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Tracy RS

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I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z, the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly, so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price, so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let me know.
Thanks
 
Tracy,

I too am in a similar situation to you, trying to decide which camera to get.

After trying out the Canon G1, Nikon 990, Olympus 2100UZ & 3030, I can say that each camera has its own benefits and weaknesses. I didn't like the Nikon's operation, the Canon was good, but after playing with the 2100UZ and experiencing what can be done with that zoom I was taken!

I'm personally waiting for Canon to announce their new camera with their 10x stabilized zoom (as used by Olympus on their 2100UZ), which will hopefully have a 3.3MP resolution, the Lithium-Ion battery, better LCD, CompactFlash, etc.

I would also say to forget the Olympus E-100, since the 2100UZ seemed quite fast to me when I tried it out. The lower resolution isn't worth it I reckon, especially with the new 5MP's coming out in the next 6 months. They might be an overkill, but 3.3MP should be the "sweet-spot" for both quality, file size and print resolution.

If you cannot wait, get the 2100UZ. You will not regret it. It's simply a fun camera to use. The 3030 & 3040 obviously produce better results, but I've never been a fan of small zooms, so for my money it's always best to have more focal length up my sleeve to capture those special shots.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.

Kind Regards,
Michael
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
 
No-one has reviewed the C3040 yet. The new lens on it is faster but it remains to be seen if it improved chromic aberations. Since Olympus is the only one making the headlines at this time, they are the ones drawing the most attention.

1. Fuji in the S1, has the best sensor available today. But they have not used it in a consumer grade camera yet, which is a big disappointment.

$3500 is just too much to pay---- plus lens. Now if they used that sensor in a consumer price range digicam, that would be a killer. Poor marketing on their part not to have done this yet.

2. I had hoped someone would bridge the gap with a digital camcorder by now. Sony's new Pc110 with the 1 megapixel sensor is still no good for digital stills compared to even the most inexpensive digicam.

I looked at everything available at this time and ended up with the C2100.

Its ok for the web and general photos around the home etc...Sports events... The optical stabilizer really does work, even at full 27 power digital zoom. And the price is right. It will do just fine for now. But there are not even any rumors about any new cameras at this time. As usual, in a couple of months something new will crop up that everyone just cant be without :-)
 
Trace

The 2100UZ would be right up your alley of requirements.

You did mention you want to shoot some action.

It's by far the most responsive camera I have come across in a consumer model.

The 10x zoom is fun!
 
Seems to be a trend here. I opted for the 2100 also as the best combo available. It really IS fun to use. I agree that 3MP canon with microdrive, their battery and the 10x would have probably got me but it isn't here is it?
I am really pleased with the results from the Olympus.
Phillip
Michael Hando said:
I too am in a similar situation to you, trying to decide which
camera to get.

After trying out the Canon G1, Nikon 990, Olympus 2100UZ & 3030, I
can say that each camera has its own benefits and weaknesses. I
didn't like the Nikon's operation, the Canon was good, but after
playing with the 2100UZ and experiencing what can be done with that
zoom I was taken!

I'm personally waiting for Canon to announce their new camera with
their 10x stabilized zoom (as used by Olympus on their 2100UZ),
which will hopefully have a 3.3MP resolution, the Lithium-Ion
battery, better LCD, CompactFlash, etc.

I would also say to forget the Olympus E-100, since the 2100UZ
seemed quite fast to me when I tried it out. The lower resolution
isn't worth it I reckon, especially with the new 5MP's coming out
in the next 6 months. They might be an overkill, but 3.3MP should
be the "sweet-spot" for both quality, file size and print
resolution.

If you cannot wait, get the 2100UZ. You will not regret it. It's
simply a fun camera to use. The 3030 & 3040 obviously produce
better results, but I've never been a fan of small zooms, so for my
money it's always best to have more focal length up my sleeve to
capture those special shots.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.

Kind Regards,
Michael
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Definitely a C3040 if you can get one! Be wary of camera's with 10x zooms, as they tend to be egronomically bulky. Also, 95% of photography in general is in the 35-105mm focal length range. So unless sports dominates your picture taking, you'll be more pleased with a more compact, out of the way camera IMO.

