Decision time - Go or no go for C-720 ?

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is important.

I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual focus control on C-720

but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for $469 with the claim

"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

If you're going to do a lot of family indoor shooting, you might eventually want an external flash. It's not available with the 720, but is a feature of the 700. I've seen the lack of manual focus on the 720 too often, not to believe it. Better get to the Olympus site and check it out.

Jimm said:

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

If you're going to do a lot of family indoor shooting, you might
eventually want an external flash. It's not available with the
720, but is a feature of the 700. I've seen the lack of manual
focus on the 720 too often, not to believe it. Better get to the
Olympus site and check it out.

Click to expand...

--
dong vill

The C720 doesn't have a manual focus. I had frustrating moments on dimly lit situations because it doesn't have pre-flash/focus illuminator like some cameras have which makes focusing with the 720 a problem. The EVF is very dark when in dim light situations. The CA is present at some instances especially in high contrast situations. I've tried shooting using manual mode at 2.5 sec and some hot pixels were present(guess this is the same with other cameras). However, in normal lighting conditions, I'm very satisfied with it's performance. Nice color, sharpness and nice feel, in my own opinion. The flash is strong enough for purposes of indoor family pictures. A big difference with my Canon A-20 where indoor flash use is just not strong enough. I came from a 2MP camera, and I just needed to go up to the3MP level...am very satisfied plus the extra zoom. I guess I just can't expect to have every feature on a camera in this price range. I'll just have to stick to the limitations of this camera, unless I'll be willing to shell out thousands for an SLR. This is really a love hate-relationship with my C720. Before it was more of hate...but slowly shifting to love side now.LOL

Sean,

1. These camera's are very complicated and sometimes the reviews makes mistakes with some of the features. You should go to a store that has the camera and play with it. See if it has manual focus for yourself.

2. It has an electronic view finder. Some are good. some are bad. some people like them. some don't. GO TO A STORE and decide if you like it. It isn't like looking through glass.

3. If the price is too good to be true ....

4. Some stores with cheap prices will try to sell you over priced accessories or extended warranties, etc... If you don't buy them the camera is magically out of stock. I don't know anything about the store you mentioned and am not saying anything about them.

5. A big zoom is nice but it can be hard to hold steady, especially in dim light. Try the camera in a store (hopefully one that isn't brightly lit) zoom in on something far away. Is it steady? Take a picture - view the picture on the lcd (zoom in). How does it look?

this camera does not have manual focus.

Todd S said:

Sean,

1. These camera's are very complicated and sometimes the reviews
makes mistakes with some of the features. You should go to a store
that has the camera and play with it. See if it has manual focus
for yourself.

2. It has an electronic view finder. Some are good. some are bad.
some people like them. some don't. GO TO A STORE and decide if you
like it. It isn't like looking through glass.

3. If the price is too good to be true ....

4. Some stores with cheap prices will try to sell you over priced
accessories or extended warranties, etc... If you don't buy them
the camera is magically out of stock. I don't know anything about
the store you mentioned and am not saying anything about them.

5. A big zoom is nice but it can be hard to hold steady, especially
in dim light. Try the camera in a store (hopefully one that isn't
brightly lit) zoom in on something far away. Is it steady? Take a
picture - view the picture on the lcd (zoom in). How does it look?

Click to expand...

Hi Sean,

I just purchased my C-720 for even less. I found it for $438 and Buydig.com. It arrived ahead of schedule, and brand new in the factory sealed box....just as promised. I haven't had lots of time with it yet, but I'm heading in the direction of loving it. Sure beats my D-460 for image quality.

Nita

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

Sean,

Today I have made several photos with C700 and C720 in ComUSA. It was very simple test. The C720 showed significantly more artifacts and shade noise. I am very disappointed because was thinking to replace my C700 with 3mP C720 after all these good reviews. Both C720 and C700 showed very significant purple fringing. I also tested simple Fuji 2800 with X6 zoom. To my surprise it did show very low shade noise, no blue/purple fringing and very sharp, clean picture. I have to repeat the test to make a sure conclusion. You can take your memory card and run a similar test in your local photo store. I would like to know sombody else test results. Fuji 2800 has very good review by Megapixel. I would go for 2800 but it is not very pockatable. However, non-of the above is portable.
Leo

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

There is far less noise in the 720 pics compared to the 700. Others on this forum has commented the samething.

Leo said:

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

--

Click to expand...

--
Proud owner: C-720UZ, IS2_DLX SLR, G40 Flash, B-300 1.7x telephoto lens

The only suggestion I would like to offer is to not get the 700 over the 720. After comparing the two I felt like the 720 was the upgrade to the 700. And although the zoom is slightly shorter than the 700, the 720 gets another megapixel. Personally I don't think losing 2X in the zoom is all that bad. The 720 still has a really good zoom on it, and it will be nice to have that 3 Megapixel. I've been working with the 10X zoom on my UZI and only on rare occasions have I used the zoom to its extent, so I don't think you'll miss out on anything.

Brian
http://www.pbase.com/locke0

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

Beware of super low prices. Check the seller at http://www.resellerratings.com/

Some other ratings are based on amount of money spent with the rater.

Buydig is a reputable firm. I have bought a camera from them with no problems.

If you don't plan to print larger than 8 x 10s, the 700 is a better deal. Megapixels are not everything. If you want an ideal but larger camera, try to find a 2100UZ which has image stabilization. Wonderful camera.

