Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Looking to upgrade from Olympus SP-350

Aug 23, 2011 2:12AM PDT

I've had an Olympus sp-350 for a few years now and it finally petered out on me. I dropped it a few times and messed up the zoom toggle and now when I turn on the camera, I get a "Zoom Error" message.

I was very happy with this camera, except for its performance in low light. I am looking to upgrade to a new camera, was hoping to stick with Olympus, but they don't seem to have anything comparable to the functionality of the SP line (unless I spend $500+). I am looking for better low light performance and more zoom.

I just ordered and received the Olympus SZ-30MR and I'm not very happy with it. It is very sensitive to the slightest movement, even on a tripod, so most of my pics are blurred. Not good!

I am not looking to spend more than $400. Any suggestions? Or should I just get my sp-350 repaired?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Better Low Light OR Zoom?
Aug 23, 2011 4:29AM PDT

You cannot have both, at least not without spending more for an interchangeable lens camera. If you want to stick with Olympus, their best non-interchangeable lens compact camera, the XZ-1 is highly regarded. It has a slightly larger imaging sensor and an exceptionally bright lens. About $450 online, but only a 4x zoom.

A fantastic deal was just posted on DealNews.com for a Samsung NX100. It is a compact interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor, the same sized sensor as a DSLR...so excellent low light performance. It comes with a 2.5x lens, but you can buy longer lenses to supplement the standard lens. $309.

- Collapse -
Thanks!
Aug 23, 2011 5:16AM PDT

Thanks so much! I will look into those!