Features

• Ultra-compact and super-sharp 38-80mm, 2.1x zoom
• Multi-wide 11 point AF system for highly accurate autofocusing
• 3-way AE system determines optimum exposure setting
• Quartz date/time imprint
• Innovative Camera Shake Indicator warns of camera shake and reduces the risk of image blur

Reviews (3)

Great pictures for a camera in this class
I exposed some beautiful pictures with this camera before I bought an SLR camera. Great color and detail for a point and shoot. Obviously, if you want more creative control I would recommend an SLR. But for a point and shoot, it yields good results. One complaint, my camera began to malfunction a while back, rewinding midroll and double exposing--probably my fault, it has been dropped a couple of times ;)

Good buy for the price
For the price this is good buy. I have little kids and I need an inexpensive camera I can throw in my purse for those cute little moments. This camera is small and easy to use. The zoom makes it more versatile than other inexpensive camers. I had no problem loading the camera and the few rolls of film I have gotten back look great.

camera for the dummies
I like this camera. I took it to Ireland with me and we just snapped away. I took the film to a cheap department store to get it processed and the pictures are wonderful. They are clear and persise. If I loose this camera or drop it I won't have a heart attack. It didn't cost that much to begin with. I run though the batteries a little sooner. But this is because I play with the zoom lens a lot. It's just a nice little camera that I can pack around and not worry to much about. The pictures are great.... ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 38-170mm (4.5x) high-performance zoom lens
• Fully automatic operation with intelligent variable-power flash
• Ultracompact body with all-weather durability against water splashed from any direction
• Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass lens element
• Quartz date and time imprinting

Reviews (17)

Far Exceeds My Expectations
Bought this camera to replace one I had actually worn out! I run a lot of film through a camera in a year. This point and shoot camera gave me sharp pictures with good color on 400ASA film, indoors with flash. The flash was effective to 17 feet away. I put 200 ASA film in and shot pictures both indoors and out. Results were more than satisfactory. I plan to take this camera to Italy with me instead of my SLR. The zoom is smooth, and the image in the viewfinder is very close to actual picture. I love it! Worth every penny!

Olympus Zoom 170
I have owned quite a few cameras in my life, and feel this is one of the best I have come across. The zoom is excellent, and so far, only two rolls of film used, I have had zero failures. The buttons are a little bit small, and I just need to get used to that, the zoom is easy to use. The feel of the camera is good, despite its small size, it fits well in the hand. The point and shoot era is here, and all the years of my using a Nikon 35mm slr seem to be over. This is just too simple and easy. To go back to the changing lenses, carrying all the baggage, etc hardly seems worth the effort if the end result is as good or better.

Great Camera with excellent zoom
This is simply a great camera. I have used it for over 2 years. I bought it at buy.com when it was newly released. We bought it primarily for the zoom. The zoom is simply excellent. This is one of the best point and shoot i have used. I have used Canon and Minolta before. The controls are all conveniontly placed and the zoom works great. I have never missed a picture.

Best in its class.
Simple point and shoot. Awsome zoom. Pictures are consistenly sharp and clear. I'd recommend it, specially for travel when a digital camera just doesn't have enough memory to hold so many pics.

Great camera - my 2nd Stylus
Love it! I had my first Olympus Stylus for YEARS. After dropping my first camera way too many times (over many many years), I finally had to replace it. I was sticking with the Olympus Stylus. Like the first one, this camera also takes great pictures - especially close up people-pictures. I always use 200 film and get great results every time. Call me lucky. I don't need all this zoom power though and find I don't use it. Probably a little too much zoom for a hand-held camera, but the photos I take with this camera are very nice. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The durable Olympus Stylus Epic offers full-featured, high-quality 35mm operation in an affordable package. With this ultra-portable point-and-shoot--one of the smallest 35mm cameras available--you'll never leave your camera at home.

While it's extraordinarily light and small, the Olympus Stylus Epic is heavy on styling and great features. It sports a miniature version of Olympus's signature clamshell sliding case, making it easy to turn the camera on and off. Its good-looking, high impact case is durable and splashproof.

