OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Camedia C7070 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Wide Zoom

This camera was a new model just released when I purchased it. I was after the C-5060 but to was able to get the 7.1 megapixel camera with the even sharper pictures for just a couple of bucks more. Olympus makes quality cameras, though they tend to always be changing models, and this new model is definitely that. There is a bit of a learning curve to properly use this camera, but once done it is quite simple to get high quality shots all the time, inside or outside, night or day, sunny or cloudy. The wide angle zoom is very nice, however to really get wide angle landscape or inside group photos you need to get the .45 wide angle lens attachment. Also the 3.0 telephoto attachment, too while you're at it. It is not necessary to buy these attachments and adapter at Olympus. Check J&R Photo and 47th Street Photo on the web for high quality lenses at a fraction of the Olympus price. 1st rate quality and professional help, if needed. Also, the 32 megabyte Xd picture card will hold only a very few shots with any kind of printable resolution so get at least a 512 megabyte card that will allow you some shots before you fill it up. 512 mb cards can be found with a bit of shopping for 1/3 the Olympus price. All in all this is a very quality mid-range camera that should be suitable for most enthusiasts and those who prefer easy to get quality photos.

Great camera, even when it's used!

Great Camera - pity about the cracked lens cap!

I am writting this review in March 2014. Even thouugh this camera is a few years old, it takes fantastic shots.I have tried two newwer cameras, but I still prefer shots from the C-7070. When photos are uploaded on facebook, there are more "likes" when they came from the C-7070 then on photos take with a newer camera.One thing that I love about Olympus camera is that they get the "colours" just right. I am not sure if the newer Olympus camera match. I have tried to find a replacement camera for this one, but I am struggling!Like many people who have written in, this Olympus C-7070 is just a joy and takes really good quality shots.The camera is a bit big, but smaller than say an SLR camera, because you don't have a lens protruding out. On the C-7070 , the lens retracts and it is not too bad. I have taken it on holiday and the photos were tops!There is a (temperamental) Remote Control, so you can set your camera up, wait for tourists to pass by and then take your shot with the remote!. Much better then a self-timer.You can add a zoom or macro lens or lens filters., I bought a Raynox RT5248 adator, so that I could add lens filters. Also, you can get additional lens.Olympus have made an amazing camera, it is a perfect camera and if they re-developed itI would only ask that they add Image Stabilisation and a larger LCD screen.I have an Olympus XZ-2. I still think the colour on the C-7070 are better (and they are better then many other newer cameras). Olympus did something right with the C-5060 and C-7070. I suspect many companiers are using the shame image sensors, which is why they get similar results.

Rapid and good. Thanks

I've had this camera for 3 years now and have taken it on many trips. I chose this over the Canon G6, which is also a very good camera. Both brands use the same SONY sensor but I prefer the way Oly render its images. The 27mm WA lens is also a big plus as I mainly shoot landscape. Other features that tipped the balance in Oly's favor: magnesium body, super macro, ergonomics, hi-res/hi-contrast LCD, longer battery life, pixel-mapping, 4 custom modes, live histogram, threaded lens barrel (for filters), lower noise at ISO 200+ and bargain pricing. The menu system isn't as straight forward as the G6's but simple once learned. Although IQ straight out of the camera is excellent and comparable to the competition, I'm spoiled by Zeiss glass (Contax G) that I find myself frequently editing with Adobe PS to make my pix sharper, more saturated and contrasty. I've heard many say this is normal practice if you want results to look like film.Other than that, I'm happy with other aspects like RAW, flash accuracy, hot-shoe for external flash, accessory lenses and especially the tank-like construction. Speaking of which, I recently went camping and in the dark I tripped over a 20" tall metal fire-ring. I fell with the C7070 in my hand, slamming hard against the ground. It was in a Lowepro case but I expected it to be damaged in some way, cosmetically or functionally. Absolutely nothing of the kind!Nagging issues... slight shutter lag and hunting AF in low-light situations, which seem to be a problem for most digicams in this segment. The optical VF covers only 82% of the actual image so shots where precise framing is a must requires the use of the LCD. Panoramic function works only with Olympus xD Card. Playback is slow. RAW takes forever (also typical of cameras of this category). IS would be nice.Problems... on rare occasions the camera would turn-off by itself and restart for no reason while the camera is ON... like it's resetting. But all camera settings remain unchanged and no pix in the memory card is lost. Trying to figure out if it has something to do with the CF card I'm using.Conclusion... I'm hanging on to this camera till the full size DSLR bodies drop to around $500.