Olympus has an excellent reputation in digital cameras. I have one of the ultra zooms, too, as well as a C-5500. You'd probably get a lot of good feedback from the people at DPReview's Olympus Talk Forum (link below).

Susan

Here is a link that might be useful: DPReview Olympus Talk

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but I had an Olympus C4000Z, a very underrated little camera before I got my 20D. Once I learned where the sweet spot in the lens was and some tips, I got some wonderful photos with it, won a contest with two of them.

Some of their models are better than others. I'm really impressed with the 8080. A professional photographer in Iraq uses one, but it's only 3X zoom. I was thinking of getting it for a backup camera.

Do your homework, and you'll be fine. Before I bought each camera and the ones I got for my daughters and grandson, I read and read and asked a zillion questions and kicked it around for months. The net is the best source of information. Few people in the world out there know much of anything about digital cameras, even the camera store salespeople in some cases.

On my 20D I got some things dirt cheap when a major computer online retailer broke into the camera market, had great discounts and coupons they threw out on the net plus rebates. They don't deal with Olympus, mostly Canon and their deals aren't so good any more.

If you can afford it, I wouldn't have before, but now I would not hesitate to recommend a Canon or Nikon dslr with the interchangeable lenses camera to anyone. A few basic settings and you can use it just like a point and shoot digital camera and then grow into the more advanced features.

A lot of people like the Panasonic FZ series, but I have never been too impressed with them although they seemed to have corrected some of the fringing. I just didn't think they produced that sharp of photos and the color was nothing to write home about, but some people love them. Some of the Kodaks are pretty nice, too, as well as Fuji. Oh, I left out Sony. They had serious problems with one, DSC-F828, rushed it to market before they got the bugs out, but I have been impressed with *some* of their models. Some I would advise people not to buy certain other ones.

You might want to look at the specs for the Canon Pro 1. It doesn't have such a powerful zoom, 5X optical if I remember correctly, ignore digital zoom; it's worthless, but has a wonderful lens and color. My granddaughter bought that one and gets wonderful photos with it. I have seen some posted by others that have blown me away.

Susan - thanks for all the advice. I did check DPReview and got a lot of info. The pro reviews sound like they're from Oly and the con reviews from competitors. But no review from someone who has actually used it underwater and it's very discouraging.
The main reason I'm interested in the 720SW is to use it when snorkeling. It's the only underwater camera I've found with a reasonable?price. Really would love to hear how it performs underwater.
Would really like to see your winning photos too. Jan

I got in trouble for mentioning another discussion forum, so I'll keep this generic.

From the review:

"ItÂs a classic case of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going", as for even more rough stuff, the µ (mju) 720 SW users can boost the cameraÂs waterproof capabilities further, from 3m to an incredible 40m with the optional PT-033 underwater case. Being waterproof the µ (mju) 720SW is ideal for taking snorkelling or canoeing. Among its 24 scene modes, which cover most everyday shooting situations such as portraits, landscapes or sports, this camera also includes modes specifically created for underwater photography."

I see the 720SW and C-8080 have 3X zoom. I also see the C-8080 has an optional waterproof housing. You might want to read the review on that cam, too.

I can't find any sample underwater photos taken with either camera.

Susan - guess I'm in trouble too. The c8080 is WAY beyond my budget, so that's out. I did buy a French waterproof camera case (afraid to mention brands) which is basically a big baggie, but afraid to use it now.
I may just wait to see if Oly can get their act together on the 720SW with a better LCD & battery life, which seem to be the main complaints.
Thanks for all your help. Jan