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Product Reviews:
Olympus C-7070, May 7, 2005
Reviewer: D. Childress
This camera was a new model just released when I purchased it. I was after
the C-5060 but to was able to get the 7.1 megapixel camera with the even
sharper pictures for just a couple of bucks more. Olympus makes quality
cameras, though they tend to always be changing models, and this new model
is definitely that. There is a bit of a learning curve to properly use
this camera, but once done it is quite simple to get high quality shots
all the time, inside or outside, night or day, sunny or cloudy. The wide
angle zoom is very nice, however to really get wide angle landscape or
inside group photos you need to get the .45 wide angle lens attachment.
Also the 3.0 telephoto attachment, too while you're at it. It is not
necessary to buy these attachments and adapter at Olympus. Check J&R Photo
and 47th Street Photo on the web for high quality lenses at a fraction of
the Olympus price. 1st rate quality and professional help, if needed.
Also, the 32 megabyte Xd picture card will hold only a very few shots with
any kind of printable resolution so get at least a 512 megabyte card that
will allow you some shots before you fill it up. 512 mb cards can be found
with a bit of shopping for 1/3 the Olympus price. All in all this is a
very quality mid-range camera that should be suitable for most enthusiasts
and those who prefer easy to get quality photos.
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very good, but a couple of significant drawbacks, September 1, 2005
Reviewer: Lydia "Lydia"
Purchased this camera early this summer and, in general, found it an
excellent value for the $380.
1. Good super macro capability at 1.5", although not good enough for much
outdoor photography. My older Sony DSC F828 got closer. I also read that
the forthcoming Fuji Finepix F9000 has a minimum distance of .5".
2. The macro/super macro switching is a time consumer, especially when
trying to photograph a moving insect.
3. The options and the aperture/shutter priority options are very helpful.
4. The battery life is excellent.
5. Movie mode has better resolution and longer clips than many.
The problems:
1. The lens cap is extremely annoying, as it not only falls off easily,
but it only fits when the camera is turned off and the lens retracted.
Makes it more difficult when one wants to move around the woods without
turning the thing on and off every half minute. Strongly advise buying the
sky filter with the camera to protect the lens. This is the biggest reason
that I wouldn't purchase another one.
2. Again, the super macro/macro switiching is a bit time consuming.
3. The optical viewfinder is almost useless, providing only about 70% of
the picture.
4. The advance shooting info is on CD. Can't pack it with you when
shooting.
5. Many options, but confusing menu screens can take a while to learn.
Otherwise, it's a very good value.
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Probably the best "prosumer" camera currently, October 8, 2005
Reviewer: Kenneth Cobb
Pros:
-- Wonderful image quality, especially with RAW mode. Photoshop Camera Raw
plugin 3.1 will read it (yeah!).
-- Wide range of image size and compression options.
-- Very good wide angle lens, great for travel, landscapes. The overall
range from wide to portrait is ideal for "street" use.
-- Excellent macro mode.
-- Very low noise for this kind of camera, ISO 400 is actually usable!
-- Solidly built. While not attractive, it looks very purposeful and
serious -- which it is.
-- A nice complement of direct use buttons with command dial. Keeps you
out of the menus for most things.
-- Supports both CF and xD cards.
-- Long battery life - about 450 shots.
-- Unique swivel on the color LCD, works great.
Cons:
-- Slow! This is the main thing you give up vs a DSLR. Raw shots take 7
seconds (!!!!) to save. Image review is fairly slow and tedious.
-- Autofocus does not work well in low light. You end up doing lots of
manual focus, which is not ideal on this kind of camera.
-- Menus are a bit clunky, take a while to get used to. I have to admit I
like the Canon approach better.
-- Panorama mode only works with xD cards.
-- Lens cap pops off when you turn it on. Kind of humorous, actually.
Conclusion:
In the level of "prosumer" cameras (right below entry DSLRs), this is
probably the one to get if you're looking for an ideal travel or "walking
around" camera (but not if you primarily need telephoto/image
stabilization). Excellent image quality with great detail. About as
feature-packed a camera as you'll find.
If you want DSLR-level images but are not quite ready to make the jump (or
can't afford to), or if you want a serious backup camera, this is the one.
4 stars (-1 for slow speed)
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