Wootalyzer's Pricing Post! - The price of today's woot item is saved here for future reference
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Olympus 14MP Digital Camera
$79.99 + $5 Standard OR $8 Two-Day OR $11 One-Day Shipping
Condition: New

*DISCLAIMER* Wootalyzer! is in no way affiliated with Woot!, and this post may not always be here!

Can anyone comment on shutter speed?

Wow! This is a great price on a nice little camera. Sure, it's not a full DSLR, but I have taken some better pictures with my little Olypus than with my full kit of Nikon gear--and I don't worry about dropping an $80 camera overboard, or having it stolen, and it's much more portable. If you don't have one of these, and you like to take pictures, you need one.

Don't know much except the award winning photographer I'm taking a class from uses Olympus cameras. He said they're right up there with Nikon and Canon.

meh3884 wrote:Can anyone comment on shutter speed?

1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Candle Scene mode)

ckeilah wrote:1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Candle Scene mode)

Yes, but I mean real experience with the camera. The camera I have now advertised 1/4 sec, but it is much slower most of the time. Very aggravating (a Nikon) when trying to take a quick picture, especially immediately after the camera is turned on - has a very slow start up time.

Well, if you want that kind of fine control over every aspect of your shooting, then this is not the camera for that job. That is why you have a full DSLR kit. ;-)

THIS camera allows you some control, but really shines in AUTO mode. If you play to its strengths, you can get some amazing shots. If you insist on eeking out every iota of control possible, you will just become frustrated with it. Think of it as a snapshot camera, but with great quality. Good optics, decent chip.

meh3884 wrote:Yes, but I mean real experience with the camera. The camera I have now advertised 1/4 sec, but it is much slower most of the time. Very aggravating (a Nikon) when trying to take a quick picture, especially immediately after the camera is turned on - has a very slow start up time.

ckeilah responded with the real world shutter speeds. I think you're looking for the "how-long-does-it-take-from-when-I-push-the-buttun-til-when-it-actually-takes-the-picture" speed, which is different. (Shutter speed actually being the amount of time the shutter is open while taking the picture).

Sorry I couldnt be more helpful.

ckeilah wrote:Well, if you want that kind of fine control over every aspect of your shooting, then this is not the camera for that job. That is why you have a full DSLR kit. ;-)


THIS camera allows you some control, but really shines in AUTO mode. If you play to its strengths, you can get some amazing shots. If you insist on eeking out every iota of control possible, you will just become frustrated with it. Think of it as a snapshot camera, but with great quality. Good optics, decent chip.

@Metilhed - you're right, that's basically what I'm looking for. Not an uber camera geek

Not looking for lots of control, just want a camera that takes quick shots - or really, one that takes shots at the advertised speed. My old Sony Cybershot was fantastic, but alas after 7 years it didn't survive a trip to the beach/sand. So looking for someone who has this particular model and how they feel about the shutter speed (or what I meant when I say that), particularly the "from off to first shot" speed and how long it takes for the zoom functionality to load.

My Nikon currently takes about 3 seconds from off to turn on and boot up to take a zoomed picture. My Sony used to boot up all functionality instantly - I didn't realize I was taking that for granted when I had that camera :/

BTW, this camera is $93.30 on Amazon w/ 3.5/5 stars.

Does anyone have any experience with how well it handles simple video recording?

meh3884 wrote:My Nikon currently takes about 3 seconds from off to turn on and boot up to take a zoomed picture. My Sony used to boot up all functionality instantly - I didn't realize I was taking that for granted when I had that camera :/

So you'd want to look at things like shutter lag (how long it takes from pressing the shutter until the picture is taken), autofocus speed (if it takes a long time to focus that will slow down your process), and how long it takes to boot up. Take a look at the reviews over at dpreview.com (the forums are utterly useless).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311travelzoomgrouptest/16

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/olympus_vr_320_review/rivals/

And, yes, Olympus made some very nice kit back in the day. They've since abandoned the DSLR market (and thus the pro and high-end hobbyist markets for the most part). AFAIK they still make some slick interchangeable-lens cameras (not DSLRs)... but the quality of point-and-shoot cameras is not something that can easily be predicted by the quality of a company's higher end gear. Nikon makes great DSLRs, and very average point-and-shoots.

Ok, I'll be in and out tonight with work.

