I've heard horror stories about the IS-10 (and plastic-bodied autofocus
cameras from other companies) being severely damaged when dropped.
(Something gets bent out of shape that can't be easily fixed.) I've
dropped mine several times, with only minor cosmetic damage.
The plastics used in most P&S cameras are quite sturdy, and can stand a
lot of abuse. (There's a question on this subject in the October Pop
Photo's "50 Questions" article, which I <ahem> wrote.)
I bought the IS-10 because I was afraid of taking my OM-4Ti out of the
house on all but special occasions. If the IS-10 is lost or damaged, I'm
out "only" $300 or so. (Have you priced an OM-4Ti body lately? Ouch! Not
to mention the flash, motor drive, battery pack, and whatever lens
you're using.)
As to the IS-10's image quality... I've gotten some nice 8x12s from it.
But the lens seems to be "very good" rather than "exceptional." Later
this year I plan to shoot a series of test shots at the same apertures
and have them printed at the same time, just to see if there's a
meaningful difference. (The 1-hour lab at the Kirkland, WA Costco does a
fine job. And their reprints are nothing short of superb. They really
care about quality, and one of the guys has exactly the same taste in
density and color balance as I do.)
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