Olympus C-2100 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom
See it at Amazon.com for $140.00Average Customer Rating
(5.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First (5 out of 5)Olympus C-2100UZ: 35mm SLR user's "switch" digital camera
If you own fine 35mm and/or large-format cameras, and have toyed with the idea of trying digital, read on at your own risk. You may -- like me -- never pick up your Leica M4P or Canon F1 or Mamiya 645 systems again.
Let me tell you the only negative about this camera first: The color correction of the CCD under low tungsten illumination and fluorescent lighting resembles Ektachrome 400, circa 1970.
That's it. That's the only defect.
You're going to love this camera. Many reviewers wish for a 3.3 megapixel chip, vs. the 2.1 mp chip in this 2100. The recent introduction of cameras with the same image stabilized 10x lens/2.1 mp CCD system from Canon and Sony suggests some rethinking among the manufacturers of these cameras. Simply put, the ability to fill frames with image trumps the cameras with 3.3mp CCDs and smaller zoom ranges. To accommodate those 3.3 mp CCDs, one needs a larger buffer memory...which means a longer write-time...which means either a slower-shooting camera or a greater battery drain, or both, to match the frame-to-frame shooting capability of this lens/CCD/buffer combination. It also means your storage media demands will escalate dramaticaly, as will your needs for imaging media. Add the image stabilization feature, which has some kind of gyro motor running all the time, and you'd end up with unacceptable battery drain, if your had a 3.3 mp CCD.
This camera offers two displays -- one the traditional 1.8 inch "TV" display, and the other, an SLR-like eye-level display. At first, you'll be disappointed in the graininess of the eye-level display. And yet, you will be surprised at the speed with which you'll accommodate that.
The camera offers a 35mm lover's range of creative control, plus features you'd never dream of finding in an SLR or rangefinder. You can select the ASA of the CCD's sensitivity -- 100 to 400 ASA. You can select white balance, although it's not great under low-light-level tungsten or fluorescent, as noted. You can -- now get this -- choose black-and-white or...SEPIA toned imaging. The latter is a magnificent trip back to the 1950s and 60s.
But nothing matches this lens. It's the equivalent of a 38-380mm zoom lens. The image stabilization means that, if you carefully brace yourself, you will easily -- and I mean EASILY -- shoot 380mm hand-held shots at under 1/20th of a second. It's a razor-sharp lens.
The image compression algorithm in this camera works extremely well. The standard "HQ" mode generates images of around 400k size, which means you get a whopping 128 images on a 64mb Smartmedia card. You can switch to the SHQ mode and get 45 images on a 64mb card, but for most images, you can't see the difference in an 8x10 print. The write-to-buffer/write-to-Smartmedia time increases, limiting your frame-to-frame shooting speed.
If you half-depress the shutter release, locking the focus and exposure, you can capture great sports action shots. If you put the camera in a manual mode, you can shoot almost one shot a second in the HQ mode.
Flash reach is astounding. I have easily shot perfectly exposed images in dark rooms at 30+ feet. Recycle time can be iffy -- I minimize it with a Digipower external battery pack that plugs into the AC adapter jack -- but the flash mode seems to generate more data, which takes more time to write to the buffer and then to the Smartmedia, which slows the shot-to-shot time.
You can get through about 150 frames with a single charged set of 4 NiMH 1600ma batteries -- I can't imagine going anywhere with fewer than a single well-charged extra set. The camera will kill a fresh set of alkaline AAs in about 10-12 shots -- the deep drain of a digital camera is totally incompatible with this kind of service.
The camera is light, well-balanced. Its controls fall under the fingers neatly. Viewfinder controls work well, but I could argue that controls for the manual focusing could be better placed under the left fingers, rather than under the right eye, forcing you to focus with the right thumb.
I purchased a C-2040 for my 14-year-old daughter's middle school graduation, and with those two cameras, our family is now fully digital.
