afrigalah

I've been using the 100-400 IS for 7 years now and have to agree it's an excellent choice. I won't ever part with mine, because of its versatility. But it has been only my second lens for the last few years, because it doesn't match the best prime lenses for sharpness or responsiveness. Consequently, prime is what goes on safari with me, despite the inconvenience of not having zoom. I once took both (10 kg of cabin baggage in lenses alone) but tighter airline weight limits and the state of my pocket mean that's now out of the question.

John
www.afrigalah.com

safarichuck

I would like to add my two cents on behalf of the Canon 100-400mm lens on safari. It is fantastic! It is at its best when stopped down to F8 or F11 however but with the high ISO ability of todays DSLR's thats not too limiting. I am looking forward to our first safari with a Canon 300mm 2.8 lens. I'll be using it with a 1.4X teleconverter. I'll keep the 100-400mm on a second body for those shots that need less than the 300mm + 1.4X + 1.3 crop of the prime lens. John, I"m all in favor of fewer clothes and more lens. Now if I could convince my wife.

rosieh

Hi, I am currently researching whether to buy DSLR or point and shoot superzoon. Should have known to come here first

Couple of questions - has anybody any experience of the Fuji Finepix 9500s? It gets good reviews. I guess the only thing putting me off is that is is an electronic viewfinder and I prefer to look through the viewfinder rather than at a small screen. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be for that sort of thing.

Is the Canon/Sony equivalent the same? I.e. electronic viewfinder.

Also, does the 10 megapixels on the Fuji give a clear advantage over 7MP on the Sony.

The Olympus 550 looks good - we go to Africa on 17th March though, so I want to buy and practice with my new camera quite soon.

cary999

roseih - As you know, best thing is to hold the camera and look through the viewfinder. Hopefully you are near some stores that you can do that, so go do that . Unfortunately most all P&S have an EVF, electronic view finder. Including the Canon/Sony. About the only way to get around it is to go DSLR.
Anything 5 megapixels, or more, is good, don't let that influence you. 10 megapixels is not necessarily better or even as good as 7 mp. Lot more important things, like, low light performance, focusing speed and shutter response.
Also remember you will need memory cards and batteries.
Having said all that, Carolyn for 2 years has used the Canon S2 and loves it. I like it also but much prefer the viewfinder of a DSLR (and playing with the camera) so I use a Nikon DSLR. We both take great photos
regards - tom

Georgie2007

Just jumping onto this camera thread to ask another question about cameras. Our first safari is in May/June this year and are not great photographers but would like some memorable photos of our holiday. We are taking a small video camera which will take stills if required. Our current camera is a P&S olympus with 10 x optical zoom. Is this enough for the memorable snaps or do you think we would be disappointed and wished we had a better camera.

cary999

If you are happy with the photos you get from it now, then should be good also for safari. 10x optical zoom will get you in close enough 90% of the time. The exception usually being bird photos where 20x zoom is desirable
regards - tom

atravelynn

Georgie2007,

If you like what your Olympus has produced so far, I think you'll like it on safari.

Georgie2007

I am very happy with it but I have not had to take photos of wildlife in the distance etc. Your comment makes me feel confident that my camera will do the trick. I am sure this trip will be the first of many to Africa so if I find it wasn't quite as good as I had hoped I can upgrade next time.

rsnyder

Georgie, if your olympus is a c-740 that is same as we have used one two trips to East Africa. And, we got great photos (some of which are posted with our 2005 report on East Africa index compiled by a wonderful fellow Fodorite). Main issue I have with the c-740 is the lag time between pressing shutter release and actual picture taking. Mostly an issue when I was taking pics of active small birds up close. Tried to anticipate where they would be and often got empty pics or partials. Still have no regrets as to camera as its small size made it ideal for fitting into jacket pocket. Am now looking at Canon S2 or S3 with image stabilizer, additional optical zoom, etc. Will still take Olympus along as a back-up and for wife to use. Enjoy the trip!!

