Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T50 VS Olympus Stylus 720 SW?

I'm planning on buying a digital camera. I've made a research and I'm down to these two, but I just can't make a decision. Here are my thoughts:

SONY ($450)

Pros:
- Compatible with my Sony PC with Memory Stick Slot, so I could transfer my pictures very easily.
- Big 3" screen.
- Very stylish and beautiful.

Cons:
- Expensive


OLYMPUS ($380)

Pros:
- Waterproof! Loved this feature. I'm moving to Italy for 7 months to study and this feautre would be really useful since it rains often there.
- Shockproof (although I take good care of my stuff and I probably won't drop it ever).
- Cheaper than the Sony camera.

Cons:
- It doesn't look good, I think it's the shockproof feature what makes it unattractive.
- Smaller screen.
- Would be harder for me to transfer pictures to my PC.

Here are the links for both:

SONY: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHO...

OLYMPUS: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_sectio...

After reading the spec and some actual samples from both camera. I'll take the Sony for its better image quality. The Olympus is very noisy even in low ISO. You mention that it will rain often there in Italy. That means it will mostly overcast and even darker indoor. The Olympus just don't do well under low light at all. Another advantage of The T50 is it has image stabilization. A nice touch for people who use the LCD to compose their picture.

Here is the side-by-side comparison.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...

I've add the Canon SD700 IS there as well since the SD700 IS is better overall (my opinion) than the Sony T50 and the Olympus for less amount of money.

if pics are just for myspace get the 720sw...the quality wont matter that much and you can take it more places the sony cant

if you plan on printing anything get the sony for better quality

I'll agree with Cap. I like his logic about the low light and overcast conditions that you will encounter. Also, after doing much research for Yahoo! Answers, I've decided to buy a Canon SD700-IS for myself as a new "pocket camera," so I'll be living with my own recommendation. It sounds like an excellent camera and it costs a bit less than you've budgeted, so buying new memory cards won't be such a hardship.

As far as transferring pictures easily, just spend $20 on a card reader. It will plug into your USB port and then you can use any
card you like.

Here's a link to B&H showing the SD700-IS for $325. They have a nice little 3-D tour available, too. This should meet your specification for a "stylish" camera, also.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll...