Olympus Sp-300 Camera

[Peterlaver]

Just bought the OLYMPUS SP-350, and have following comments.

1). There is a firmware update to correct the battery level indicator which would cause a low battery signal error with NIMH batteries. (AA size)

2). This camera will eat up batteries at an alarming rate, if the LCD screen is set to a very bright level. I set it to a medium or low level, and use normal viewfinder where possible with LCD switched off.
On the subject of batteries, it is far better to fully discharge them outside the camera. I use a small torch bulb held in a paper clip. Works fine and improves battery performance if you now apply the correct FULL charge.

3). On the subject of image quality, my camera is not at all satisfactory when using any of the preset SCENE modes. However, if I set the MYMODE functions to Minus 2 Contrast, and Plus 2 Sharpness, I get very satisfactory pictures at full A4 size. I have written to Olympus on this subject just in case the camera has a manufacturing defect.


4) As with ANY camera, a TRIPOD is a MUST, and with a digital camera even
more necessary. There is a saying that you can always tell a professional by his use of a tripod

Would like to share experience if others have this camera.

[drdave]

My Canon A70 crapped out ... the dreaded E18 ... repair is "uneconomical". In looking for a replacement, I found the Olympus SP350. I would be very interested in knowing what other cameras you may have considered, and whether you would buy the SP350 today after having owned one for a while.

Thanks so much.

[Peterlaver]

Regarding my recent purchase of the SP 350, NO I would definitely NOT buy it again. Apart of the miserable picture quality, the main defect from my point of view is the utterly useless battery performance. When used in bright sunlight, the LCD has to be set to above normal brightness, and I have never got more than 30 outdoor pictures on one set of fully charged batteries.
This is true even after upgrading the firmware.

On the subject of cameras in general, it appears to me that the more megapixels require much more light. I have an old olympus C50Z at 5 megapixels and it takes superior photos under all conditions.

Maybe this tendency towards more and more megapixels requires better and better lenses. This is something you just will not get on the lower cost cameras.

I suggest that for normal prints the 5 megapixel is more than sufficient if combined with good lenses. If you want very large prints thats another story which I gladly leave to the experts.

Hope tgis helps.