Georgie2007

rsnyder,
Yes it is a c740 and am glad to hear that it was OK for your trip. I didn't want to buy a new camera at this stage if it was going to do the job. We will probably upgrade in a few years and who knows what will be available then. Thanks for your help. Now I can spend that money on other things like a second set of binoculars etc.

althom1122

I have an Olympus C750 - have just replaced it with a Sony DSC-H2 because the battery door on the Olympus is falling apart. I liked the pics with the Olympus, but I too found shutter lag a problem with wildlife shots. On a whale watching cruise in Alaska, I got a number of shots of a splash - after the whale's tail had gone into the water. So yes, anticipating is extremely critical. Haven't spent much time yet with the Sony, but shutter lag seems less.

Georgie2007

I guess we can't have everything and yes I agree with the lag time with the shutter. My husband can anticipate it better than I so guess who will be the photographer for most of the trip. We will also have a video camera which I will man so to speak and so between the two I am hoping we should be OK. Thanks again for your replies. It is just great these questions can be asked and answered on a site like this. I really enjoy reading all the threads and have learnt so much about Africa in a few short months. It will enable us to leave on our trip with hugely reduced concerns of What if, how much, have I packed the right things etc. We will be fully prepared but I know one has to be prepared to expect and accept the unexpected.

GreenDrake

Georgie - I also have used my Olympus for 2 Africa trips. Used a 700 on my first and a SP-510 on my last one.

One thing I am glad I did was to buy a T-Con 17 teleconverter and adapter to mount it on my SP-510. This extended my range which I found very helpful at times. This option is fairly cheap as the adapter is about $16 and the converter around $80-90. My trip report is also posted here with a photo link. I think you will be fine with the C-740.

rosieh

Cary - thanks for your reply.
I am going "camera shopping" with a friend next week, but he is determined that I buy the Sony A100 DSLR!
I am starting to think that a point and shoot is the better option for me, but I'll have a good look at both types in the camera shop.

I have a lot of SD cards (currently use a Canon Ixus 50 as my digital) so may try to find something which takes the same. Although that won't be the deciding factor.

I still have a 35mm SLR, but managed to lose the 300mm zoom lens in Canada last year - so I guess another option is to buy a second hand lens for that and take film. I just prefer digital now, for so many reasons.

cary999

rosieh-
Perhaps you're friend wants the Sony DSLR and that is why he thinks you should have one. If he is in love with it because it is 10 megapixels, well, that just further shows his silliness. I'm sure it is a good camera, but is it good for you? The kit lens it comes with, 18-70mm, is not very telescopic so it is really not good for safari. You would need a different lens, like the 75-300mm, or better yet both of these. So you see where this is heading And for this kind of money you could also look at Nikon and Canon DSLR. (Toss that at your friend for chuckles).
The P&S super zooms are super safari cameras - as long as you can tolerate the EVF, most people can.
regards - tom
ps - half the fun of digital is working with the photos in PhotoShop. That can make even more difference than the camera you use.

rosieh

Thanks Tom. My friend already has the Sony A100 plus zoom, plus flash and a zillion other accessories! Funny thing is, I think he just has more money than sense as he never seems to use all of this expensive kit.

Ok, my mind is made up - point and shoot and get used to the EVF!

Now I just need to decide which one, so I will compare the Canon/Sony/Fuji.



Thanks to all on this very useful thread.

Bobcaat

My Fiance and her mother are going on Safari on October 23rd; they are going to Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. I will be buying my fiance a camera for the safari to replace an older Fuji P&S Digital camera that is starting to have problems. Below is a press release on a new Olympus camera that will be released in March 2007. I would appreciate your thoughts on this camera for her safari. Thanks in advance.

Olympus Launches World's First 18x Optical Zoom Digital Camera: The SP-550 UZ
All-in-One Ultra Zoom Offers Power and Versatility for Superior Images Far and Wide
CENTER VALLEY, Pa, January 25, 2007 – The new Olympus SP-550 UZ Ultra Zoom offers the ultimate in power and versatility with a compact, best-in-class 18x optical zoom lens (28-504mm equivalent in 35mm photography), which gives users the ability to shoot telephoto, wide-angle and macro (as close as 1cm) all in one. Crisp, clear images can be captured far and wide with Dual Image Stabilization and the broadest focal range available on any digital point-and-shoot. The camera's full manual exposure control provides professionals and photo-enthusiasts with unlimited creativity, while its automatic settings and Built-in Help Guides will put novice users at ease.