The Olympus Stylus Epic offers the advanced features of Olympus's larger camera lines, including quartz date and time imprinting and a self timer.The Olympus Stylus Epic also has a whopping six flash modes, including automatic, red-eye reduction, and night scene.

The Olympus Stylus Epic was a pleasure to use--it was as small or smaller than many of the new Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras, but uses standard 35mm film. Its tapered design made it easy to slip in a pocket, and since it was little larger than a deck of cards, we found ourselves carrying it everywhere. If you hate lugging even a normal-size point-and-shoot around, the Olympus Stylus Epic has the portability you need.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and compact
• Durable construction
• Wide range of flash options
• Affordable

Cons:

• Battery compartment is hard to open

Features

• Active type multi-beam autofocus system
• Fully automatic operation
• Intelligent variable-power flash
• Spot Mode provides pinpoint exposure accuracy
• Bright, 0.45X real-image viewfinder

Features

• Integrated 38-170mm Zoom Lens offering a vast range of wide-angle, normal and telephoto perspectives
• Fully automatic operation (autofocus, auto exposure, auto film load, advance and rewind)
• Selectable Quartz date offers convenient date/time imprinting on selected pictures
• All-Weather water-resistant body
• Built-in multi-mode electronic-flash

Amazon.com Product Description

Sleek and expertly designed, the Olympus IS-50 35mm camera provides all the manual controls you need to give photos that personal touch; or, you can sit back and let the automatic functions take over effortlessly. The powerful wide-angle 4.3x zoom lens provides you the range of perspectives you need without having to lug around various lenses.

The advanced flash system has variable power to provide the right amount of light for different conditions, and you can also set the flash to red-eye reduction, fill, and manual off. The predictive autofocus system keeps the subject sharp and clear. Shoot in different exposure modes like landscape, night scene, portrait, and stop action for the ideal look. You can easily keep track of these settings with the large LCD panel.

Film operation is a cinch with fully automatic film load, advance, and rewind. The 12-second self-timer is useful for shooting self-portraits and group photos. You can also imprint the date and time onto photos for record-keeping purposes. Given its ergonomic design, the IS-50 is easy to hold and carry around for any purpose. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm autofocus camera
• Wide angle 4.3x zoom lens
• Variable power twin autoflash system
• Multiple exposure modes
• Date and time imprinting

Reviews (14)

Couldnt be more pleased
I bought this camera wanting some control and great zoom with, at least moderate picture quality. What turned me on most was the fact that I didnt have to buy and carry around another lens to get "closer" to the object I wanted to capture. I havent owned many SLR cameras but, I have to say this is easily the best camera I have ever owned. I thought for the price, I would just be getting a mediocre camera with marginal picture quality at best, but I was pleasently mistaken. This camera takes great pictures with incredible detail. If you do not know anything about apurature, and how to generally opperate an SLR camera this is the camera you should seriously look into. It is fully automatic. It will sellect the best settings for the light and focus for you with only a push of a button. If your a control freak, dont worry, you have that option as well. You can sellect a manual setting that will give you total control. The zoom is unbelievable, and the camera is well balanced. For the price, you cant beat it! Ive really enjoyed taking pictures with this camera. Enjoy!

Professional quality, with the ease of point and shoot!
That "inner voice" told me that this was the camera I wanted. I checked it out in the stores. I liked the way it looked, I liked the way it felt. The fact that it was a 35mm SLR, and a good zoom was a must.
I checked prices on this camera EVERYWHERE. You will not find a better deal on this camera than here at Amazon.com!
So the incredible price sealed the deal.
It is so easy to use. It has an automatic feature that does it all for you, right down to the focus. Or all the settings for a professional.
BUT! I got my first pictures back today, and WOW!!!! The color is brilliant, the images sharp! We took pictures at the zoo, and they look like they came out of a magazine!
The only drawback is the size. It's a little heavy and bulky, but preserving my precious children's faces in such a quality photo.... I don't mind! I couldn't reccomend a better camera

Fun starter camera
Although all the gadgets were a little overwhelming at first their instruction manual is very helpful and helped me not only with the camera but a little general photography. It would have been nice to get some batteries with it but if that's the only gripe I've got I'm pretty impressed.

