Olympus VS Canon Shoot Out

[farlymac]

As a follow up to the last two posts I made while testing cameras, I've combined the images side-by-side so you can make a better comparison of the two. And I've placed all the information I have on the two models (Olympus Accura View 90, Canon Sure Shot Classic 120 Caption), plus my findings. Be sure to view the photos in their original size (via the Action menu) to make your own conclusions.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7699588@N07/sets/72157627933429491/


Olympus VS Canon by br1078phot, on Flickr

Remember, these are used cameras, and any faults with them are most likely because of rough handling by their previous owners. The results are not indicative of the original manufacturers output.

PF

 

[rbiemer]

interesting comparison.
The Canon Sureshot 120 is a camera I've wanted to like but I haven't yet gotten a good example. I like how they were specced and the controls are pretty well thought out, I think. And I can live with using 400 speed film--that is my usual choice for most things anyway.
I have bought two in the last 18 months or so that were nice looking but ultimately non-functional. 🙁
The Olympus looks OK but doesn't appeal to me as much, mainly because of the size.
I have been offhandedly looking for an Olympus LT-1, though: a better packaging of the Stylus Epic.
So, until I come across one that actually works, I think my "pocket zoom" camera will be my Samsung HZ50.
Thanks for posting this!
Rob

 

[Austintatious]

Wow!
You put a lot of work into this Phill. They both have their good and bad points, but I think I like the results from the Canon more. I like how you have the images side by side.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

Charles

 

[btgc]

I have been offhandedly looking for an Olympus LT-1, though: a better packaging of the Stylus Epic.

Better? I have thought about LT-1 as fancier but less functional version of Stylus. Leather tongue...is it detachable or hangs down all the time you take picture? If it comes off without ripping I should have retract my statement 🙂

 

[muf]

Very nice comparison. Not surprised the Canon won as it's a little gem. But now the cat is out of the bag! Try to get yourself a Rollei Prego 90 with the Schneider lens. That's a beast of a lens!

 

[rbiemer]

I think better because, for me, the regular Stylus was a bit too small to use well. The LT-1 is, again for me, a better shape to hold onto.
I did find one a a thrift store and did like how it felt/handled but it was not functional--wouldn't engage the film when one loaded it--the leather tongue did not detatch as I recall but I considered that a plus since that meant I wouldn't lose it.
I bought the original Stylus when they came out as a gift for my mother, she used it for about 8 or 9 years before it stopped working--again it got to where it wouldn't load film--that little camera took lots of photos of my neices and nephews!
@farlymac, sorry for the hijack!
Rob

Better? I have thought about LT-1 as fancier but less functional version of Stylus. Leather tongue...is it detachable or hangs down all the time you take picture? If it comes off without ripping I should have retract my statement 🙂

 

[farlymac]

No problem Rob. I like to hear comparisons to whatever camera I've posted about. It also lets me know what to look out for at Goodwill.

PF

 

[btgc]

I think better because, for me, the regular Stylus was a bit too small to use well. The LT-1 is, again for me, a better shape to hold onto.

Well, size and handling are valid arguments. As for lenses, they all (in certain price range) were good, can't say this about ergonomics. Olympus used Mju-I/Stylus as a platform to build also Ecru and Product-O.

What's cool about Viewzoom series (farlymac's Accura, in US) is viewfinder with illuminated parallax marks and focus mark, lightning up in red when focus can not be set - as I read in manual. That's something new in P&S class.

 

[charjohncarter]

You can be faulted on bias or not working hard. Pretty impressive work up.

 

[farlymac]

You can be faulted on bias or not working hard. Pretty impressive work up.

"Can", or "Can't"?

PF

 

[Greyscale]

One thing that is worth mentioning about the Classic 120. In my experience, it has the best flash of any of the P&S cameras that I have used, and I have used a bunch of them. Maybe Canon was onto something with that crazy sideways popout flash.

 

[farlymac]

I usually shoot mine with the flash off, and that's where the 'Personal' setting is great. But today I had to shoot indoors, so the flash was on most of the time. However, it didn't work all the time, and I don't know if that was from not waiting long enough to recharge, or the camera just hits-and-misses on operation. Since I started using it, besides the winding fault I mentioned in the test, it now will not go into the Date/Caption mode. This may be from when I carry it in my shirt pocket, and sweat builds up on the back of the camera. So maybe the electronics are slowly going haywire.

PF

 

[farlymac]

Wow!
You put a lot of work into this Phill. They both have their good and bad points, but I think I like the results from the Canon more. I like how you have the images side by side.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

Charles

Remember though Charles, the Oly was pretty beat up when I got it, so I wouldn't say this example is indicative of the rest. One in beter shape may just be a jewel of a camera. And I did get a few decent shots from it when everything was just right, but they were far between. Maybe I'll find another one someday for a reshoot.

PF