Stop looking for a new digital camera -- you've found it.
You will be tempted to use the different controls and shooting modes. The iESP ("P") setting works so well, for most shooting, you'll leave it there.
The only kind of shooting you might wish for a 3.3 mp CCD is for scenics -- digital cameras don't handle fine detail as well as 35mm film. I'd prefer a metal camera to a plastic one, like the the $2000 Olympus E-10. But I tried that camera, and it's S-L-O-W by comparison to the C-2100, and lacks both the zoom range and the imaging stabilizing features of the C-2100.
For frame-filling portraits, there simply isn't a better camera.
(4 out of 5)Olympus C2100 Ultra Zoom
I consider my self an amateur photograher. I enjoy the simplicity of point and shoot but get frustrated with the limitations this imposes. The C2100 does great in point and shoot mode, but lets you manualy control some or all of the exposure settings. Manual focus worked well in taking picutres of fish below the surface. If you want you can specify a standard ISO value. All exposure settings are displayed in the view finder or LCD and stored with your exposure so you can compare and tweek until the shot is perfect. Even the flash brightness is adjustable. I was surprised on how many features this camera has and how many were user adjustable. The movie mode runs at 15 frames per second so it's a little jerky and the built microphone leaves a little to be desired. It points off to the left side of the camera instead of forward (there is an optional microphone port). You can also record 4 second sound bytes with each still shot (a good way to keep brief notes). The camera has an action shot mode which did a good job in freezing birds in flight. However setting up the camera for specific shots can be a little time consuming when you're first learning (I missed more than several shots at first). If your're out for action shots you'll have to plan and setup ahead of your shot and there is a delay between "click" and "shutter". You can reduce time between still shots by turning autofocus on continously (shortens battery life). The drive mode will do sequential shots. The time between shots is 0.5 to 0.67 seconds depending on resolution. If you plan to use the movie mode or high resolution shots I would recommend getting a 64mb card (holds 128 exposures 1600x1200 in standard jpeg format). I was able to get about 80 exposures on one charge of the rechargable batteries that came with the camera (this included zooming and reviewing shots on the LCD). The camera can drive a video out but the TV picture isn't a crisp as your PC monitor. The camera comes with USB and Serial ports but only a cable for USB. Downloading 60mb worth of pictures takes a long time over serial port. The only complaint I had with this camera was that occasionaly (sun to dark shadow shots) the view through the viewfinder was to dark to properly frame the shot. Adjusting the view finder brightness didn't help. Overall I'm very pleased with this camera.
(5 out of 5)I have a lot of fun with the C-2100
The C-2100 is said to be based on the C-2000/C2020 which have been praised for taking brilliant images. Yet the camera works and operates like the latest C-3000/C-3030 series with additional features like audio/video recording, fast continuous shootings, continuous digital zoom, fast USB downloads, etc. Plus the camera has unique features of its own such as TTL (through the lens) LCD viewfinder, 27x continuous zoom (10x optical + 2.7x digital), optical image stabilization, more dedicated button adjustments (so you don't have to roll through the menus), exposure lock button, full optical and digital zoom in movie mode, etc.
The image stablization works effectively along the zoom range and I was able to take sharp-focus pictures at 27x zoom without the aid of a tripod (remember I am an amateur and my hands aren't as steady as the pros'). It's a lot of fun taking this camera around shooting nature, buildings, sports, or just those innoncent people who are minding their own business from half a block away!
The C-2100 uses 4 ordinary AA batteries so should your rechargable batteries (which is included with a charger) die you can always grab those AA alkalines at a convenient store. The camera usually can run half a day (on and off) using the rechargable batteries during my outdoor shooting trips.
To me, this camera is a lot of fun to use, and it provides excellent pictures too. I am satisfied, almost. I only wish Olympus simplify the menu system, put on a manual focus ring on the lens, include a lens tether and a carrying case.