Excellent Beginner SLR
I recently went on a trip to England, and wanted a camera that was of higher quality. I chose the SLR style because I wanted what I saw in the viewfinder to be what the final product looked like. I chose this camera specifically because it has an integrated zoom lense (up to 120mm) and multiple automatic features. I have found this camera to be excellent in nearly every aspect.

PROS:
1.Fantastic image quality. Olympus lenses seem to be of superior quality to some other major brands I've tried.
2. Quick selection of auto features (night, landscape, high speed, etc.)
3. LONG battery life
4. Quick rewind and loading of 35mm. film

CONS:
1. Built in lens means no way to change lense (No going to a telephoto or macro lense.) What you see is what you get.

Great Camera
The pictures taken with this camera are GREAT!!!!!! The pictures look so real. I love it!! ... Read more

Features

• Powerful, versatile 28~140mm 5x zoom lens with ED glass elements (f4.9-6.9; 15 elements in 10 groups) makes toting a bagful of replacement lenses a fading memory
• Advanced twin flash system with Intelligent Variable-Power Flash control provides appropriate light under a variety of scenarios ? automatically
• Auto Color-Balancing detects artificial & fluorescent light sources, determining appropriate flash settings for complex lighting situations
• Flash synch at shutter speeds to 1/2000 second
• Multimode Programmed Auto Exposure, plus Manual, Aperture & Shutter Priority Exposure Modes provide fullest creative range

Reviews (2)

SLR Quality; Point-and-Shoot Simplicity
This camera is NOT a true SLR camera, as Olympus implies in the camera's description. In fact, many web sites list it under their Point-and-Shoot models. Nevertheless, this camera is an excellent compromise between big, expensive SLR cameras and smaller, easy to use Point-and-Shoot cameras.

The camera does have true SLR features not found on lesser Point-and-Shoot models. The view-finder is TTL (through-the-lens), so you can get an accurate preview of your photograph. The pop-up, bi-directional, color-correcting flash unit does a great job lighting your photos without the harsh shadows inherent in most small flash units. The flash also does a fairly good job reducing red-eye, but does NOT eliminate the problem. Using the "Red-Eye Reduction" flash mode helps significantly, but causes the flash to pre-fire for a couple of seconds before the shutter releases, so while it's highly effective with posed portrait photography, it's totally impractical for spontaneous photographs.

One of the most unique features of this camera is the 52mm threaded lens, which allows you to use all of the various filters available for SLR lenses. In fact, I HIGHLY recommend immediately purchasing a 52mm UV filter, which can be attached to front of the lens permanently to protect the lens itself. The UV filter also significantly improves photos taken outdoors. (Note: I also recommend shelling out a few extra dollars to buy a multi-coated UV filter instead of the cheap uncoated filters. The anti-reflective coating on a Hoya or Heliopan filter allows over 40% more light through to the lens compared to uncoated filters).

If you already own an SLR and have invested in larger filters, you can purchase a 52mm-58mm step-up ring for less than $15. The step-up ring is very thin, and is barely noticeable (although you can't use Olympus's fancy flip-up lens cover with the step-up ring). This option alone makes the Olympus IS-5 a great back-up camera for SLR owners.

The primary reason I contend that this camera is not a true SLR is simply because it doesn't offer the same flexibility as a Canon or Nikon SLR camera body. For example, you can't use interchangeable lenses with the Olympus IS-5, so you're stuck with the 28-140mm focal length. Furthermore, and perhaps more significantly, the camera doesn't have a "hotshoe", so you can't add a separate flash unit (like a Canon SpeedLite) or a multi-flash set-up to extend the range of your flash capability or increase your options when it comes to lighting.

