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varossieau

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Since: Nov 17, 2004
Posts: 14



(Msg. 1) Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:41 pm
Post subject: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR
Archived from groups: rec>photo>digital>zlr (more info?)
People are posting ZLR reviews, and I have not seen any posted for the
excellent 8 megapixel Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide-Zoom so here goes.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc8080wz/

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_olympus_c8080.php

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C8080/C88A.HTM

http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/oly-c8080/c8080-review.html

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/c8080wz-review/index.shtml

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/c8080.html

http://www.dp-now.com/archives/000610.html

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nospammtbike19

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Since: Nov 16, 2004
Posts: 18



(Msg. 2) Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 10:31 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
I'm going to play devil's advocate about this camera ....

All the good things one reads about the 8080 are true...excellent lens with
a useful zoom range, great picture quality, great build quality, great
features, feels good to hold, etc, etc...

I bought a C 8080 after reading all the reviews and testing it in the store.
I used it for one week under all sorts of conditions, then returned it to
the store for a refund...

Why you might ask ? .... well, there are two flaws with the camera that most
reviewers gloss over....
The first is that the EVF is mediocre at best. The image is small,
(although fully visible with eyeglasses) and it's dull, with poor colour,
poor detail, and difficult to use as a critical composition aid.

The second problem is, imho, a fatal flaw... the LCD viewfinder is
completely, and utterly, useless in bright daylight. It has a very
reflective coating that bounces light back into your eyes, the image is
completely washed out making it next to impossible to use. Under subdued
lighting, like say, inside a store, it looks quite good... but under bright
daylight...forget it. Tweaking the brightness setting for the LCD didn't
make much difference.

Also, the LCD is not completely articulated...I knew that of course, but
didn't realize how much of an issue it would become in actual use. To use
it in portrait mode, you have to hold it up at eye level and out from your
face about a foot or so,.depending on how good your eyes are. Probably the
worst possible position to avoid camera shake....you'll need a good
tripod...no image stabilization. Of course you could always use that
mediocre EVF...but it's not much better.
And if you want to use the camera at ground level for macro shots, you can't
use it in portrait mode unless you're lying on your stomach...

A live LCD image is the biggest advantage the ZLRs have over the DSLRs. It
can be a tremendous tool in framing and composing a picture. All of its
viewfinder weaknesses make the C8080 frustrating and difficult to use in
daylight... I went from loving it initially, to absolutely hating it after
one week. It just wasn't any fun taking pictures.with this camera.

I should state that my three year old Canon G2 has none of these problems.
The G2 LCD just blows the doors off the Oly... I can use it in any light,
even direct sunlight, and the LCD is bright and colourful.
It really is a shame that Olympus put that piece of crap on the back of the
camera. The C8080 would be truly outstanding if it had a good, fully
articulated LCD.

My advice to anyone thinking of buying this, or any camera, is to bring your
own CF card to the local photo store, take a camera out for a while, and
test it under the conditions that you'll be using the camera. Don't rely
entirely on published reviews....
Me ? .... I'm still looking for a new ZLR with a good LCD...
.....M


"Lukas Varossieau" <varossieau.RemoveThis@mail2Netherlands.com> wrote in message
news:7c03b8b0.0411181841.185f218f@posting.google.com...
 > People are posting ZLR reviews, and I have not seen any posted for the
 > excellent 8 megapixel Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide-Zoom so here goes.
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc8080wz/</font" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc8080wz/</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_olympus_c8080.php</font" target="_blank">http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_olympus_c8080.php</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C8080/C88A.HTM</font" target="_blank">http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C8080/C88A.HTM</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/oly-c8080/c8080-review.html</font" target="_blank">http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/oly-c8080/c8080-review.html</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/c8080wz-review/index.shtml</font" target="_blank">http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/c8080wz-review/index.shtml</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/c8080.html</font" target="_blank">http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/c8080.html</font</a>>
 >
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.dp-now.com/archives/000610.html</font" target="_blank">http://www.dp-now.com/archives/000610.html</font</a>><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->

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nospam104

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Since: Nov 22, 2004
Posts: 2



(Msg. 3) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:22 am
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
"MTBike1970" <NOSPAMmtbike1970.TakeThisOut@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
news:WYydnerScdFxfALcRVn-1A@rogers.com...
 > Me ? .... I'm still looking for a new ZLR with a good LCD...
 > ....M

E-20, great lens, TTL viewing + live LCD preview, excellent build quality,
same size sensor as the current 8mp crop - but lower noise due to fewer
pixels, loads about at good prices - still knocks the pants off the 'toy'
cameras like the Z series, Dimages, etc.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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user711

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Since: Oct 28, 2004
Posts: 604



(Msg. 4) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:00 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Michael wrote:
 > "MTBike1970" <NOSPAMmtbike1970 DeleteThis @yahoo.ca> wrote in message
 > news:WYydnerScdFxfALcRVn-1A@rogers.com...
  >> Me ? .... I'm still looking for a new ZLR with a good LCD...
  >> ....M
 >
 > E-20, great lens, TTL viewing + live LCD preview, excellent build
 > quality, same size sensor as the current 8mp crop - but lower noise
 > due to fewer pixels, loads about at good prices - still knocks the
 > pants off the 'toy' cameras like the Z series, Dimages, etc.

