While using the Comparometer feature of this site, I noted the Kodak 215 picture to be better than the Olympus 450Z and some other higher priced models. The review of the 450 sounded so much better than the 215. While pricing at one store the 450 was $499 compared to the 215 at $349. Why does the 215 picture look better than the 450? I have no experience with digital cameras. Am I missing something? Any suggestions for camera under $500 for all around use? Thanks for your help. Nathan Smith

-- Nathan Smith (jennate@accucomm.net), January 09, 2000

Answers

Hi Nathan -

Well, that's *exactly* why we have the Comparometer! "Better" is going to be very much in the eye of the beholder, and different people are going to respond differently to the photos. Some people will react more to color balance, others to resolution, etc. The 215 is lower resolution than the 450, has a shorter-ratio zoom lens, and is generally less flexible. OTOH, lots of people like the bright, saturated "Kodak Color" it provides. It's all up to you and what you're looking for. Both cameras offer good value, depending on your needs are. The 215 has the advantage of being very simple to operate, and produces excellent color. The 450 is much more flexible, better for low-light and action photography, has higher resolution, and a longer- ratio zoom lens. Image quality is only one parameter, you also need to consider other features as well, as those enter into the price. If you're not going to need the other features though, don't pay for them...

-- Dave Etchells (web@imaging-resource.com), January 10, 2000.