The Never-ending saga....

[gjtoth]

Well, after all is said and done, all the advise given and considered, I purchased the Olympus SP-255 UZ. Here's why: $$$$
I put a bid in on eBay and NEVER expected to win. I guess the other bidders weren't paying attention because I got it for $238 (brand-new)!! $8 of that is shipping. Here's the REALLY cool part: I think I have my Z612 (with most accoutrements) sold for $225! I appreciate all the advice given over the course of this but, there were some things on this camera that the z612 simply could not do -- controllable white balance, RAW output, higher ISOs, closer macro, are just a few of 'em. And, of course, there's the 18x zoom. So, for $13, I think I got a pretty good deal. :D

And, THIS, my friends is one of the reasons I got this camera:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/olympus_sp-550/discuss/72157603325424418/

Please take a look at the zoomed shots and the macro shots these guys are getting with NO special lenses or attachments other than a tripod.

[Snappers]

Well done Garry, Sounds like another ebay bargin:D

I hope this camera turns out to be all you want it to be.

I was impressed with the guy who did the shot of his LNB receiver. 1st for ingenuity and second for the quality of the zoom, yeh ok it's not totally clear but from that range it was pretty neat.

The question remains, will your homemade Macro Led fit your new camera or will you need to go back to the drawing board.

[gjtoth]

Well done Garry, Sounds like another ebay bargin:D

I hope this camera turns out to be all you want it to be.

I was impressed with the guy who did the shot of his LNB receiver. 1st for ingenuity and second for the quality of the zoom, yeh ok it's not totally clear but from that range it was pretty neat.

The question remains, will your homemade Macro Led fit your new camera or will you need to go back to the drawing board.

heh... No problem there, Andy. It'll fit just fine! I may have to snip off a couple more LEDs, but it WILL work. :D

I liked the bloke in his car taking a shot of that antenna on the rooftop. That was impressive. Especially, as it was done through a windscreen!

[Snappers]

Yeh, I couldnt decide if he had stepped out the car to take that photo or if he was still sat in the car, it did look rather wet outside though:D

Glad your Led's will work. Your last camera, was very good at the Macro shots but you say this one will be even better, can't wait to see some of the results.