Replacement for SP-350, Sp-560 or 570?

[gert7to3]

So, replacement means the camera has to be an "Olympus"

Ok, well here're some amazon sites I got through google the following:

Amazon.com: sp-350

Amazon.com: Used and New: Remanufactured Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

and there were some on ebay.

I use a SP-350

 

[merxlin]

So, replacement means the camera has to be an "Olympus"

Ok, well here're some amazon sites I got through google the following:

Amazon.com: sp-350

Amazon.com: Used and New: Remanufactured Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

and there were some on ebay.

I use a SP-350

Thanks, I did look there and on ebay. All are remanufactured or used (not that I am totally oppossed, but the way the insurance works it is a NEW replacement). Did you look at the offers? The only new one was listed at $2002. Thats right, $2002 for a $300 camera. Then he has the stones to ask for $5.49 shipping!

 

[gary-ramey]

Thats right, $2002 for a $300 camera. Then he has the stones to ask for $5.49 shipping!

Maybe you should have the stones to present it to your insurance company...LOL

 

[Thomthumb]

I bought Garys' last sp350 and then bought 2 off of ebay. Gary gave me the best deal and I haven't even got it in the water yet.
Thom

 

[gary-ramey]

Those two extra were good investment's Thom. You could probably double your money!

 

[liberato]

Note that "remanufactured" cameras are usually like new. Open box returns that may or may not have had problems. And the refurbishment should take care of any problems. I would not have any hesitation getting a refurbished SP-350. Might as well get 2 while you're at it.

I just looked at the prices. Sheesh! They were going for ~$200 new at end of life. Glad I got a backup then.

 

[RockyHeap]

I'm really shocked at the going prices of the oly SP-350, and don't understand it at all.

I mean, 3 years ago when they were getting closed out at Cosco I bought 2 of them at $169 each.

Now, they're still going for on average $150-180 on ebay. There is one at a local store in town that was a store return, looks like new but the UPC code has been cut out so someone bought the camera, sent in a rebate form, got their $50, then returned the camera. This SP-350 is still $225, and while I'd love a 2nd spare, I just can't get myself to spend $225 3 years after I bought brand new for $169.....

Anyone have any insite on why these are so friggin expensive 3 years after being discontinued?

 

[fairybasslet]

No but the same thing happened to me when I tried to replace my Oly 7070. It was $400 on ebay and I think I paid $275 for it new. Go figure.

 

[merxlin]

OK, camera is toast. They will replace it with a current model up to the MSRP of the SP-350, and repair the housing and return it to me. I can then sell it and buy a new housing. It does not need to be an Olympus. So that said, should I spend the extra money (less than $200 total) and get a G9? Others?

 

[fairybasslet]

Well, you know how Gert is going to answer.

Go to the store and try the G9 and see if you like it. I tried my friend's and I liked it a lot, but I thought the learning curve was going to be too much for me. I knew my 7070 pretty well and I figured another Olympus would be the most like it, so I got the 560. Even so, the macro feature works differently. I was at the Botanical Gardens last month and I'm scrolling and scrolling through the menu looking for the macro setting, and I couldn't find it. I had totally forgotten that the 560 has a macro button and that's the only way to get to it. I didn't figure that out until I got home and looked at my manual. I felt like a total idiot and came away with not one macro shot of the orchid display.

BTW, what insurance do you have? I was thinking of buying another 560 before I go to Galapagos so I'll have a spare in case I flood the one I have now. There only about $260 in some places online.