(unknown member)
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Veteran Member
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Posts: 6,192
Re: Whither Olympus SP-100
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In images posted and in some reviews there seemed to be more than usual mushing of distant foliage (Edit: more specifically the outline of trees had a hard defined edge where the image processing is giving up and guessing what is there) which was even noticeable at normal sizes. I always think this is the best test of any camera and I very much got the impression that this camera had a bit more built in atmospheric haze than was desirable.
It was a pity as the specifications of the camera were excellent but as you say it has never has gained much mention apart from the red dot sight.
I ended up with a Panasonic FZ72 which itself has never been a great favourite on its forum but it is cheap and cheerful and goes from 20mm field of view to 1200mm a lot faster and cheaper than my m43 kit can. Not a one for 100% viewing though.
The problem is 12mp still seems even after all this time to be the edge of the pixel packing cliff for 1/2.3" sensors so any 16mp one is on a hiding for nothing from the start especially on a super zoom where the lens is probably not up to this resolution anyhow especially at full stretch.
Michael Meissner wrote:
I was browsing around and I noticed the SP-100 seems to have disappeared. B&H says that it is discontinued. Adorama only has the bag for sale. Olympus USA still lists it, but it is out of stock. Only one seller (MIcrocenter) from Amazon is selling a new version with warranty.
Now, while I do like long zoom bridge cameras, it just never gelled with me, as I can get equivalent resolution with my E-M5 (using the 70-300mm and the x2 digital zoom). And frankly, the 600mm I can get with my Stylus-1 is usually good enough except for special circumstances.
I don't recall many users of it stopping by in this forum. I wonder if Olympus had much luck in selling it.