Can any of you comment on the Olympus 770 SW? I'm thinking of getting a digicam to stick in my pocket when I don't want to drag the DSLR around. I've looked at the G7 and the fuji F30/31 as well, but from what I hear the f30 blows highlights pretty quickly (otherwise I'd go for that I think). The oly appeals to me on a different basis, the ruggedness and all, but I haven't been able to find much on the image quality online. Michael's good report speaks loads on it though.

Have any of you used it?

I just used one in Florida for a week - one of the worst cameras I have ever used, mostly due to the lack of an optical viewfinder. I simply cannot belive that the world is allowing camera manufactures to produce zillions of these point and shoots with no viewfinder - you are forced to operate blind and point the camera and shoot and hope you get a photo (hum, I wonder if that's where the name comes from) - you simply cannot see anything if you are outside during the day, really, I was appauled. I used it underwater and found about the same deal - I had to just point and hope for the best. I will never buy another point and shoot without an optical viewfinder if there is anyway I can help it. Also the lag time on this camera is pretty bad...

Tim Ernst in Arkansas

I bought one to take on a cruise, just to have in my pocket all the time and to use while snorkeling. I think this is one great little camera. It's no DSLR, and I while I agree with the previous poster's statement regarding the absence of viewfinders, I am very happy with the quality of the prints that I made from the trip. Can I tell them from the 5D? Of course, but it fits the bill in my mind as a really small portable and nearly indestructible pocket camera. I recommend it for all of these reasons.

I think I mentioned in another forum that my Oly 770SW is back at Olympus after only a week of use, snorkelling in the Caribbean.

I have a dilemma about whether to insist on getting my money back, or whether to accept a repaired, or new camera. I like the concept of this camera, but my confidence is severely shaken.

Also - I used the camera non-stop for a week before it leaked. If I get a new one I may not be able to test it so throughly before the warranty expires