C-2100uz and C-700uz with image stabilization ?!

[Ronald40605]

I have been to CeBIT yesterday and looked for the C-700uz at the Olympus stand. Since I just bought a C-2100uz (very satisfied!) I wondered about the differences between the two cameras. This is what the Olympus guy said:

1) The 2100 uses optical, the 700 uses electronic image stabilization.

2) Both have the same optics, except for the image stabilization section.

Is this true?

Maybe it is. I noticed that my 2100 continuously makes a little noise. This is probably the optical (mechanical) section which "fights back" by moving some lenses when I move the camera. I am pretty impressed that this gives so good results in image quality. Since a 10x zoom does not make much sense without image stabilization, Olympus designed the 700 which does this electronically by shifting pixels or whatever. Without the extra lenses the camera can be smaller and the extending lens becomes feasable.

Ronald

 

[misha]

I have been to CeBIT yesterday and looked for the C-700uz at the
Olympus stand. Since I just bought a C-2100uz (very satisfied!) I
wondered about the differences between the two cameras. This is
what the Olympus guy said:

1) The 2100 uses optical, the 700 uses electronic image stabilization.

2) Both have the same optics, except for the image stabilization
section.

Is this true?

Maybe it is. I noticed that my 2100 continuously makes a little
noise. This is probably the optical (mechanical) section which
"fights back" by moving some lenses when I move the camera. I am
pretty impressed that this gives so good results in image quality.
Since a 10x zoom does not make much sense without image
stabilization, Olympus designed the 700 which does this
electronically by shifting pixels or whatever. Without the extra
lenses the camera can be smaller and the extending lens becomes
feasable.

From camcorder experience electronic image stabilization is no comparison to optical - unless the camcorder uses a higher resolution sensor than needed for video - e.g. some JVC camcorders use a 680k pixel CCD while effectively using only 400k, the rest being used to move image about the CCD to offset shake. Since the C700 has the same CCD as the 2100, I have doubts about the effectiveness of electronic IS.

Misha

 

[Ronald40605]

Since the
C700 has the same CCD as the 2100, I have doubts about the
effectiveness of electronic IS.

Misha

The Olympus guy also stated that optical image stabilization is better. I should have taken a few photos with the C-700uz to test it and to make sure. Unfortunately, I did not have a SmartMedia card with me.

Well - I hope to preserve the feeling that I bought the right camera as long as possible...

Ronald

 

[Dave Knadler]

I've been wondering what in the hell Olympus was thinking of, offering 10x zoom in a camera that could blow away in a high wind. I guess that explains it. I remain skeptical, but Olympus' engineers aren't dummies. If they think it'll work with ham-handed consumers, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. (Of course, I won't actually buy the camera...)

The Olympus guy also stated that optical image stabilization is
better. I should have taken a few photos with the C-700uz to test
it and to make sure. Unfortunately, I did not have a SmartMedia
card with me.

Well - I hope to preserve the feeling that I bought the right
camera as long as possible...

Ronald

 

[John McElwee]

I've been wondering what in the hell Olympus was thinking of,
offering 10x zoom in a camera that could blow away in a high wind.
I guess that explains it. I remain skeptical, but Olympus'
engineers aren't dummies. If they think it'll work with ham-handed
consumers, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. (Of
course, I won't actually buy the camera...)

When was the last time you saw a ham-handed Japanese person?

The Japanese really like to make things teeny tiny.

 

[Rich in NEPA28469]

Misha, I believe the C2100uz uses a 1/1.8" CCD and the C700uz will have a 1/2.7" CCD. Someone also mentioned that the lens system is the same on the two cameras. This seems highly unlikely to me. Can you confirm?

Rich~~

misha wrote:
From camcorder experience electronic image stabilization is no
comparison to optical - unless the camcorder uses a higher
resolution sensor than needed for video - e.g. some JVC camcorders
use a 680k pixel CCD while effectively using only 400k, the rest
being used to move image about the CCD to offset shake. Since the
C700 has the same CCD as the 2100, I have doubts about the
effectiveness of electronic IS.

Misha

 

[Rich in NEPA28469]

Upon further investigation it seems the C700uz does NOT have the same lens system as the C2100uz — 10 elements in 7 groups versus 13 elements in 10 groups, respectively. I'm curious if the simpler lens will have better performance. Also, will the EVF be improved???? I'd glady give up the LCD if the EVF had enough resolution to accurately determine manual focus with it!

Rich~~

Rich~~

misha wrote:
From camcorder experience electronic image stabilization is no
comparison to optical - unless the camcorder uses a higher
resolution sensor than needed for video - e.g. some JVC camcorders
use a 680k pixel CCD while effectively using only 400k, the rest
being used to move image about the CCD to offset shake. Since the
C700 has the same CCD as the 2100, I have doubts about the
effectiveness of electronic IS.

Misha

 

[Mikio Kambara]

Oly Japan's web site has no mention of IS in C-700.

Kumio Yamada quotes (from Oly' press conf.)

"(Oly) thinks higher shutter speed by 2 steps gives the similar IS effect as the IS mechanism provides".
Hence, ISO 800 setting.

Maybe the Oly guy meant "electronic image stabilization" as electronically enhansed blur reduction=fast shatter.

Another thing I would like to point out is C-700's 1/2.7" CCD, though it's relatively inexpensive, is notorious for its noise. C2100's 1/1.8" CCD is much superior.

Mikio Kambara

I have been to CeBIT yesterday and looked for the C-700uz at the
Olympus stand. Since I just bought a C-2100uz (very satisfied!) I
wondered about the differences between the two cameras. This is
what the Olympus guy said:

1) The 2100 uses optical, the 700 uses electronic image stabilization.