First: previous woot in February was $99.99, $20 more, then dropped to $94.99 during the sale
http://www.woot.com/Forums/viewpost.aspx?postid=4838215&PageIndex=1&ReplyCount=60

(sorry, last edit above, now I'm going to sleep)

and my two posts then:

whatsamattaU wrote:Product website:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1537

including
manual:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/VR-330_D-730_VR-320_D-725_VR-310_D-720_Instruction_Manual_EN.pdf

whatsamattaU wrote:Reviews via Youtube:

Unboxing:



Multiple video tests available (there are more than this) including:



night (no, I don't know what's burning and why they're filming)



and



and for those who like Dutch (edit: I thought it was German at first, but the nl designation makes me think it's Netherlands?):

Hopefully back later.

meh3884 wrote:Can anyone comment on shutter speed?

It's almost instantaneous.

I love mine. It takes great pictures and does what it was meant to do. It takes some excellent macro shots too. Video is 720p - nothing to write home about but it will do the trick when you need it.

This is my second Olympus because my sister has requisitioned my older one.

no woot off this month?

What is the battery life like? I really like the idea of a camera that takes AA's that you can pick up anywhere but I would consider rechargeables if they last for a reasonable number of shots.

All right, I Wooted. I think it's time for an upgrade. Very excited to see what this can do! It should leave my current camera in the dust!

I'd imagine I can just use my iPod power brick to charge via the USB, right?

Anyone know how this does in low light conditions? (For example, indoors.)

I know there was a night video posted but a raging inferno at night, while interesting to see, isn't quite the example I'm looking for. hehe

cappo wrote:Anyone know how this does in low light conditions? (For example, indoors.)

I know there was a night video posted but a raging inferno at night, while interesting to see, isn't quite the example I'm looking for. hehe

I know, I hope they called the fire department while/before they filmed this.
Anyway, so much for sleep. From the previous woot that I linked to above and here,
http://www.woot.com/Forums/viewpost.aspx?postid=4838215&PageIndex=1&ReplyCount=60

this might help (although the review shows outdoor images, too, not indoors):

mrtoast98 wrote:There's an extensive review here, pretty average overall. The prime selling points are ease of use, dual image stabilization, and the 24-mm equivalent wide angle lens. Cons are so-so image quality and truly horrible video. Strictly a point-and-shooter for beginners.

FatDaddi0 wrote:have this camera and it works well. I played with the macro when I was on vacation this summer and got some great shots of flowers, bees, etc.

However, it's been my experience that Olympus does great outdoor/daytime photos, but indoor and nighttime requires some other lighting to make it work. I think the Macro function will work well for you as long as you don't expect $1400 DSLR quality pics from a $95 point and shoot.

I'm happy with my purchase.

You can peruse the other comments from the old woot I linked to above and see if there's an indoor lighting comment if no one responds otherwise. Have a good weekend.

meh3884 wrote:Can anyone comment on shutter speed?

That's a really vague question!

Based on my students, it could mean you are asking about shutter lag, or perhaps the ability to shoot indoor action shots in low light (typical school gym sporting events.)

In both cases, you will need a DSLR if (a) you want ultra fast response and (b) need to shoot little Johnny scoring on the gym floor. (You'll also need a faster lens than the one that comes with your DSLR).

Things are always improving, but that's the way it sits right now. Please see the fine print below abut my book...based on hundreds of similar questions.

cappo wrote:Anyone know how this does in low light conditions? (For example, indoors.)

I know there was a night video posted but a raging inferno at night, while interesting to see, isn't quite the example I'm looking for. hehe

Low light performance is largely dependent on the maximum aperture of the lens and the maximum ISO of the camera. This camera is likely around 5.6 when zoomed...not enough for fast speeds in low light. Have no idea what I am talking about? Read my book (or some online tutorial) before making purchases. See fine print below.

Does this camera come with SD card?

revolm2008 wrote:Does this camera come with SD card?

Apparently not.
In the box:

Olympus VR-320 14MP Digital Camera (Choose: Black, Blue, Red or Silver)
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-42B)
USB Cable & Charger (F-2AC)
AV Cable
Wrist Strap
Instruction Manual & Software CD

Shutter speed determines the length of time the camera gets light from the scene on the film or photo receptor. High speed (1/500th sec.) is for very fast action, but could cause the image to come out dark (under exposed) if your shooting something in a shadow. Low speeds (1/30 sec.) can make some interesting images. Taking a photo of a race zooming across can create an elongated image. At night, a super long shutter speed (10 -20 sec.) creates those red streak images of tail lights you see.

a couple of eBay buy now sellers have this (new) for $89.99 with free shipping

Be very careful when you place your order. When I clicked the [Place Order] button, my usually fast (Firefox) browser stalled and did nothing for 30 seconds, so I clicked it again, which brought me to a 404 (page not found) error after 10 more seconds. I was in the process of re-purchasing my camera when the purchase confirmation email from Woot hit my phone.