Why not buy locally, even if the price is higher, from a store with a good return policy? There are many good cameras available, but it comes down to personal preference and the willingness to work around problems. This advice would pertain to ALL digital cameras, no matter the price or brand. It takes a bit of work to get the best out of any of them. For instance the Canon G2 takes fabulous pictures, but just try to get a picture of a moving child - you have to be a miracle worker. Actually, I've found the onboard flash on the C720 to be very good. On many digital cameras, this feature has been useless. People have had to buy a flash for their hotshoe attachment or not take flash pictures.

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

MInsero said:

There is far less noise in the 720 pics compared to the 700.
Others on this forum has commented the samething.

Click to expand...

Far FAR less.

Don't expect to crop the picture and still get a good 8 x 10 .

Juli Valley said:

If you don't plan to print larger than 8 x 10s, the 700 is a better
deal. Megapixels are not everything. If you want an ideal but
larger camera, try to find a 2100UZ which has image stabilization.
Wonderful camera.

Click to expand...

--
Proud owner: C-720UZ, IS2_DLX SLR, G40 Flash, B-300 1.7x telephoto lens

Leo,

Thanks.. I've also read good things about Fuji2800 but it has only 6X zoom and ISO can be set to only 100 (C-720 has adjustments for 100, 200, 400); does it matter? I think yes, because in di light I'll be better off with ISO-400 setting...

Ultimately, picture quality matters and that is why, it is surprising that everything being equal, Fuji 2800 with 2mp gave better results than C-720 with 3 mp. I need to check it out.

Sean

Leo said:

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

--

Click to expand...

From all accounts it's a great camera and a bargain but rather on the basic side as far as manual functions go and none too clever either in low light - read the Fuji forum..

I have to admit that if I was after getting a less than 10X compact zoom camera, Personally I'd give the 720 a miss, forget the size worries and think about a secondhand Sony F505V (probably THE best allround 2.X MP camera ever) or end of line Fuji 6900 (or even 4900!)..

When they combine the 700s zoom and functionality with the 720s CCD and cure the problems, Oly will have a sure fire winner.. This doesn't stop them being GOOD cameras, I've seen great shots with both, but if it was MY money on the line, I'd be seriously thinking SOMETHING Fuji ..

Shame the Uzi is too big for you, you just might be able to pick one up in the USA before they've all gone

--
Olympus E10 / WCON, E100RS, Nikon E950, E900.

Leo's took comparison pictures inside CompUSA! Are you really going to buy a camera that may give you the best picture under Fluorescent lighting or a camera that gives you the best picture in ALL types of lighting?

Sean Comar said:

Thanks.. I've also read good things about Fuji2800 but it has only
6X zoom and ISO can be set to only 100 (C-720 has adjustments for
100, 200, 400); does it matter? I think yes, because in di light
I'll be better off with ISO-400 setting...

Ultimately, picture quality matters and that is why, it is
surprising that everything being equal, Fuji 2800 with 2mp gave
better results than C-720 with 3 mp. I need to check it out.

Sean

Leo said:

Sean Comar said:

Hi folks,

This will be my first digital camera and I will use it for indoor
family and outdoor nature photography. That is why zoom is
important.
I am leaning towards the purchase of C-720 camera primarily because
of zoom, compact size but am still concerned on the following:

1. Writers in this forum have mentioned that there is no manual
focus control on C-720
but the review secion of this website mentions that C-720 has Mnual
focus control.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?cameras=oly_c720uz&method=sidebyside

2. External flash and sound are not important but are extra 1 mega
pixel better than 10X zoom of C-700?

3. Is this camera really bad in its class as far as noise and CA
concerned?

4. What is the story on price? The following site is selling it for
$469 with the claim
"All items we carry are brand new, factory sealed, and comes
complete with a USA manufacturers warranty."

http://www.centraldigital.com/cen.cfm?fuseaction=cen.proPage&product_id=1320&com=8
The are rated five stars on

http://www.dealtime.com/CompareDeals/DoItem/1,2642,7185-3-1-1-20247066-1,00.html?GSID= {92FC8102-DAFF-4E81-BDA0-F7BE29C082AE}

But how can these folks sell at $469 when other stores are
typically selling it for $599?

Thanks in advance.
Sean

Click to expand...

--

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Proud owner: C-720UZ, IS2_DLX SLR, G40 Flash, B-300 1.7x telephoto lens

I personally would not buy a camera that has no manual focus. I would not provide support to Olympus or any camera manufacturer that would skimp on something as basic as manual focus. I played around with the dispaly model at a Circuit City, and had a lot of problems focusing on various objects in that lighting and setting.

Robert
Oly C-4040Z, Oly C-2100UZ, Tiffen Megaplus 2X

If you take a photo of the same thing from the same spot with the 720 at full zoom and the UZI at full zoom the 720 will bring it in closer due to the extra MP....... )

B C said:

B C wrote:
And although the zoom is slightly shorter than
the 700, the 720 gets another megapixel. Personally I don't think
losing 2X in the zoom is all that bad.

Click to expand...

--
MSGT JIMMIE BURTON (USAF RETIRED)
Oly 2100UZ, B300, TCON14, A200, C-180, C-210
Oly D-150, Epson 750Z & Many step rings.... )