In summary, the Olympus IS-5 is an excellent camera with a very high-quality lens, and would be a great choice for the vast majority of people who simply want an easy-to-use camera for everyday photos but don't want to settle for the lesser optics and flash units found on more compact Point-and-Shoot cameras. It is also a great back-up camera for more serious photographers who may already own an SLR and lens filters.

Great camera!
Although I've only had this camera for 6 weeks, I LOVE it! It's easy to use and the picture quality is quite good.
I purchased this camera after two months of research into all makes and models. I chose this one mainly for the extra zoom and date imprinting feature. I'm still learning to utilize all the features, but I'm VERY happy with it so far. ... Read more

Features

• Fully automatic operation (autofocus, auto exposure, auto film load, advance and rewind)
• Selectable Quartz date offers convenient date/time imprinting on selected pictures
• All-Weather water-resistant body
• Built-in multi-mode electronic-flash
• Includes remote control

Features

• Ultra-compact and super-sharp 37.5-150mm, 4x Zoom
• Quartz Date/Time Imprint
• Innovative Camera Shake Indicator warns of camera shake and reduces the risk of image blur
• Multi-wide 11 point AF System for highly accurate autofocusing
• Amazing high quality lens system featuring an ED glass lens and two double-sided aspherical lenses

Amazon.com Product Description

The new Olympus Stylus 100 offers a 3.6x wide-angle zoom lens that lets you zoom in for amazing detail, or zoom out for incredible range. Automatic flash, focus, exposure, and more give you clear and beautifully lit pictures at the touch of a button. And a stylish, compact design means it's small enough to fit in a pocket to accompany you anywhere you go.

The camera includes an LCD for time stamps and exposure counting to keep track of those special dates. A pop-up six-mode variable flash and autofocus are standard as well. Automatic film winding, loading, and rewind continue the long list of features to help reduce or eliminate unnecessary motion. A 12-second delay timer allows the photographer to be a part of the shot. The kit comes with a battery, case, strap, extended warranty, and a remote control. The Stylus comes complete with a sliding lens cover and an all-weather design. ... Read more

Features

• Multi-autofocus system
• Wide-angle 28-100mm, 3.6x zoom
• Quartz date/time imprint
• 6 mode variable power flash with red-eye reduction
• All-weather design

Product Description

35mm fixed-focus lens-shutter cameraAutomatic features such as auto film advance rewind and auto-flashAuto-flash includes a red-eye reduction lamp Precision-crafted lens provides superb picture clarity and color Focus-free 28mm wide-angle lens for a big view 4 2/5 W x 2 1/2 H x 1 1/2 D Includes two AA batteries film and carrying caseShipping package dimensions: 10.5x8x2 (len x wid x dep) ... Read more

Features

• Precision-crafted, 28-millimeter lens
• Powered by two AA batteries
• Easy to use and elegantly designed
• Fully automatic features
• Flash includes red-eye reduction lamp

Features

• Ultra-compact and super-sharp 38-80mm, 2.1x Zoom.
• Multi-wide 11 point AF System for highly accurate autofocusing
• 3-way AE system determines optimum exposure setting
• Comes with battery, remote and case
• Innovative Camera Shake Indicator warns of camera shake and reduces the risk of image blur.

Features

• Ultra-compact and super-sharp 37.5-150mm, 4x Zoom
• Quartz Date/Time Imprint
• Innovative Camera Shake Indicator warns of camera shake and reduces the risk of image blur
• Multi-wide 11 point AF System for highly accurate autofocusing
• Amazing high quality lens system featuring an ED glass lens and two double-sided aspherical lenses

Amazon.com Product Description

The new Stylus 105 is Olympus's most compact and stylish 35mm yet. With a new 11-point autofocus system, your pictures will look just as sharp as the camera itself. This system ensures your subject will be in focus at all zoom ranges, as well as in dark or low-contrast situations. For the harsh conditions of everyday life, the Stylus comes complete with a sliding lens cover, an all-metal body, and an all-weather design.

