Rex914
08-29-2005, 04:29 PM
I'm rather disappointed at the new Olympus cameras, but given Olympus' current trend, it comes as no surprise to me. All they have done in general is "megapixel updates" and (low res) screen enlargements to their entry level cameras. The only feature that came as a slight surprise was the inclusion of RAW for their 2 new SP compacts.
Even their "flagship" camera, the SP-500 is essentially a C-765 with more megapixels and a larger LCD (which has very low resolution). The lens specs are identical, and the camera still lacks IS when all the competition except for Fuji has it. It may be no coincidence that Fuji is also the only other supporter of the "proprietary" xD format. It may be relatively cheap for the specs, but let's not forget that Kodak of all companies has already offered a strong contender in this price range for the past year.
Does anyone else think that Olympus is doing a lot more following these days rather than leading? Oly used to be at the forefront of the industry with dynamite products like the 2000Z and 3030Z, but they've succumbed to the whole megapixel wars and large LCD's strategy now. Where has the innovation gone?
Even their "flagship" camera, the SP-500 is essentially a C-765 with more megapixels and a larger LCD (which has very low resolution). The lens specs are identical, and the camera still lacks IS when all the competition except for Fuji has it. It may be no coincidence that Fuji is also the only other supporter of the "proprietary" xD format. It may be relatively cheap for the specs, but let's not forget that Kodak of all companies has already offered a strong contender in this price range for the past year.
Does anyone else think that Olympus is doing a lot more following these days rather than leading? Oly used to be at the forefront of the industry with dynamite products like the 2000Z and 3030Z, but they've succumbed to the whole megapixel wars and large LCD's strategy now. Where has the innovation gone?