Olympus SP-550 UZ

[Bowlerguy92]

How is this camera overall? I'm a teenager with not a whole lot of cash to my name and for about $210 I can get this camera multiple places. I'm really just getting into photography and am realizing the limitations that P&S's create and I want to go to the next level and really start taking fantastic photos of whatever I can find. I plan on going full manual and doing my photos entirely myself as I have been with this P&S for a while. I have also recently seen the Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS. Which of these cameras do you recommend?

Is this camera compatible with more than just the stock lens?

Anyone have this camera? Thoughts, opinions, pros & cons?

Is this a good camera overall and for my needs?

Thanks guys and gals!

[Foxcow]

I looks like a decent camera. I like the fact that you have a pretty wide range with the built in lens (28-504mm), raw capability, and it has image stabilization (a must for that kind of zoom capability). I don't like the fact that it is not an SLR because you can't change lenses.

If you can't wait, this camera would probably serve you well but it sounds like you have outgrown your point and shoot so moving to a hybrid would only be a very slight improvement. If I were in your situation, I would save my monye for an SLR and go from there.

[KodiakStar]

I had a SP-500UZ about a year or so ago, and while I loved the camera, and it was a step up from a P&S, it just was not enough camera for me. If you can hold off at all, I would wait until you had enough money for at least a E-4xx series if not a E-5xx.

[Foxcow]

There have been some pretty good deals for the E-410 and E-420 on Amazon.com