Mikey
60 woots and counting

Charitwo wrote:no woot off this month?

Yeah I was hoping for one this weekend since I actually have money right now, instead I have to use that money to pay bills BOO.

ThunderThighs wrote:Wait! It's July already? Where has time gone!

Lol

Looking for a camera That can take clear sports action shots of my grandson out on the football field. Can this camera stop action?

ckeilah wrote:Wow! This is a great price on a nice little camera. Sure, it's not a full DSLR, but I have taken some better pictures with my little Olypus than with my full kit of Nikon gear--and I don't worry about dropping an $80 camera overboard, or having it stolen, and it's much more portable. If you don't have one of these, and you like to take pictures, you need one.

You make perfect sense. I own a nice DSLR set up but for certain occasions I don't want to drag a bag full of an expensive Nikon body and Nikkor lenses. I've bought 3 point and shoot cameras from Woot, choosing them carefully and I'm happy with all three. My very 1st point and shoot was an Olympus, I gave it away 7 years ago and the person is still using the 5 megapixel with no problems.

Charitwo wrote:no woot off this month?

Buy 3 of these cameras to immortalize your expression of disappointment from multiple angles in digital images, then share with your fellow wooters. It isn't good to keep those kinds of strong emotions bottled up.

ThunderThighs wrote:Wait! It's July already? Where has time gone!

herp derp, there has been no June woot off yet, hence my disappointment

meh3884 wrote:@Metilhed - you're right, that's basically what I'm looking for. Not an uber camera geek

Not looking for lots of control, just want a camera that takes quick shots - or really, one that takes shots at the advertised speed. My old Sony Cybershot was fantastic, but alas after 7 years it didn't survive a trip to the beach/sand. So looking for someone who has this particular model and how they feel about the shutter speed (or what I meant when I say that), particularly the "from off to first shot" speed and how long it takes for the zoom functionality to load.

My Nikon currently takes about 3 seconds from off to turn on and boot up to take a zoomed picture. My Sony used to boot up all functionality instantly - I didn't realize I was taking that for granted when I had that camera :/

Seems to me if you have such specific requirements for your digital point-and-shoot.....which is entirely your right.....you'd probably be better advised to search for a camera from somewhere other than a deal-a-day site.

No flash?

wvuguy wrote:Seems to me if you have such specific requirements for your digital point-and-shoot.....which is entirely your right.....you'd probably be better advised to search for a camera from somewhere other than a deal-a-day site.

Yeah, clearly I'm just a total failure at the concept of opportunistic shopping. There's no way I'd just like to hear from people who actually own the camera, what a ridiculous thing to ask for. Not to mention that wanting a camera that takes quick photos is suuuuuuch a stringent requirement, what was I thinking asking for more details on this one!? Good thing 2 or 3 other people didn't have some much trouble answering this question for me ;). And those deal a day sites are so worthless for buying something you actually want or need, they're just crap holes for impulse buying, after all.

ThunderThighs wrote:Wait! It's July already? Where has time gone!

It's just a jump to the left
And then a step to the ri-hi-hi-hi-ight...
Let's do The Time Warp again!

^^X^^

blarf wrote:So you'd want to look at things like shutter lag (how long it takes from pressing the shutter until the picture is taken), autofocus speed (if it takes a long time to focus that will slow down your process), and how long it takes to boot up. Take a look at the reviews over at dpreview.com (the forums are utterly useless).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311travelzoomgrouptest/16

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/olympus_vr_320_review/rivals/

And, yes, Olympus made some very nice kit back in the day. They've since abandoned the DSLR market (and thus the pro and high-end hobbyist markets for the most part). AFAIK they still make some slick interchangeable-lens cameras (not DSLRs)... but the quality of point-and-shoot cameras is not something that can easily be predicted by the quality of a company's higher end gear. Nikon makes great DSLRs, and very average point-and-shoots.

Olympus still makes DSLRs, with the pro E-5 and the pro-consumer E-30 and the consumer E-620, as well as the new OM-D EM-5 Micro 4/3 DSLR.

Their Point/Shoot cameras still have great lenses and sensors. Good kit still.

patlukes wrote:No flash?

It comes preloaded with Flash 11.3.300.257, but you will have to download regular updates from Adobe.