This revolutionary ultra zoom is equipped with several unique features to deliver near-DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) performance in a compact size, including:

Dual Image Stabilization combines the benefits of Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to ensure beautiful, blur-free images in any situation;
High-Speed Sequential Shooting records multiple images in rapid succession (up to 15 frames per second) — perfect for shooting action and capturing the exact moment you want; and
Pre-Capture compensates for slow reaction times by capturing images (five frames) even before the shutter button is fully pressed to ensure you catch the perfect shot.
"The SP-550 UZ is the ultimate all-in-one digital camera and a perfect example of Olympus' innovative optics," said Michael Barnett, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "This new ultra zoom enables users of all levels to capture beautiful images in any shooting situation. Its powerful zoom, incredible speed and compact size will provide consumers an unprecedented level of performance and convenience."

18x Wide-Angle Ultra Zoom Lens Provides Power and Versatility Featuring the world's most powerful zoom lens, the SP-550 UZ offers maximum shooting versatility for travel, sports and day-to-day use. The 18x super telephoto zoom gets you closer to the action than any compact digital camera on the market. At the same time, the wide-angle lens gets more into your frame — perfect for shooting indoors, landscapes and group shots. The super macro mode is ideal for capturing the most subtle details from as close as one centimeter. The compact, precision-crafted lens combines high-refractive, aspherical and extra-dispersion (ED) lens elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity. The bright, f/2.8-4.5 lens provides the equivalent of 28-504mm focal length with 100x total seamless zoom (5.6x digital zoom).

Dual Image Stabilization Dual Image Stabilization technology enables users to take crisp, clear pictures in virtually any shooting situation — adjusting for camera shake and a moving subject. Olympus' Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD to compensate for camera shake, which often occurs when zooming in on your subject and in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blur caused by a moving subject.

High-Speed Sequential Shooting & Pre-Capture Capable of capturing images at an incredible 15 frames per second, the SP-550 UZ offers the highest burst rate of any compact digital camera. The inclusion of Pre-Capture technology, which works in conjunction with High-Speed Sequential Shooting, enables users to capture the action before and after fully pressing the shutter button. Pre-Capture begins working as soon as the focus is locked, automatically archiving five frames in the camera's buffer memory prior to the shutter release — virtually guaranteeing that none of the action will be missed even if the user's reaction time is slow. Perfect for situations where timing is essential, such as photographing a tennis player serving, children playing or a whale breaching.

Full Manual & Automatic Control The Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes give users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision — adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion, or just sit back and let the camera do the work with the automatic settings. Full manual and automatic control options allow advanced users to maintain creative control and novices to point-and-shoot their way to beautiful images.

30 Shooting Modes Including TV-Quality Video with Sound The SP-550 UZ makes it easy to take great photos in a variety of scenarios and lighting situations with 30 shooting modes, including television-quality video with sound (640x480/30fps) up to the capacity of your xD card. Simply select the desired mode for portraits, landscapes, night scenes, fast-action, macro and more.

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor delivers superior image quality for consistently capturing sharp, vivid details even in large-format or cropped prints. The SP-550 UZ records in both JPEG and RAW file formats and is perfectly suited for a wide range of users — from new photographers to advanced users who require maximum creative control.

High-Resolution 2.5-Inch LCD & Electronic Viewfinder Compose and display incredible images on the camera's bright 230,000-pixel LCD. The high-resolution screen enables you to review pictures, scroll through menu options and treat friends and family to a digital slide show with ease. The SP-550 UZ also features an electronic viewfinder with dioptic correction.

Bright Capture Technology There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash — such as when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Even when it's too dark to see clearly, Olympus' revolutionary Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to preview your shot on the LCD, quickly lock the focus and capture your subjects despite limited available light. The SP-550 UZ offers the highest ISO sensitivity of any ultra zoom (ISO 5000).

In-camera Editing Enjoy in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix and the ability to add frames and titles, crop, adjust brightness and more - all without using a computer and editing software. Also, the exclusive Lighting Fix feature corrects the underexposed areas in your pictures to reveal the details hidden in the shadows.

