CameraFly

Camera Reviews from Amazon.com

• August 3, 2010
  A pleasant surprise

  

  I bought this camera thinking I was getting a decent value for my money. I purchased it, based on reviews, thinking that I was making a sacrifice in picture quality, especially in low light settings. I am very pleased that this camera has a lot more versatility than I originally expected. If left on the default settings, yes, the pictures come out a bit noisy in low light, but if the ISO is dropped down and the camera is placed steadily to avoid blur during a longer exposure time, it does well. I prefer flash-free shots when I can get them, and I have even taken some shots that I really like, indoors and flash-free with this little camera. Another thing to keep in mind that I've noticed is sometimes a shot looks a lot noisier on the little built-in LCD screen than it will on the computer, so that isn't always a good judge! I have not printed any images yet, so I'm not sure how the quality will be there. There are also a lot of fun built-in editing tools, like image filters, red-eye removal, and some silly frames (my 5-year-old thinks these are hilarious). So even when I get a shot that is so-so, I find I can doctor it just a little using the built-in filters and end up with an image that I love.
  
  Another thing folks mentioned was battery life, but I am getting more than a day of shooting (and that is with me experimenting, so I've been taking lots and lots of pictures), and using the camera for picture editing (another really cool feature). To me that's plenty of use on a battery, but I suppose it is a personal preference thing. I do have a back-up, which makes life easier, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary.
  
  Sure, it is no SLR, but I think it performs great considering a)the cost, b)the compact design, and c)the fact the it is marketed as a weather resistant camera, not necessarily as a quality camera. This is by far the best point and shoot camera I've ever owned, and I think it will do a great job as our 'easy' camera when our SLR is inconvenient to use.
  
  Overall: I feel that I got a great value with this camera! Among all the weather resistant cameras out there, I am very glad I chose this one.
  
  PROS: Waterproof works great, Decent battery life, Lots of options to operate manually makes it possible to get decent image quality, Literally fits in my pocket, My daughter can use it and I don't worry about it breaking, Built-in editing, etc...
  
  CONS: Lots of menus to go through to get the settings that work...must practice with it before going out to take serious pictures

• July 31, 2010
  Great All-Around All-Condition Camera

  

  This camera has been a great purchase for me. As a swimmer, I spend a lot of time around water (pools, lakes, rivers, etc.) and having a camera that I can take in the water with me is a huge positive. It is easy to use, very portable, and takes great pictures. I would recommend this camera to anyone.

• July 30, 2010
  A very Handy Camera

  

  Don't expect to get DSLR photos out of this camera. Read the manual and learn how to use your settings.
  This camera does poorly in poor light and at high ISO's you get a lot of noise.
  
  That said, this camera is a breeze to stick in your pocket. It is the second Optio I've owned. The first one was dropped while I was riding and got stepped on by a mule. The camera still worked but the LCD had been cracked. It is a tough camera that will take what you give it.
  
  It does work under water!
  Pros:
  Small enough to carry in your pocket.
  Takes great macros and super macros in good daylight.
  Takes decent landscape shots.
  The video quality is fair compared to other pocket cameras...but the sound is not that great. I don't find that an issue as I usually dub over my videos.
  You can use this camera for hiking in the rain and have no fear of ruining it!
  
  Cons:
  In very cold weather the battery doesn't last long.
  I carry a second one.
  In poor light the photos are noisy and off color.
  
  I would recommend this to anyone who can get around some of the issues this camera has. It is a perfect pocket camera for an active outdoor person who can get the best out of any pocket camera.