Help choosing digital camera (Epson 3000Z vs. Olympus C-3040)

[reicherb]

I'm stuck between the Epson 3000Z and the Olympus C-3040. Does anybody have any experience with either of these?

Thanks.

 

[reicherb]

bump.

 

[Chris A]

This place is pretty good Reviews

 

[HeinekinMan]

Can't help you with either of these cams but I had considered both of these exact models myself but ended up going with a Canon Powershot G1. The G1 is pretty awesome because of several things: 3.3 megapixels, CF Type II support (IBM Microdrives), a LONG LASTING lithium ion battery/AC adapter INCLUDED, and an LCD panel that swivels like a camcorder AND can be tucked out of the way when not in use to prevent scratching it (this is a really nice feature!). It's got a whole @hit load of other features that I'll probably never use...

Good luck! I struggled over this decision for MONTHS!!! Definitely check out the dpreview site; lots of helpful information.

 

[eyez]

I've had great experiences with Canon. My next purchase would be a G1. IMHO: buy a camera from a camera maker (Olympus, Canon, Nikon). I own 3 epson printers and 2 scanners, all are great....but what the hell do they know about camera optics?

 

[Czar]

I have the Olympus 3030z, like it very much, the 3040 is the same camera except with tiny extra fetures, nothing biggy I think. Like many have said, go to dpreview before you decide, great site. I learned more about how to use my camera there than I did reading the manual.

 

[reicherb]

bump

 

[corkyg]

Agree that camera people usually make better cameras than printer/scanner people . . . but the main issue between these puppies is to decide what media you are going to invest in. That means choosing between Compact Flash and Smart Media. There are advantages and disadvantages on both sides.

The impact of this extends into your readers, and spare media, etc.

 

[reicherb]

bump

 

[SerraYX]

I find Olympus's picture quality, shape of camera, and other features to be really comfortable as opposed to other brands. I haven't tried out Epson's specifically but I have a related Olympus and am very satisfied with it, though I found that not buying a USB media reader was unavoidable, the camera --> serial port --> program interface is clunky at best. Plus the SmartMedia cards are really easy to use, plus the readers and 64mb cards are cheap. Same holds for CompactFlash, but I like SmartMedia better.

 

[reicherb]

Thanks, SerraYX.

 

[mgravy]

Another vote for the Olympus 30x0. I have the 3000z and could not be any happier.

 

[reicherb]

any other suggestions out there?

 

[RossMAN]

I would go for the Olympus C-3040.

Here's a comparison of the two cameras side-by-side.

 

[TexRanger]

I don't have one myself, but my brother uses a Nikon Coolpix 990 that my dad and I got him for Christmas. He borrowed a 950 much of last year and shot ~2500 pictures with it, and has probably shot ~500 so far with the 990. Nikon is arguably the best "regular" camera company, and I believe they make an excellent digicam as well. I still use a 35mm Canon Elan IIe, but plan to add a digicam later in the year.

The 990 body is the split-style which may or may not appeal to you when compared to the Canon/Epson/Olympus models, but I'd encourage you to consider this one in your search.

Good luck.

 

[reicherb]

Thanks guys.

 

[reicherb]

Once more for suggestions. Anybody else got any before I make a purchase? I am leaning to the Canon G1.

Thanks.

 

[Howard]

HeinekinMan - This review doesn't talk about the G1's ability to use Microdrives at all.

 

[DynaOne]

I have the 3030 and it works great.

 

[RossMAN]

Once more for suggestions. Anybody else got any before I make a purchase? I am leaning to the Canon G1.

I'm curious what made you choose the Canon G1 over the Olympus and Epson?

What kind of deal are you getting on the Canon G1? I found it online for $759.95 (plus tax) with free shipping.

 

[reicherb]

$725 shipped for the G1 here.

$830 shipped for the 3040 here.

I still need to find a store where I can get my hands on the G1 before I made any final decisions.

 

[Bellyofthebeast]

Stop the madness, do yourself a favor & checkout the Sony DSC-P1 Cybershot. It is absolutely the best, smallest, digital for the money out there. With a 64 MB Memory Stick, you'll have all the storage you'll ever need. (It comes stock with only a 8 MB Stick) You plug the Stick into the Epson 875 Stylus Photo printer, & presto, you have high quality prints.
The Li-ion battery charging system (in camera) is the best, you get plenty of juice. This camera brought back the fun in photography for me, as it has features appealing to the novice as well as advanced photoholics.
The zoom, special editing features, easy file transfer (floppy adapter, USB), & very intelligent menu operation, combine to produce a small compact digital that feels natural, is easy to use, & you'll take it everywhere.
WOW is all I can say about the QUALITY of pics with this digital, it really compares favorably to the more expensive larger full featured digital cameras. Please reassess your choices.

 

I have a Olympus 3000Z,Great picture quality,love the remote !

 

[reicherb]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll check them out.