TruePic TURBO™ for High-Speed Response Olympus' exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor delivers incredible image quality for more true-to-life colors and skin tones as well as faster overall processing speeds for rapid start-up, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO ensures a high-speed response so you can capture the shot you want and instantly be ready to shoot again.

Underwater Housing and Accessory Lenses for Expanded Capabilities An underwater housing (PT-037) is designed specifically for the SP-550 UZ, enabling great images to be captured in the pool and ocean. Using the PT-037, scuba divers can venture with the camera to depths of approximately 130 feet (40 meters) beneath the surface. The SP-550 UZ also features a threaded lens barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide-angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07 Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (for 19.6mm equivalent) and the TCON-17 Telephoto Conversion Lens (for more than 30x optical zoom).

OLYMPUS Master™ Software OLYMPUS Master™ software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability The SP-550 UZ will be available in March 2007. It will also include: Neck Strap, WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, four AA Batteries, Instruction Manual, Warranty Card and OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM.

U.S. Pricing SP-550 UZ Estimated Street Price: $499.99 (U.S.)

For more information, review units, product specifications and high-resolution images of the SP-550 UZ, contact Sara Nazzaro, Mullen Public Relations, 978-468-8970, [email protected] or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5350, [email protected], Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034 or the Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC. Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples' lives every day. These include:


Digital and film cameras
Professional SLR Imaging Systems
Digital and Microcassette recorders
Personal Photo Printers
Digital Media
Binoculars
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...sp?pressNo=522

cary999

Sounds like God's gift to photography. After all, Olympus is the mountain where the Gods lived in Greek Mythology. It is a press release.
But kidding aside, Olympus has made excellent cameras and lenses for before you and I were born. And I'm sure this one is also.
What I like about it on paper is: The wide angle lens, 28mm, and good telephoto range but especially the 28mm. Good video capability.
What I'm not so keen on is: The EVF view finder, I simply do not like them, but typical of P&S Super Zoom cameras, you probably will find it quite ok. The small 1/2.5 sensor which limits low light image quality, unless Olympus has found some magic around it. But again, typical of all this type of P&S Super Zoom cameras. It uses the Olympus xD type memory card instead of the more universal SD or CF type cards. The 7 megapixels is ok, it being 7, as more than 5 or 6, is meant to impress me but it does not.
All of the other major "P&S Super Zoom" players, Canon, Sony, Panasonic are about due for their yearly new model announcements, so that could be interesting. This Olympus will be competition for them regardless.
You have a bit of time before you need to decide on a camera. If at all possible find a store where you can pick it up and compare it some of the others. (And don't be overly swayed by the store salesperson, if there even is one).
Don't forget to figure into the total cost memory cards and batteries.
regards - tom

GreenDrake

Tom nailed some of the potential +s and -s with this camera - particularly when you compare this to DSLRs

I own the predecessor to this camera - SP-510 and the biggest upgrades here are going from 10x to 18x optical zoom and incorporating optical image stablization and including a view finder diopeter adjustment.

I am happy with my SP-510, but I do realize this camera nor this new 550 will provide the optical quality of a DSLR. These p&s cameras have to sacrifice some features when they increase zoom and still maintain the same same size. One of these sacrifices is sensor size.

This camera and all the p&s have smaller sensors than their DSLR counter parts. This diminished sensor size limits the ability to create noise free shots at higher ISOs. In other words they do less well in lower light situations. My SP-510 and this 550 is advertized as having ISOs up to 1600. Marketing hype - you won't get decent images over 800 ISO and in most cases less than that.

Here is one I shot at 800 at night with a spotlight with my SP-510(has same sensor size as 550). O.K but I could not go higher than that and it would have been one instance where I wished I had a DSLR.

http://www.pbase.com/greendrake/image/68988376

That being said the zoom range, size, ease of use, manual features and cost and image quality made my SP-510 a good safari camera and I would imagine the 550 would also be a good choice.

MiniApple

I would have to agree with the xD card being a odd choice for there memory. If you are to take a backup camera what do most other cameras use, it does not seem to be xD cards. I have SD, sony memory sticks, and CF cards. But no xD so it starts all new, and you have less choices and max 2GB cards from B&H or Newegg.

I will wait until march see what is new or go with the Canon do to the SD cards. That xD is just a odd duck in my opinion on a great spec camera.