[Commie Basher]

I got an Olympus C-700 with 10x optical zoom two years ago. I think Olympus is unique in offering a basic, mid-priced camera (ca. $450) with a 10x optical zoom. 2.1 megapixels is more than enough for me, but the newer Olympus 10x optical zoom camera has 3.2 megapixels.

[Vinnie]

I think Olympus is unique in offering a basic, mid-priced camera (ca. $450) with a 10x optical zoom.

I looked at the Olympus. Can't remember why I didn't buy it, price maybe.

I wanted something for wildlife and closeups. The Nikon is supposed to be unsurpassed for closeups. I realized that any long shots I took of birds, etc I would likely have to digiscope anyway. And most digiscopers use the Nikon Coolpx 4500. The focus is internal, doesn't move the lens barrel ( common with all Coolpix?).

Actually, when I went to buy I planned on getting the Fuji 3800 ( 6x zoom). The salesman (I know and trust) pointed out the advantages of the Nikon, I researched some more and bought the Nikon.

My son takes stunning digiscope pics of birds w/ a Canon G3, but has it hooked up to a Swarovski scope, waaaaay out of my league. $$$$$$