The camera includes an LCD for time stamps and exposure counting to keep track of those special dates. A six-mode variable-power flash and autofocus are standard as well. Automatic film winding, loading, and rewind continue the long list of convenience features. The kit comes with a battery, case, strap, extended warranty, and a remote control. ... Read more

Features

• 38-105mm, 2.8x zoom lens
• 11 point multi-wide advanced autofocus system
• 6 mode variable power flash with red-eye reduction
• Extra-low dispersion glass lens
• Electric self-timer with remote control; all-weather design

Features

• Automatic features: auto film load, advance, and rewind
• 38 - 105mm zoom lens with aspherical and ED glass elements for sharp results
• All-weather reliability protects camera from a variety of conditions including rain, snow, sea spray, and blowing sand
• Quartz date imprinting
• Pop-up flash features red-eye reduction and auto color balancing

Amazon.com Product Description

With true 4x zoom and date printing, the fully automatic Olympus IS-20QD SLR camera offers versatility and professional quality. It combines theadvanced functionality of an SLR camera system with a compact, lightweightpackage. The 28-110mm aspherical glass lens provides a high degree of opticalresolution with reduced distortion. A full-auto mode automatically sets shutterspeed and aperture, while audible beeps confirm focus.

A set of direct modeselect buttons make creative photography easy. A landscape mode capturesforeground and background with equal clarity. You can also create dramaticportraits with a sharply defined subject and shallow depth of field. A night- scene mode keeps the shutter open for up to two-second exposures. An intelligentflash automatically fires in low-light situations and includes fill-in flash,red-eye reduction, and soft illumination settings. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm SLR autofocus camera
• 28-110mm, 4x zoom lens
• Full-auto mode automatically sets shutter speed and aperture
• Quartz date and time recording
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction

Reviews (23)

Olympus iS-20 QD Camera
Very versatile, stylish, easy-to-use camera! I used several rolls of my 2-month daughter basically in the portrait mode and I found them very good (w/flash or without it). But more impressive pictures have been done outdoors with 28mm focus. They a really great! The images are sharp, clear, a full of depth. Before I used 35mm fixed Olympus Stylus and my manual Minolta XG-7. This IS-20 QD camera has a lot more to offer for for the beginner and experienced photographer!

Easy to use, powerful flash, great ergonomics
I purchased the IS20 in July 2001. My first interest in it was its design. Not only does it look good, but its shape and ergonomics makes it really easy to hold, handle and operate. We often forget to admit that looks are one of the major purchase motivations.

The second thing i liked about it was ease of use. if you have minimal camera operation experience you might never read the manual at all!

It also integrates a powerful flash. My boss told me once that he thought it was on fire when it blinked to reduce red eye effect.

The 28-110 mm zoom is also nice, quick. Battery life seems above average (I still have not changet it).

Negative aspects?

Probably its weight and size, its definately not a camera you would stick in your pocket.
You will notice that when the camera is on the lens sticks all the way out wich makes it look more like an Olympus IS3000.

Wow!
I purchased this camera for my 11-yr old daughter to use in a summer photography gifted & talented art class that required the kids to bring an SLR camera (I got a reconditioned model really cheap). What a find!! I bought it because it seemed much easier to use than a standard SLR (which befuddle me), but I didn't expect that the pictures or adjustability would be that great - I was terribly wrong. There was no discernable difference between my daughter's photos and the photos from the kids (most older & more seasoned in photography) who used a standard SLR - except she said that she got to take more pictures because she wasn't always messing with her camera. Her photos included color, black & white, landscapes, close-ups, and many "trick" shots with long exposures and light effects - everything the other kids did with their cameras. He teacher even recommended that she enter a couple of her photos in a local contest!

The "one step" buttons for landscapes, close-ups, long exposure, and short exposure produce excellent results, and the automatic speed setting with the manual f-step option is very nice as well - no charts or graphs needed to figure it all out.