Happy trails....Barry
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I'd like to respond to Barrys comment. First, do you want a camera that's egronomically bulk, but takes great photos? A camera with a 10x lens isn't going to be egronomically perfect. Second, "95% of the general photography taken is 35-105mm", thats because these people don't have the 10x lens. I have the 2100 and think it takes great shots at the beach, gardens, zoos, etc. here in Florida. I'd say 50% of the photos I take are at full 10x zoom. I you have it, you'll use it, there's no better way to take photos of animals/birds, far off landscapes, etc. I'd say be wary of cameras with short or no zooms. You'll be more pleased with a camera that can do more for you, rather than being compact, just my feelings. I had a smaller digital camera before getting the 2100, as well as used a few others, and the 2100 is the largest, but it is also the most complete camera.

Dave
Barry Carter said:
Happy trails....Barry
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Tracey -

There's a lot of pressure on you here for the 2100, and in many respects quite rightly so. It is an excellent camera and I don't think there is ANYTHING to equal that big stabilised zoom - but it does depend on whether you TRULY need to have that. Once got, I guess it is used more, but you've just got to be firm of mind as to whether you do NEED , really NEED it or whether the ordinary zoom range with a more portable camera would really fit the bill better. As a 'lady' photographer, carrying a bigger camera is surely something to be considered. My own photography is very much tuned to quick-shots as and when they come and whilst I have been sorely tempted by the 2100 the fact is that I just do not want to, or could I get, half the shots I do if I had to carry it about all bagged up and also put up with the extra weight etc.

No, I do think the 3030 is not to be discounted. You MUST set it up properly but then it is very very much a mini-wizard with the capability of getting a super pic in virtually any conditions and at-a-stroke because it is ALWAYS handy - just switch-on, compose, focus and shoot. In 3 seconds flat you've got a shot to be proud of. Value for price is A1 .. and it's a 3Meg type so you're up-to-date for some time. The 3040 is unlikely to be generally out for some months I think and as I hear it so far, the f1.8 lens is about the only noticeable change. I don't think that is going to be a massive change - it's ony a 1/2 stop better. The 3030 dropped a 1/2 stop on the previous 2020 but it doesn't hardly show in use.

Eric
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I agree with Dave. I have been using 35mm SLR equipment for about 25 years. There are millions of people who have used 35mm that would think that the 2100 (or the E-100RS that I have) are tiny. I also have a Nikon 990, which I intend to keep. The extra size and the ability to hold the lens barrel make it more steady than the 990 (or a 3030). This is with the image stabilization off. With it on, it is very steady. If you shoot nature in lower light, it will be great. There are many times this summer that I wish I had the E-100RS instead of the 990. It really depends on what you want to photograph. If it is animals, even in zoos, or sports, then the 2100 or E-100 would be great. If it is landscapes, beach scenes or museums while on vacation, then the smaller size of a 3030 or Nikon 880 would be an advantage. The 990 is somewhat larger that the 3030, but it is an excellent camera. The macro is the best, the swivel is great for candid or low level shots and both the auto mode and the manual work very well. I think most any Olympus or Nikon camera cannot be a bad decision.
Dave said:
Dave
Barry Carter said:
Happy trails....Barry
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I understand your dilemma well, as I had to go through a similar "soul searching process ! To make a long story short, after considering Coolpix 990 and other similar cameras (canon, fuji, sony, etc.) I finally opted for the 2100uz. I HAVE NOT BEEN DISAPPOINTED ! Although all cameras I mentioned are excellent, I found that 2100 does a very good job under a variety of even difficult scene conditions. Most important, even though I was not all set on a 10:1 zoom capability, having seen what it can do (when you most need it) I would not be without one now and the slight increase in "bulkiness" I did not find objectionable. On the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised at how light and comfortable to handle the camera really was ! One more thing deserves a comment. Even though it is "only" a 2.1 mp camera, the sharpness, resolution etc. is certainly comparable to 3.3 mp cameras ! Recently, I made a full page print (8.5x11 inches) , and it was for all practical purposes similar in quality to what I get with my old Pentax film camera.