3 years old and three times the weight of anything I'd want to carry! Can
you still buy SmartMedia cards?

David<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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nospam104

External


Since: Nov 22, 2004
Posts: 2



(Msg. 5) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:28 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
"David J Taylor" <david-taylor.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:30do59F2tt1ogU1@uni-berlin.de...
 > Michael wrote:
  >> "MTBike1970" <NOSPAMmtbike1970.DeleteThis@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
  >> news:WYydnerScdFxfALcRVn-1A@rogers.com...
   >>> Me ? .... I'm still looking for a new ZLR with a good LCD...
   >>> ....M
  >>
  >> E-20, great lens, TTL viewing + live LCD preview, excellent build
  >> quality, same size sensor as the current 8mp crop - but lower noise
  >> due to fewer pixels, loads about at good prices - still knocks the
  >> pants off the 'toy' cameras like the Z series, Dimages, etc.

 >
 > 3 years old and three times the weight of anything I'd want to carry! <<


Well, yes, Plastic can be Fantastic, and is the industry's material of
choice for their toy cameras.

If, however, you prefer a solid chunk of optically precise
electro-mechanical engineering, it just has to be encased in metal.

Sorry to hear of your incapacity, perhaps you could use some sort of small
trolley to allow you to move a real camera from place to place? - is it your
wrists?....

...

Can
 > you still buy SmartMedia cards?<

Dunno - but since the E-20 takes Compct Flash/Microdrive, why lose any sleep
over the question<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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lastingimagery

External


Since: Jun 04, 2004
Posts: 317



(Msg. 6) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:28 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
In article <30dpteF2shrhbU1.DeleteThis@uni-berlin.de>, nospam.DeleteThis@nochance.com says...
 >
 > "David J Taylor" <david-taylor.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote in message
 > news:30do59F2tt1ogU1@uni-berlin.de...
  > > Michael wrote:
   > >> "MTBike1970" <NOSPAMmtbike1970.DeleteThis@yahoo.ca> wrote in message
   > >> news:WYydnerScdFxfALcRVn-1A@rogers.com...
   > >>> Me ? .... I'm still looking for a new ZLR with a good LCD...
   > >>> ....M
   > >>
   > >> E-20, great lens, TTL viewing + live LCD preview, excellent build
   > >> quality, same size sensor as the current 8mp crop - but lower noise
   > >> due to fewer pixels, loads about at good prices - still knocks the
   > >> pants off the 'toy' cameras like the Z series, Dimages, etc.
 >
  > >
  > > 3 years old and three times the weight of anything I'd want to carry! <<
 >
 >
 > Well, yes, Plastic can be Fantastic, and is the industry's material of
 > choice for their toy cameras.
 >
 > If, however, you prefer a solid chunk of optically precise
 > electro-mechanical engineering, it just has to be encased in metal.
 >
 > Sorry to hear of your incapacity, perhaps you could use some sort of small
 > trolley to allow you to move a real camera from place to place? - is it your
 > wrists?....
 >
 > ..
 >
 > Can
  > > you still buy SmartMedia cards?<
 >
 > Dunno - but since the E-20 takes Compct Flash/Microdrive, why lose any sleep
 > over the question
 >
 >
 >

Is the E-20 available in the US??? I've looked (even with google) and cant
find anyone selling it.


--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Ct.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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user711

External


Since: Oct 28, 2004
Posts: 604



(Msg. 7) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:45 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Michael wrote:
[]
 > Well, yes, Plastic can be Fantastic, and is the industry's material of
 > choice for their toy cameras.
 >
 > If, however, you prefer a solid chunk of optically precise
 > electro-mechanical engineering, it just has to be encased in metal.
 >
 > Sorry to hear of your incapacity, perhaps you could use some sort of
 > small trolley to allow you to move a real camera from place to place?
 > - is it your wrists?....

The metal cameras I carry weigh far less than 42oz - usually nearer 16oz.
Perhaps they use a better material? I was, quite frankly, amazed when I
saw the E20 quoted as 42oz (2.6lb). Is that perhaps a mistake?

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse20/page2.asp" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse20/page2.asp</a>

 > ..
 >
 > Can
  >> you still buy SmartMedia cards?<
 >
 > Dunno - but since the E-20 takes Compct Flash/Microdrive, why lose
 > any sleep over the question

Oh, that's fine - no problems!

