Best Value for the Money
Written: Aug 20 '05
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Pros: most features for the price, full manual mode, 10X optical zoom
Cons: poor shooting when the lights are low
The Bottom Line: If you're looking to spend under $150, you can't go wrong with the C-725.
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| rristuccia's Full Review: Olympus Camedia C-725 Digital Camera |
I bought this camera because I really wanted a digital camera and the price was just right. Compared to most other models, it’s very hard to get as many features as can be found in the C-725 in camera costing under $150. On the other hand, under certain conditions, especially low-light situations, the C-725 falls behind its competitors.
The array of features on this Olympus model includes everything you could want in a camera except auto focus. In addition to several different scene modes (most of which I do not use, so I cannot comment on their quality), the C-725 also has a program mode with allows the user to adjust the brightness of the image manually, shutter or aperture priority, and a manual mode. For most casual shooting, you can use either the program or priority modes, but the manual mode allows for some more creative shooting that you just cannot do with most non-SLR digital cameras. Too top off this impressive list of features, the C-725 has a 10X optical zoom, which is perfect for shooting sporting events or in other situations in which you cannot get as close as you might like. I have even found the extra zoom to come in handy at a friend’s wedding where I was able to get good, close-up pictures of the ceremony and the reception without being intrusive.
On the down side, the C-725 only offers 3 megapixel resolution. Most of the time, this is adequate, but images begin to look a bit fuzzy if you try to enlarge them. In addition, the flash is absurdly bright. Even with red-eye reduction turned on, people often have that “deer-in-the-headlights” look when using the flash. It can be manually adjusted to decrease its intensity, but who really wants to take the time to that over and over? Shooting in the “auto” mode should automatically adjust everything from flash intensity to shutter speed to f-stop, but pictures in the auto mode usually come out looking a bit over-exposed. Ultimately, the combination of the sun-like flash and easily confused auto mode prove to be the C-725’s downfall. When the sun is out, you do not usually notice these problems. But when the lights are low, you really have to start playing with the manual and program modes to get a decent picture.
Ultimately, I would say this camera is good for the price, but if you have more money to spend, consider something else. I suggest looking into one of the 4 megapixel Olympus models, such as the C-765 or C-770 that has all of the same features but higher quality optics and image processing. If you’re on a budding amateur photographer on a budget, on the other hand, the C-725 will hold you over until you can spend more on a more advanced camera.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 120
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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Epinions.com ID:
rristuccia
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Location: Upstate New York
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Humble graduate student. More concern with quality and value than appearance and style.
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