Finally, what I like in particular was the fact that it comes with a decent set of NiMH batteries (1600 mah) and a charger, that charges these in about 3.5 hours ! An excellent buy - even if I had not decided previously on the 2100 , having used it there is no doubt I would make the same choice, now that I know more about it. Incidentally, have you read Phil Askey's and reviews of this camera ? Well worth reading !!! Good luck in your decision ....
Splashmktg said:
Michael Hando said:
Tracy,
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
muzik said:
muzik said:
I too am in a similar situation to you, trying to decide which
camera to get.

After trying out the Canon G1, Nikon 990, Olympus 2100UZ & 3030, I
can say that each camera has its own benefits and weaknesses. I
didn't like the Nikon's operation, the Canon was good, but after
playing with the 2100UZ and experiencing what can be done with that
zoom I was taken!

I'm personally waiting for Canon to announce their new camera with
their 10x stabilized zoom (as used by Olympus on their 2100UZ),
which will hopefully have a 3.3MP resolution, the Lithium-Ion
battery, better LCD, CompactFlash, etc.

I would also say to forget the Olympus E-100, since the 2100UZ
seemed quite fast to me when I tried it out. The lower resolution
isn't worth it I reckon, especially with the new 5MP's coming out
in the next 6 months. They might be an overkill, but 3.3MP should
be the "sweet-spot" for both quality, file size and print
resolution.

If you cannot wait, get the 2100UZ. You will not regret it. It's
simply a fun camera to use. The 3030 & 3040 obviously produce
better results, but I've never been a fan of small zooms, so for my
money it's always best to have more focal length up my sleeve to
capture those special shots.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.

Kind Regards,
Michael
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Frank Anderson said:
Splashmktg said:
Michael Hando said:
Tracy,
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Member said:
Member said:
I too am in a similar situation to you, trying to decide which
camera to get.

After trying out the Canon G1, Nikon 990, Olympus 2100UZ & 3030, I
can say that each camera has its own benefits and weaknesses. I
didn't like the Nikon's operation, the Canon was good, but after
playing with the 2100UZ and experiencing what can be done with that
zoom I was taken!

I'm personally waiting for Canon to announce their new camera with
their 10x stabilized zoom (as used by Olympus on their 2100UZ),
which will hopefully have a 3.3MP resolution, the Lithium-Ion
battery, better LCD, CompactFlash, etc.

I would also say to forget the Olympus E-100, since the 2100UZ
seemed quite fast to me when I tried it out. The lower resolution
isn't worth it I reckon, especially with the new 5MP's coming out
in the next 6 months. They might be an overkill, but 3.3MP should
be the "sweet-spot" for both quality, file size and print
resolution.

If you cannot wait, get the 2100UZ. You will not regret it. It's
simply a fun camera to use. The 3030 & 3040 obviously produce
better results, but I've never been a fan of small zooms, so for my
money it's always best to have more focal length up my sleeve to
capture those special shots.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.

Kind Regards,
Michael
Tracy Schultz said:
I would appreciate anyone who can assist me in the purchase of a
digital camera. After some lengthy internet searching I have
narrowed my choices down to the Olympus 2100uz, the Olympus 3030z,
the Olympus 3040z or the Olympus E-100. I've pretty much
eliminated the Cannon G-1 and the Nikon 990 as the Olympus brand
seems to be better. I am a novice camera user, but learn quickly,
so complex settings do not frighten me away. I will be using the
camera for multiple environments; such as shooting a few scenes in
and around the house, the dogs at the beach and taking it to a few
sporting events such as Sharks hockey games and seeing what I
get...quality and flexibility is more important to me than price,
so I will be looking forward to any and all suggestions. I will use
the pictures for net display and printing hard copies of the better
ones. Also, if something is on the horizon that will be
significantly better, that you think I should wait for, please let
me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
i'm following the discussion re:Camera Decision with great interest.Olympus E-10 is still my No. 1 choice. Is the Olympus 3030 or 3040 that so close in quality compared to E-10?? How about the auto-focus? I heard that the E-10 is miserable in that. I'd like to know more about this operation. Many thanks, Moses
 
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