scared to make the leap

[larebow]

Want to take wildlife photos like the looks of oly and sony.
If you had 400-1000 to spend on camera equipment what camera would you get.Like the size of the oly 730 but like the 5mp of the sony.
Wich camera has more lens options?How well would an 8x10 look?

 

[prohunter]

I am interested in taking wildlife pics also. I have been looking at oly 730 because of the 10x zoom. I'm just not sure of taking that leap. Let me know if you buy & how you like it.

 

[AnnieAK]

I can't answer all of your questions, but for more info on lens selections, go to the web sites for each. Also go to Steve's Digicams site ( I think there's a link in the "Link" thread above.
As to how an 8x10 will look, I think you can get a really good 8x10 with 3.3 megapix, and probably also 2.1 megapix, IF (emphasize the "IF") you have a GOOD, CLEAR IMAGE. If your image is fuzzy, having 5 meg isn't going to help. I have the Oly c3000 with 3.3 meg, and I've printed out quite a few 8x10s, and they are as good as any I ever took with my 35mm camera.
My camera was a gift (TOTALLY UNEXPECTED, btw), and I am really impressed with it, but knowing what I do now, I'd get something with more optical lens power, something like 8X to 10X, but still with at least 3.3 megapix, as I typically crop my photos to get the composition I want, and then enlarge them. Having the zoom lens already right there on the camera, rather than having to add on a lens, is a big plus, I think. It means the lens is matched to the camera, all the functions will work, and you don't have the hassle and wasted time of puttin on another lens. Aren't most of the add-on lenses threaded (as opposed to the rotate-mount on most SLRs)? Mine is, and I can tell you that it is irritating sometimes. There goes the critter, headed for the trees, and I'm trying to get that telelphoto lens threaded on there without stripping the threads!!!!
Also, make sure you actually, physically hold and touch the camera, and try all of the buttons. Some digital cameras are really small, or have TINY buttons, or have button combinations that seem unwieldy, like when you have to press5 things to get to something you use all the time.
Good luck.

 

[larebow]

Thanks for the help.I like the price of the 730

 

[Jim Thompson]

Larebow,

I have a Olym C700 and love it. The MP's are not high, but the zoom makes up for it. With 10X optical and 27X digital zoom, I can get in close to just about anything.

I rearely print anything out, but when I do, they normally turn out fine even in the 8x10 size.

Remember that when you use any zoom above 2 or so, use a rest. I normally use the front bar on my climber or my gun rest if I am in a lock on.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[prohunter]

Just purchased the Olympus C730 for $393.00 from www.cameratopia.com
Also purchased a 2x zoom off of ebay for $54.95
thanks for all the info!

 

[_droptine_]

If you can find one (check ebay) consider the Olympus C-2100 UZ. They are 2.1 megapixels, 10x optical zoom, with image stabilization that really works. With the image stabilization you can take offhand shots at 10x without the need for a tripod. I have one and I really like it.