HAS that the C-2100 DOES NOT have is a manual white balance adjust. This can be worth it's weight in gold in situations where there is a hodge podge of mixed lighting. Color balance of course can be adjusted afterwards with an imaging program but many folks would rather get it right the first time.

It's usually difficult to get an objective opinion in a newsgroup or forum as most folks will recommend the camera that they have.

Well in spite of the problems I had with the original C2100UZ I bought, I ordered a replacement this afternoon and at that stage I could have had anything in the price range. That lens has a special something and I don't just mean the IS or the 10x zoom. It's what I would have called, in the old 35mm days, a "soft" lens.

I've owned a 700uz for two months now. If space is most important, buy it, its a slick camera in its size and operation. In any other situation, I would have to recomend the 2100uz, even without considering IS, the pictures are undeniably better in any given situation. If you don't beleive me, buy the 700uz . I'm sometimes happy with the pics, but thats in the 25 percent range, and I've done a LOT of experimenting. CA is extremely bad, and beyond that, the pics are usually not satisfying, often for no apparent reason. Wide angles are rarely good in my opinon. In it;s defense, it can take great pictures, and it is a well-layed out camera. It can take great pics, but you will work harder for them.

After tons of research, questions and thought.... I ordered a new C-2100 UZ a few minutes ago from Dbuys.com (these guys are amazing by the way) for $529. I couldn't be more excited

Thank you all very much for your comments and suggestions. Both cameras are amazing... but when it came down to it, I noticed what a big difference the IS made. I was also lucky enough to play with a co-workers 2100 and 'it just felt right'. And to anyone who is in the same boat as I just was, read Shawn's post just above mine... it may help you out, considering he's a 700 owner.
Thanks again everyone!

-Brad

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Hey Brad,

Congratulations on making a decision! Let us know how you make out with dbuys. I heard that they are the same guys as Beach Camera (true?) who I don't like very much. Despite that, the few things I have heard about dbuys have been positive.

Bill

Bradley K. said:

-Brad

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Hi Bill. Buydig.com is the same as Beach Camera, not Dbuys.

Bill said:

Congratulations on making a decision! Let us know how you make out
with dbuys. I heard that they are the same guys as Beach Camera
(true?) who I don't like very much. Despite that, the few things I
have heard about dbuys have been positive.

Bill

Bradley K. said:

-Brad

Bradley K. said:

Ok, so it looks like the C-2100 is no more... and retailers' 2100
supply is running low. I'm tempted to order one today... but I've
also been lured by the 700 (which I can get for $460, new US
model). The only problem I'm having deciding, is obviously the
700 does not offer the IS which I see as a HUGE deal. I've seen
some great pics taken with the 700... and while they are great
pics, they seem to be missing 'something' when compared to the
2100's pics. Is it just me??! Could it be the IS is making the
2100's pics stand out THAT much more?? The remote really isn't a
deciding factor....
Obviously, a 10x zoom in such a small camera is a great bonus. I
went to Best Buy yesterday to mess around with the thing and it
really is tiny! If I bought the 700, I wouldn't be using a tripod.
So is it even worth it, if I plan to use the full zoom once in a
while?

Anywho, can someone give me a little push here? I'd greatly
appreciate the help! Thanks.

-Brad

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Bradley K. said:

Hi Bill. Buydig.com is the same as Beach Camera, not Dbuys.

Click to expand...

Thanks for setting me straight. For what it's worth, dbuys has the lowest price I've ever seen for the C-700 - only $456, so I'm sure you got a good deal on the 2100 as well. Enjoy the camera and post some pictures.

I just bought my C-2100 from Dbuys, they are great and I had my camera in less then 20 hours, Haven't had time to read the manual and figure it all out yet but here are a few test pictures I took all in Program mode. I hope to be adding better ones when I have more time to take more pictures
http://www.pbase.com/wildcat/bobbys_olympus_c2100_page

Bill said:

Bradley K. said:

Hi Bill. Buydig.com is the same as Beach Camera, not Dbuys.

Click to expand...

Thanks for setting me straight. For what it's worth, dbuys has the
lowest price I've ever seen for the C-700 - only $456, so I'm sure
you got a good deal on the 2100 as well. Enjoy the camera and post
some pictures.

Click to expand...

Wow, that's just what I was looking for before I buy--the contrast between the regular and zoomed shot is wonderful. Thanks!

I wish more people would label their photos (camera, setting, zoom, etc.) for those of us looking to buy. And for those of us looking to learn, come to think of it!

Joan

Bobby said:

a few test pictures I took
all in Program mode. I hope to be adding better ones when I have
more time to take more pictures
http://www.pbase.com/wildcat/bobbys_olympus_c2100_page

Click to expand...

Wow, nice Bobby! Dbuys.com exceeded my expectations, I was very impressed.

You got your 2100 in 20 hours?! I'm assuming you paid extra for shipping overnight?? I got the regular FedEx saver, since they're in NJ ? and I'm in MD, I shouldn't be waiting too long!

Which shipping did you get and which state do you live if you don't mind ? Thank you.

-Brad

Bobby said:

Bill said:

Bradley K. said:

Hi Bill. Buydig.com is the same as Beach Camera, not Dbuys.

Click to expand...

Thanks for setting me straight. For what it's worth, dbuys has the
lowest price I've ever seen for the C-700 - only $456, so I'm sure
you got a good deal on the 2100 as well. Enjoy the camera and post
some pictures.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Joan

I am glad my plain old test pictures helped you in your decision, I quess putting up a picture web page was a good ideal, if it helps others in there decisions I just got my C2100 Saturday, but I sure LOVE this thing When you get yours make sure to share your pictures with us If you use pbase (That is where you saw my pictures) it automatically puts all your info in for you (shutter Speed, Zoom, ect.) Glad I could help.

Bobby

Joan said:

I wish more people would label their photos (camera, setting, zoom,
etc.) for those of us looking to buy. And for those of us looking
to learn, come to think of it!

Joan

Bobby said:

a few test pictures I took
all in Program mode. I hope to be adding better ones when I have
more time to take more pictures
http://www.pbase.com/wildcat/bobbys_olympus_c2100_page

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Bradley K

When I ordered my C-2100 I paid for the overnight Saturday delivery, so I wouldn't have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week I live in Missouri. I think this camrea is the BEST in its class, even a newbie like me can take decent pictures right out of the box Have a Great Night.

Bobby

Bradley K said:

You got your 2100 in 20 hours?! I'm assuming you paid extra for
shipping overnight?? I got the regular FedEx saver, since they're
in NJ ? and I'm in MD, I shouldn't be waiting too long!
Which shipping did you get and which state do you live if you
don't mind ? Thank you.

-Brad

Bobby said:

Bill said:

Bradley K. said:

Hi Bill. Buydig.com is the same as Beach Camera, not Dbuys.

Click to expand...

Thanks for setting me straight. For what it's worth, dbuys has the
lowest price I've ever seen for the C-700 - only $456, so I'm sure
you got a good deal on the 2100 as well. Enjoy the camera and post
some pictures.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...