I'm in the market for a beginner digital camera and I'm torn between the Kodak DC215 and Olympus D360L. I like the 2x optical zoom on the Kodak but the Olympus is 1.3megapix and has a lot of features. What would some of your more experienced users recommend for a beginner like me? Thanks in advance.

-- Mike Randle (lil_mikey@hotmail.com), June 04, 2000

Answers

I have a Kodak DC215 with a SanDisk 40MB Compactflash card. It is a very good digital camera and takes great pictures. All of the pictures that I took with the DC215 came out very nice. The Olympus D360L is also a very good digital camera with a faster lens than the Kodak DC215. You can not go wrong with either digital camera. If I had 599 USD to spend, I would buy the Canon S100 that is coming out in June 2000.

-- Stephen Kovac (skovac@qualcomm.com), June 05, 2000.

I have a DC215, but I am very disappointed of it. Have a look at the sample pics: http://www1534.l6.xodox.com/dc215/ And look at Steve's Digicams sample pics: http://www.steves- digicams.com/dc215_samples.html If you feel that you could like these pics, then buy it.

-- Manuela (manuela-g@gmx.at), June 05, 2000.

It looks like I got the best of both worlds. I ended up picking up the 360L and my girlfriend went with the DC 215. I'm going on vacation this weekend so I'll plenty exposure to both. I'll post my opinion when I get back. Thanks for the advice.

-- Mike Randle (lil_mikey@hotmail.com), June 06, 2000.

I have the Olympus D360L and am very happy with it. I chose it over the Kodak DC215 because to my eyes it gave a clearer, more sharper image. The colors are not as rich as the Kodak, but look very natural. One thing I miss, no optical zoom.

-- Denny (ultraplex@excite.com), June 09, 2000.