2) Both have the same optics, except for the image stabilization
section.

Is this true?

Maybe it is. I noticed that my 2100 continuously makes a little
noise. This is probably the optical (mechanical) section which
"fights back" by moving some lenses when I move the camera. I am
pretty impressed that this gives so good results in image quality.
Since a 10x zoom does not make much sense without image
stabilization, Olympus designed the 700 which does this
electronically by shifting pixels or whatever. Without the extra
lenses the camera can be smaller and the extending lens becomes
feasable.

Ronald

 

[Mikio Kambara]

Oly Japan's web site has no mention of IS in C-700.

Kumio Yamada quotes (from Oly' press conf.)
"(Oly) thinks higher shutter speed by 2 steps gives the similar IS
effect as the IS mechanism provides".
Hence, ISO 800 setting.

Maybe the Oly guy meant "electronic image stabilization" as
electronically enhansed blur reduction=fast shatter.

Sorry, I meant "fast shutter". Japanese sometimes can't distinguish "u" and "a". They sound the same.

Another thing I would like to point out is C-700's 1/2.7" CCD,
though it's relatively inexpensive, is notorious for its noise.
C2100's 1/1.8" CCD is much superior.

Mikio Kambara

 

[Tim17466]

Oly Japan's web site has no mention of IS in C-700.

Kumio Yamada quotes (from Oly' press conf.)
"(Oly) thinks higher shutter speed by 2 steps gives the similar IS
effect as the IS mechanism provides".
Hence, ISO 800 setting.

Maybe the Oly guy meant "electronic image stabilization" as
electronically enhansed blur reduction=fast shatter.

Tim wrote:

Interesting...a Fast Shutter mode posing as "Electronic Image Stabilization"? If so, maybe Canon should hire Olympus' marketing guys...

Another thing I would like to point out is C-700's 1/2.7" CCD,
though it's relatively inexpensive, is notorious for its noise.
C2100's 1/1.8" CCD is much superior.

Mikio Kambara

I have been to CeBIT yesterday and looked for the C-700uz at the
Olympus stand. Since I just bought a C-2100uz (very satisfied!) I
wondered about the differences between the two cameras. This is
what the Olympus guy said:

1) The 2100 uses optical, the 700 uses electronic image stabilization.

2) Both have the same optics, except for the image stabilization
section.

Is this true?

Maybe it is. I noticed that my 2100 continuously makes a little
noise. This is probably the optical (mechanical) section which
"fights back" by moving some lenses when I move the camera. I am
pretty impressed that this gives so good results in image quality.
Since a 10x zoom does not make much sense without image
stabilization, Olympus designed the 700 which does this
electronically by shifting pixels or whatever. Without the extra
lenses the camera can be smaller and the extending lens becomes
feasable.

Ronald

 

[Daniel41266]

Oly Japan's web site has no mention of IS in C-700.

Kumio Yamada quotes (from Oly' press conf.)
"(Oly) thinks higher shutter speed by 2 steps gives the similar IS
effect as the IS mechanism provides".
Hence, ISO 800 setting.

Maybe the Oly guy meant "electronic image stabilization" as
electronically enhansed blur reduction=fast shatter.

Tim wrote:
Interesting...a Fast Shutter mode posing as "Electronic Image
Stabilization"? If so, maybe Canon should hire Olympus' marketing
guys...

Daniel wrote :

Fast Shutter - will avoid shutter vibration but only useful for short distance with daytime, for the long distance zoom in and night time that is no meaning right ?

Electronic I.S. - is a image modification system and it will active during image storage but haven't list out on O'ly specification.

Another thing I would like to point out is C-700's 1/2.7" CCD,
though it's relatively inexpensive, is notorious for its noise.
C2100's 1/1.8" CCD is much superior.

Mikio Kambara

I have been to CeBIT yesterday and looked for the C-700uz at the
Olympus stand. Since I just bought a C-2100uz (very satisfied!) I
wondered about the differences between the two cameras. This is
what the Olympus guy said:

1) The 2100 uses optical, the 700 uses electronic image stabilization.

2) Both have the same optics, except for the image stabilization
section.

Is this true?

Maybe it is. I noticed that my 2100 continuously makes a little
noise. This is probably the optical (mechanical) section which
"fights back" by moving some lenses when I move the camera. I am
pretty impressed that this gives so good results in image quality.
Since a 10x zoom does not make much sense without image
stabilization, Olympus designed the 700 which does this
electronically by shifting pixels or whatever. Without the extra
lenses the camera can be smaller and the extending lens becomes
feasable.

Ronald

 

[John R.]

Since the
C700 has the same CCD as the 2100, I have doubts about the
effectiveness of electronic IS.

Misha

The Olympus guy also stated that optical image stabilization is
better. I should have taken a few photos with the C-700uz to test
it and to make sure. Unfortunately, I did not have a SmartMedia
card with me.

Well - I hope to preserve the feeling that I bought the right
camera as long as possible...

Ronald

John wrote:

Ron, don't worrly about "the right camera as long as possible"--as my wife said when I put the new C2100 down in front of her, "It's about time you bought a real camera". (I had sold my DC4800 to a friend).

The mere external appearance of the 2100 compared to the new C700 will affect any lookers the same way. Just ask any wedding photogs and they will tell you that an SLR appearance is the key to charging the high prices.

Clearly the CCD and lens system of the 2100 are superior to the C700 and with the great performance and the impressive appearance of the 2100, you made the right choice. No matter how good a point and shoot performs (this is what the DC4800 looks like), others will be unimpressed.