(5 out of 5)Outstanding camera, outstanding value
The description above covers the waterfront on this outstanding digital camera. Some of the features that make it my idea of the best buy are:
1. An important feature to me is single-lens-reflex (SLR) viewing, in addition to the LCD viewer. For me, I've been composing pictures for decades through SLR viewers with the camera to my eye. I don't like holding a camera out and looking at a tiny LCD image. I can hold this Olympus steadier in the old conventional way and get faster, more accurate composition. For me, the LCD screen is for RE-viewing, not for viewing while shooting.
2. Hefty 2.11 megapixel image. Double my old Sony (which I thought was just fine), and likely to capture everything I will need for the professional work I do. 8" X 10" printouts are beautiful.
3. USB port connection. Absolutely essential. Serial port is way too slow. If your computer was made in the last four of five years it'll have a USB port.
4. Must those of us who have grown up with f-stops and film speeds unlearn all that? Not with this camera. It has the same familiar settings, including ISO film equivalencies of 100, 200, and 400 - it just converts what we understand to what the camera understands.
5. Exposure of 1/800 to 16 seconds in manual mode. That will cover any possible range of shooting I'll ever encounter.
6. Outstanding and almost instantaneous autofocus. When you need to shoot you can't be waiting even a half-second (like some popular digitals make you do) for the camera to get a fix.
7. Incredible 10x optical zoom, equal to a 38mm wide-angle to 380mm telephoto - I'll not need more than that range, ever.
8. Image stabilization. An excellent feature, especially for those quick shots, for long-range telephoto hand-held shots and those in low light that need longer shutter-open time.
9. Lightweight, about 21 ounces. And very well balanced, considering the great zoom lens.
Consider getting the 64-meg Smartmedia memory card described at left --($). 8 megs will be sure to cramp your photo capacity. The whole thing: less than (#). That's not peanuts, but this is the most digital camera you'll find for anywhere near the money AND for the widest range of practical use. Perfect for photogs from novices to pros and you won't be craving to trade up anytime in the foreseeable future. You could easily spend ($) and not get beyond the practical features of this camera, and that price won't even get some of the critical features found here.
After ordering your camera, go to ..., who wrote the Product Description at the top of this page, and sign up for their newsletter on digital photography. This stuff is different from shooting film (all on the plus side), and there are some things to learn if you really want to get the most out of this incredible technology.
(5 out of 5)NINE OUT OF TEN U-2 SPYPLANE PILOTS AGREE....
....This is ONE AWESOME CAMERA!
I am a relatively new digital camera user, so if I can figure out how to use the menu, the display, and the controls, anybody can. The body of the camera is very sturdy in its build, unlike many other models where you sort of expect the battery latch or the flash to break off from over use. The 10X zoom lens really does live up to its billing, and the 2.1 megapixel resolution, while it is not as high as the resolution in many new models, is remarkably clear and sharp, especially for a user of entry level 460 X 640 cameras. The camera is packed with manual overrides and even sound recording and video recording features! The camera has an excellent USB download feature, and the photoediting software package, which includes Camedia, PhotoSuite III, and VideoWave III is good as well.
On the downside, there are a few problems. First, the camera sucks up batteries like a vampire sucks blood. Olympus very considerately includes NiMh rechargeable batteries and a recharger pack with the camera, and this goes some way towards alleviating the problem. Even so, you will be going back to the recharger early and often.
Second, I agree with the other reviewers. They really need a tethered lens cap.
Third, this camera needs a case.
Fourth, the 8 MB SmartMedia card that came with the camera is only good for either 15 exposures or a 24 second clip. If you want to get maximum mileage out of the camera without frequent trips to a laptop or PC for downloading (which is really, really annoying) you must get bigger cards (the maximum size is 64 MB). BEWARE! If you do not buy a card from Olympus, the camera will make you run some insane reformatting program.
Don't let these criticisms throw you. It is a great camera, and it does rate five stars.