My husband and I have always been interested in photography, but we never wanted to deal with the complicated SLR lenses, F-stop/speed settings, etc., but we were so impressed with the IS20 that we just purchased another one for our own use, and intend on doing a little hobby SLR photography ourselves! The IS20 actually makes photography fun! I've taken the best photos of my life in the past few days, and I'm excited to continue.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for the beginning or even intermediate SLR user.

Golden!
I was looking for an entry level SLR and decided to try the Olympus IS 20 at the advice of a friend who works as a semi-professional photographer. After shopping around and comparing the Olympus to other brands such as Nikon and Cannon, I found that Olympus does not necessarily enjoy the reputation found in other brands. Still, I decided to get the IS 20 based on the functions it offered and the great price on Amazon. Since I have owned the IS 20 I have shot over 20 rolls of film including 200, 400 and 800 speeds. The camera is very user friendly and my photos are excellent. The last roll of film that I shot with 800 contained photos of Seattle taken from the incoming Bainbridge ferry at sunset. When I picked up the photos from processing, several members of the staff were waiting for me to compliment me on the outstanding colors and detail in my photos. They were convinced that I am a seasoned photographer with a superior understanding of manual cameras and photography in general; even though I only have a basic understanding! This camera is everything that I hoped it would be and I would highly recommend it for beginners. Also, if you buy this camera, there is a teleconverter lens available at the Oympus Emporium website (but in limited quanties.)

Great Pictures!
Easy to use camera that takes great pictures! I replaced my old Nikon 35mm with this Olympus and have been nothing but pleased. ... Read more

Features

• Fully automatic 35mm camera
• 38mm - 105mm zoom lens for close-ups
• Red-eye reduction flash, self-timer, date/time stamp
• Fully automatic focus adjustment with film auto-load, advance, rewind

Features

• Perfectly frame your subject or move in even closer with a 38-120mm zoom lens
• A rugged, splash-proof design lets you capture great pictures under almost any weather condition
• New 11-point multi-wide autofocus system recognized off-center subjects and adjusts accordingly
• Pop-up flash features red-eye reduction and auto color balancing
• Automatic features: auto film load, advance and rewind

Reviews (4)

great pictures, so far.
I just recently bought this camera at a Targe store and have only had it for a short time. I just recieved my first role of pictures from it and they were great! The only bad thing I have encountered is that the shutter speed is not that fast. For the price I think the pictures are excellent! I especially liked the pictures I took when standing a couple of feet away but using the zoom for a close up. I bought this camera to take picture of my kids, so I didn't want one too expensive or big to carry around in my purse. So far, so good!

Best value in its class
I'm an experienced hobby photographer who's spent many years helping people select the best camera for their needs.
This is an unusually good one for most people's needs.
The difference between a great camera and merely a very good one is versatility -
and versatility is achieved by striking a good balance between capability (features), ease of use (automation) and choice
(manual overrides for when the automation makes a bad decision, which they all do from time to time).
This model strikes a very good balance, and offers an unusually good lens - key to great picture quality - in this price class .

Pro's - 1) Unusually high quality lens, both in terms of construction (aspheric lens elements) and materials (ED glass),
makes for very high quality pictures across the entire zoom range. 2) Stepless zoom - most cameras in this class "step",
that is, they restrict you to a handfull of pre-determined points in the zoom range. So instead of, say, a "38-120" lens

as advertised, you actually have a "38, 50, 70, 90, 120" on these other cameras (Canon, Minolta, and many others).
The Stylus lets you zoom to any point in its range, which makes it easier to frame your picture accurately. 3) Multi-zone
metering detects and automatically corrects for backlight (putting the sun in the picture won't ruin your shot). 4) Spot
metering option let's you tell the camera that you want to concentrate on a small area (your friend's face) under difficult

lighting conditions. 5) Focus lock let's you focus on your subject and then reframe (your friend's face again, next to the
small tree in the foreground - you want your friend in focus, not the tree). 6) Flash modes for just about every conceivable
need in a point and shoot camera. 7) Relatively high shutter speeds for a lens-shutter camera (1/630 second vs 1/400 or so on
some other makes) 8) Advanced flash control adds the right amount of flash when needed, not too much, not too little
9) Small, lightweight, reasonably rugged, weather-resistant, clearly laid out controls, clamshell design protects lens when
closed.