David<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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nellybly1

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Since: Aug 08, 2004
Posts: 29



(Msg. 8) Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 3:59 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
In article <MPG.1c0b9d1c3d501b31989840.RemoveThis@news.comcast.giganews.com>,
Larry <lastingimagery.RemoveThis@comcast.dotnet> wrote:

 > Is the E-20 available in the US??? I've looked (even with google) and cant
 > find anyone selling it.

Olympusautions on ebay has a couple for sale right now.
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://makeashorterlink.com/?B27F457D9" target="_blank">http://makeashorterlink.com/?B27F457D9</a>
hth,
NB<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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kittochtinny

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Since: Dec 09, 2004
Posts: 24



(Msg. 9) Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 2:03 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
I found a new E20 for sale at Amazon for about $1700. Dell has a new
Canon 20D for $1600 with no tax (in PA), no shipping and no interest
for a year (to preferred account holders). Given a choice, guess which
one I'm going to buy? Now, I can't post links to these cameras and I
can't discuss the features of the Canon without violating the charter
of this group, so you'll have to visit another news group to verify
what I say. Don't you just love free and open discussion?
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user711

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Since: Oct 28, 2004
Posts: 604



(Msg. 10) Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:14 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Kitt wrote:
 > I found a new E20 for sale at Amazon for about $1700. Dell has a new
 > Canon 20D for $1600 with no tax (in PA), no shipping and no interest
 > for a year (to preferred account holders). Given a choice, guess
 > which one I'm going to buy? Now, I can't post links to these cameras
 > and I can't discuss the features of the Canon without violating the
 > charter of this group, so you'll have to visit another news group to
 > verify what I say. Don't you just love free and open discussion?

If you have something of interest to say to ZLR users about the cameras
they are using or comparisons with other cameras I don't see why you
shouldn't say your piece. You have already indicated the purchase sources
of these cameras so I am sure that anyone who is interested will be able
to find them. Thanks for respecting the charter.

David<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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kittochtinny

External


Since: Dec 09, 2004
Posts: 24



(Msg. 11) Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:51 am
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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Yeah, but I was trying to find new prices to compare apples to apples.
The only thing B&H has is used E20's and you can find them elsewhere,
including E-Bay for around the range you cite. Let me know if you see
a 20D for a lot cheaper, as I really am looking to buy one.
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kittochtinny

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Since: Dec 09, 2004
Posts: 24



(Msg. 12) Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:51 am
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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Yeah, but I was trying to find new prices to compare apples to apples.
The only thing B&H has is used E20's and you can find them elsewhere,
including E-Bay for around the range you cite. Let me know if you see
a 20D for a lot cheaper, as I really am looking to buy one.
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rzeis

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Since: Jul 23, 2004
Posts: 7



(Msg. 13) Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:36 am
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"Kitt" <kittochtinny.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1102532592.592851.149850@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
 >I found a new E20 for sale at Amazon for about $1700. Dell has a new
 > Canon 20D for $1600 with no tax (in PA), no shipping and no interest
 > for a year (to preferred account holders). Given a choice, guess which
 > one I'm going to buy? Now, I can't post links to these cameras and I
 > can't discuss the features of the Canon without violating the charter
 > of this group, so you'll have to visit another news group to verify
 > what I say. Don't you just love free and open discussion?
 >
If you wanted an E20, don't look at Amazon. It may be available for less
than half that at B&H, probably in the 600's. A couple weeks ago the B&H
had the E1 for 1149. You can get the 20D a lot cheaper too.

Ron<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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kittochtinny

External


Since: Dec 09, 2004
Posts: 24



(Msg. 14) Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:26 am
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Now I see Nikon has a 10x, 8 megapixel ZLR w/stabilization for a
thousand dollars, the 8800. Also a wide angle variety w/IS, the 8400.
Getting harder to choose ZLR or SLR if price is a consideration, since
lenses can cost more than the camera.
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kittochtinny

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Since: Dec 09, 2004
Posts: 24



(Msg. 15) Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 7:15 pm
Post subject: Re: Olympus 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 ZLR [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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That was kind of my point. Assuming you call the Nikon 8800 a top of
the line ZLR, it gets a little harder to justify the SLR with IS lens
to match the capabilities of the 8800. For example, the Canon 20D with
a 300mm IS zoom will price out at around $2000 to $3000 or more,
depending on lens/lenses. Is flexibility worth that? Especially when
even that flexibility might be made obsolete in today's rapidly
changing marketplace. Who knows what might replace the DSLR in two or
three years as the next big thing? Think I'll stick with my S1 IS for
a while longer. Just saw that Amazon has the 1.6 teleconverter
lens/hood/adapter combo for $140. Maybe I can add the closeup lens for
a few dollars more. That'll keep me happy for a few more months. ;o)
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