Olympus Stylus 1030SW or Sealife SL321 Ecoshot or ??? So which camera should I choose?
367962
I like everything about the Olympus except the XD card, I have close to a dozen SD cards already and a couple of readers. I expect that in a year or two Olympus will drop the XD card and go to the more common SD. I will be the first to buy that generation of this camera. I decided on going with a clone of the Sealife (Vivitar Vivicam 6200w) for now. It is significantly cheaper and shares all the same specifications, except the ability to link with an external flash. Which is pointless in this range of camera ...if you are going to be lugging that stuff around anyway you might as well step up to at least the Sealife DC800 or the DX-1G by Sea&Sea
978672
I chose the Olympus 25 mm over the LUMIX 20 mm because of focal length, just a little more flexibility, and price. Difference in speed was inconsequential.
231215
If they're the same price then get the T5i. It has a couple of new features. The T4i has been discontinued so is no longer subject to Canon's pricing policies.
444702
I've used the A620 underwater with the Canon housing, and it was absolutely awesome. It has an underwater setting that helps to filter out the excess blues that you would otherwise get. If you're going to be snorekling, make sure you use the video feature, it takes great underwater movies! Have a great trip!
880579
I bought my Olympus to take on vacation.....it works great indoors and out! It's easy to use and takes great pics (with or without flash).
658929
Thank You so much for taking the time to post! In fact, I ended up with the Lumix ZS3 and have found it to be pretty quick. There is also a Burst mode which is quite good and works well as long as you have plenty of light, daylight is best. Now, I'll have to explore the 4/3 cameras too - just for fun.
1253049
I have been using the G1X (the orginal G1X, not the MkII) underwater since it was released. I use the Canon WP-DC housing for it, which are pretty compact and give you a full range of controls underwater. I have been very happy with the results. You can check them out on my Flickr page: flickr.com/photos/bluewavechris . The image quality is better than my previous G series cameras underwater, due to the larger sensor. Not quite as good as my DSLR quality underwater, but that is understandable due to lens quality/glass size more than anything else. The G1X gives me excellent images without the bulk of a DSLR housing in the water.
1736084
I would get the Nikon Coolpix L120. By far the best choice out there, and it's affordable!
1726682
"Falling apart" is rather vague but I'm on my third "130", the first eventually two developing lens problems - not opening up fully, not zooming out fully. This is what happens when one uses a camera a lot in the outdoors, especially with fine dust and salt air (I live on the CA coast) being almost constant factors. But I have liked this camera so much - with its two AA battery set-up - that I have ordered, through Amazon, two "like new" replacements (both in the $75-$100 range, about the same cost, or less even, as a cleaning/repair these days). You could buy one of the newer models in this series as I believe a "150" and a "170" came out more recently. You could look at the specs to see any differences - no doubt the newer models have more megapixel at the highest setting, like maybe 16mp instead of max of 12mp with the "130". (I have done most of my shooting at the much lower M2 setting, which is 2mp, 1600x1200 to conserve my Rayovac rechargeable batteries and because I only email phos and do digital album folders, no large prints.) By the way, I believe the "170" (or maybe "160"?) switched from two AAs to the more common flat rechargeable. Finally, if you find that you have to keep resetting the date/time, that is because your separate little battery, the CR1220, that powers that function, needs replacing. I have seen that question/problem with this camera come up on this Amazon forum before. (You can get a replacement at Walmart, some jewelry stores, some camera stores for about $5.) I love both the Canon Elph series and the PowerShot series but heavily used cameras of any brand develop problems. Consider buying an extended warranty on the next Canon, if you, buy new! Good luck with your photography....
326232
I am in the same boat, I loved my Powershot but ... I am trying NOT to buy a Canon because of terrible Customer Service I received when it got damp and the lens gasket dropped off. But my Coolpix takes awful pictures 80% of the time. I thought it was me but have since found out it's the camera. I will now look at the Lumix since my nephew also recommended it. Thanks
461404
Read these both. http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2009/12/26/the-olympus-e-p2-digital-camera-review/ and http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/01/05/the-leica-x1-digital-camera-review/note he is not using a kit lens with the oly - he's using the 20mm pancake from the gf-1. May help!
679911
The XZ-1 Olympus that I bought and love so much is not underwater camera. If you can get that one with underwater option, you will like your pictures. With my experience, using ART, the color came out so beautiful. Trankiem
694478
Here you go, I present the Powershot D20: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/canon-introduces-four-new-powershot-cameras/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fengadget+%28Engadget%29 So from the looks of it, gotta wait until May. FYI, don't know what's up with Engadgets photos of it, with the front saying its waterproof to "00ft", if you search elsewhere you can find more accurate images.
1365207
Yes... I'm very happy with the sp570 that I'm using right now, which includes RAW and RAW+JPEG shooting, as well as a hot shoe. I was hoping Olympus would include a rotating LCD after Canon's new model. That would have been nice. I'm upgrading to an SLR shortly, but the specs on this are worth a second glance. 26x... wow. The Bird-Watching mode also appeals to me as a wildlife photographer, although I'm not sure how exactly it would work. I know the smile shot option on the 570 is utterly useless. But the predecessor, although much maligned, is a fantastic camera, so I guess we'll have to see.
1259979
I gave up on Amazon today and bought one from JR's. Shipped out tonite. Here's the url if you want one:http://www.jr.com/olympus/pe/OLM_STY9000CPN/
1163843
Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't help with the direct comparison to the Panasonic. Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't... » Read More Also not familiar with the FT5. I did a lot of research before I bought the Olympus. I have been very happy with this camera. We have taken it to the Caribbean twice and used it extensively in fresh and salt water without any leakage of water. The pictures are great, and the modes available for underwater and beach scenes are amazing and far better than other more expensive cameras that I have. I have also used the camera in extreme cold while skiing and have had great success with no problems with either video or still pictures. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Sorry I can't help with the direct comparison to the Panasonic. « Show Less
641523
Thank you so much for your prompt response. My camera is still on its way:) but I am planning on using it in UK and Europe in a few months' time. My current camera is very hard on battery consumption so I thought I should make sure I don't constantly run out of juice. Also I will need chargers for iPad and phone overseas and don't want to buy too many gadgets. So, I will see what I will end up buying. Again, I so appreciate your input!