Cons - 1) Zoom range doesn't go truly wide - you won't get a large group in without backing up. This is common to almost all
point and shoot cameras - most people will buy a longer lens rather than a wider one, thinking that "bigger is better". For
people who would rather get the group shot, or that shoot indoors a lot, try the Stylus 100 Wide, which has a true wide
angle lens in it (28-100mm instead of 38-120mm). 2) Clamshell design can develop problems with the electrical contacts (but
other designs can develop problems with their lens covers, so
you're trading one for another here, in my experience). 3) Red-eye reduction is oversold - they all have it, but it's more
annoying than effective. To avoid red-eye, have your subject look just to the side, not right at the camera.

In short, as a "second" camera for the enthusiast, or a "main" camera for the mainstream user, this one's hard to beat.
For the record, I have no relationship with any company or person in the industry.

Film will not load!
We registered for this camera on our bridal registry and we actually received two cameras at my bridal shower. However, after spending over an hour trying to load the film, I gave up and went to Target to get help. The electronics clerk also could not get the film loaded for the longest time and finally he did something (he doesn't know what) and it loaded. We followed the directions over and over again but the film was so tricky to load that it isn't worth the hassle! We even opened up the other camera I had received in case the first one was defective, and that one would also not load the film. I still don't know how to do it and we returned both cameras and chose a different one. We were taking this camera on our honeymoon and we didn't want to risk getting stuck on the cruise with a camera that would only load film at random. For a brand new item, this was not high quality. Shop carefully!

Good for a while
This camera has sharp pictures, ease of use, and a good zoom. However, it suffers from a design flaw. To turn the camera on or off, you must slide the lens cover to one side. This design is fragile and thus vulnerable to breaking. We have fixed it once within the first year of use. Recently, it broke again. Fixing it again is more than it is worth, especially given that such a repair would only be temporary. Instead, we are looking for a new camera--one with a traditional (and sturdier) on/off switch. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This sleek, compact camera is a perfect blend of powerful features and simple functions. The Infinity Zoom 80 QD comes with the same high-quality lens that is used in all Olympus cameras. The high-accuracy 464-step autofocus will help you capture sharp, crisp pictures in any situation and all types of light. Six flash modes with red-eye reduction come standard, along with a 2.1x zoom lens. The real-image zoom viewfinder displays an autofocus mark, close-up correction mark, and autofocus indicator

Along with its metallic silver case and its compact design and shape, features such as auto film loading and a 12-second electronic self-timer are included. There is even a sliding cover for the lens to protect and to contribute to the overall style of the camera. A quartz-dating feature lets you imprint photos with one of four date formats, including time of day, or none at all. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm camera
• 38 to 80mm high-performance zoom
• Full-featured flash with red-eye reduction
• Quartz-date printing
• Electronic self-timer

Reviews (10)

Simple to use
This camera is perfect for family picnic's, get together's and around the house use. I especially like the fact that is has the date on each picture, although, you have to check to make sure the correct date date is shown. The camera is easy to load, flashes automatically and easy to zoom. Plus it is small enough to carry in a pocket, purse, or backpack. Also perfect for baby showers.

Great basic camera
Even though digital cameras are all the rage these days -- and I myself have three of them! -- sometimes you do want to use a film camera, especially when you can't carry an AC adapter with you, or don't want to shell out lots of money for extra batteries, to power your digital camera. Also, ISO/ASA 100 film or slower still gives you the best clarity outside of the negative and professional realms.

This Olympus camera is a great basic film camera -- and it's a terrific value at less than sixty bux. It has the following features that I consider essential on every camera:

-- auto focus. Some very low-end cameras (but this is not a low-end camera!) only have "focus free", which means there's no focus in the lens. Olympus' auto-focus and auto-exposure systems work very well.

-- zoom. Of course, this being a film camera means the zoom is optical. It's only 2x, but if you want more zoom you'll have to pay for it. (The Pentax IQ 145M does provide 4x zoom for under 100 bux, but that camera is also bigger in size.)

-- date imprint. I'm one of those anal types who must document every picture I take. Being able to print the date, while irksome to some people, is a must for me. With a digital camera the photo file has a digital stamp which Windows XP can read (date, time, camera used, size, resolution, image quality, etc.). With a film camera, "quartz date" comes closest to having some extra info on the picture.

-- lens cover. Some cameras don't even come with this!

This camera is also pretty compact and feels right in my hands. The buttons are laid out just right. I find the lens a bit slow in moving in and out but not detrimental to picture-taking in most situations. (I don't shoot sports.) Red-eye reduction works ok but I rarely use it. Flash range is good, but you have to remember that a built-in flash can never do a good job at doing soft lighting.

Picture quality is good with this camera. Assuming you use brandname film like Kodak and Fuji, you'll get pleasing pictures. (If you use a generic brand you got for free at the street corner from a guy in a funny hat, you may be disappointed in the prints... with any camera.) This is really a basic consumer camera, so don't expect lots of fine controls as you can with SLR's.

Some reviewers complain about reliability problems, but from my experience Olympus cameras are some of the most reliable on the market. I haven't had mine long enough to know for sure, but the body seems sturdy and should last a long time.

So simple to use....
Quite a gem, Olympus has continued on with its tradition of providing great cameras matched with style and simplicity. I have taken this camera with me in both hot and cold weather, bright and dark conditions, dry and humid areas. It just works wonderfully. The only glitch is that the date printing somehow doesn't quite stand out at times. It also has taken its toll on getting wet, dropping it from 10 ft (slid from my hands while coming down the stairs), and eating dust but still worked great.

extraordinary
being i am new to this site, i find the product having the extraordinary.

defective
It took great pictures but needed to be returned....Both the original and the new replacement cameras were defective. (The button would "stick" and not let you take photos sometimes.) ... Read more

Features

• 28mm wide-angle lens for an extra large view
• Automatic features such as auto film advance, auto flash, and autofocus
• Red-eye reduction for perfect portraits
• Compact design easy to hold and carry
• Quartz date imprinting

Reviews (4)

camera good - film bundle not good
This camera is good however this was bought as a gift for my daughter with the extra film that is recommended and that film is not compatable with this camera. The Advantix film does not work in this camera. This camera takes regular kodak film. My daughter was very disappointed when she used the first roll that came with camera and when done with that could not take any more pictures because the "accessory pack" of film was not correct.

A really, really, really convinient and easy-to-use camera!
Hey guys, I just got my Olympus camera today. I have already used my 24 exp. film (that came w/ it) out of excitement. This camera is everything I expected and more! I think this camera would make an awesome gift for either yourself or for a loved one. I really love this camera!

don't be so critical
To the people who gave this camera one star or less, listen up!Don't ever think it's the camera's fault your pictures come out crappy, I have this exact same camera and my pictures come out great! The pictures come out crappy because of the film developers or YOU didn't take the pictures correctly.

If zero stars were possible...
that's what I would give this camera! I bought this before my son was born, thinking I could get good pictures quickly to capture those moments. After several ruined rolls of film, I am searching for a new camera and this one has already made it to the Dumpster. Pictures came out fuzzy and out of focus, even when at the range it says the camera can handle (close-ups are pretty much non-existant). Fill flash is the lousiest I've ever seen and leaves foreground over-exposed while the background is pitch black. You must push the shutter button halfway down to *compose* your shot and then take it, which is stupid and not something everyone is used to, thus meaning terrible pictures if someone else uses your camera. The only feature I liked was the date stamp, which you can get on just about every point and shoot out there. Total waste of time and money. ... Read more