Amazon.com Product Description

This flash memory recorder records up to three hours of input. With four separate folders, you can organize your messages into distinct sections. Each folder saves up to one hundred messages, and you can transfer these files from folder to folder, or delete them as necessary, using the file management system. The LCD screen displays a variety of information including: date, time, recording time, battery status, folder indicator, recording mode indicator, alarm indicator and battery indicator. The three recording modes allows you to adjust recording time. Choose between high quality, standard or long record. Twenty custom alarms keeps you up-to-date on important dates and times. The highly sensitive microphone will detect silence and stop recording saving valuable memory space. The recorder comes with earphone and mic jacks for added versatility.

What's in the Box
Recorder, user's manual and a one year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Three recording modes allow up to three hours of recording time
• Pauses recording during silence to save memory
• Four folders, each holding up to 100 recorded messages
• Jogdial layout
• Two AAA batteries last up to 33 hours

Reviews (4)

OK for personal messages, but don't try to dictate
Although this digital voice recorder's (DVR) customer- and editorial reviews are accurate, they fail to identify one important flaw!

With a DVR, (unlike audio microcassette recorders) you can NOT rewind over an erroneous word and rerecord it. If you are using the DVR to dictate, you will not be able to back up and restate anything said in error.

This is a major drawback.

great product
The new VN1800 from olympus is a very good product! I see it as a next generation compared to my older VN90. The most impressive differences to me are the smaller size and the better sound. There is also a fourth directory and buttons are more intuitive with the jogdial. The size is now about 3 inches versus 4 inches, allowing the VN1800 to hold in a pocket without deforming it or hurting. The sound quality in HQ mode is very crisp allowing to better recognize all kinds of sounds, even mixes of noises, voices and music. It is no longer a struggle to understand voicenotes I took in my car with ambiant city noise.

The consomation is low: i measured about 0.1mA standby, 40mA play (low volume) 30mA rec mode. So batteries must last a while
I also did a test of replacing the batteries within reasonable time (10sec) and thank god the messages were not lost.

The VN1800 will always be with me, attached to my keys with an extendable cord.
Note: sometimes under harsch frictions and pressure the tiny 'hold' button accidentally shifts and the unit starts recording. For this I simply cut off the 3 grooves of the button

Very useful - almost essential once you've tried it
This has good, crisp sound at the HQ setting. The full range of the mic shows on a larger speaker if you dub it from the headphone jack. The mic is very sensitive (on high) and is able to pick up sounds near and far without over-amplifying the nearer ones.

The sound quality is fair at the medium setting and almost unusable at the longest-play setting, so don't take the maximum rec time at face value with these units. I've yet to use all 45 minutes at HQ, so this is perfect for my mental note taking and to-do lists at home. People who record entire lectures or meetings might go with a pricier model and more memory unless they want to strain their hearing with the compressed modes.

There are no worries about losing data if batteries die (flash memory) and battery life appears to live up to the 33 hour rating. It's still on "full" after 4 months if that can be trusted. The ergonomics seem clever and they did their best to keep the unit tiny. I think critics of the jog-pad just need more practice!

One improvement might be a rougher gripping surface to prevent slippage. I dropped it once on a carpet from 3 feet but nothing happened. I also would like to see more than 100 messages allowed per folder (4 total folders) since I have no reason to use more than one at any given time.

Review Voice Recorder VN 1800 & VN 900. Does what I neeed.
Review for Voice Recorder VN 1800 and VN 900.

Pretty good machine, does basically what I need it to do !
Overall good value and functionality for the price.

Although this is not the perfect device of my dreams with all the features I would like to see
it is a good replacement for my old voice recorder...

I bought the VN 900 with advertised 90 min of recording time.
The fact is on high quality you get 22.5 minutes and that is plenty enough.
Before I had 11 minutes which I never used.
Remember this is a voice recorder to take notes and reminders that you would
otherwise put on sticky notes, not a recorder for whole meetings. If you look
for a recorder for meetings you are in fact better off with a tape recorder.
For taking notes it is great because you can do it while riding a bike, a car, on a plane,

where ever you are and want to take a note, without taking out a note pad and end up
with messy pieces of paper.
Best ideas usually come, when you least expect them so be prepared to take a note.

Record with high quality, I agree.
The use of low sensitivity on the microphone is very useful.
If low sensitiviy is used, it significantly reduces background noise.
With my old recorder I had problems understanding what I said when recording
notes on airplanes or in noisy plant setting. Not so with this unit on low sensitivity.
On high sensitivity the background noise is very disturbing.
If you talk into the mic low is you setting of choice if you want to record a whole
room then high is.
I agree that automatic voice recording does not work and so far never has on
any device I have seen. Just don't use it. If you use the machine for notes,
you won't need it.
Stop button on top is in deed confusing, but the logic is that it is right below the
record button. This takes some getting used to.
I did not find a use for the clip either but it is not in the way so who cares.

I agree that the hold button is somewhat of a nuisance.
However, if the unit is left on long enough it goes into a sleep mode by itself.
Unit works well with rechargable NiMH batteries so that it does not add to
the toxic garbage pile created by used batteries.
One hand operation is not a problem, not a problem to handle while driving.

Possible Improvements:
1. A feature I would like to see is an integrated stop watch.
2. Erasing is a pain because when you push it after the message has played
it erases the next message not the one just played. One has to be careful.
3. I would prefer if the machine stayed on the message just played
instead of jumping to the next one.
4. I would prefer if the unit would always come up with folder A instead of the last
folder that was open.
5. I would prefer to have easier access to the folders instead of having to cycle
one way through them.
6. I would prefer to always see the recorded date and time when on a message
instead of the current time. This makes it easier to know what the message
is and makes it easier to classify them.
7. I would like to just have plain alarm function for a wake-up call but it is okay
as it is, when the alarm sounds I get a message when I silence it.
8. Setting the alarm is the same problem as erasing. If you set the alarm once
the message has played you set it for the next message not for the one
you just heard.

Eberhard. ... Read more

Product Description

OLYMPUS INFINITY-80QD, INFINITY ZOOM 80 QD FILM CAMERA WITH 38-8 ... Read more

Features

• Built-in auto electronic-flash has 6 available modes, including red-eye reduction
• Powerful 38-80mm aspherical zoom lens
• High-accuracy auto-focus helps capture sharp, crisp pictures
• 4 Quartz Date/Time formats
• 12-second electronic self-timer mode

Product Description

Olympus Li30C Battery Recharger for Stylus Verve Li30B Batteries ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Keeping track of memos and important recordings is easy with the Olympus J500 Microcassette Recorder. An indexing capability and tape counter allow for easy location of recordings. The three LED battery-check system provides information on how much battery life remains. Dual tape speeds give you up to three hours of recording time on a 90-minute tape. For a private listening experience, use the external earphones jack. External jacks for a microphone and external power are also provided (AC adapter not included). ... Read more

Features

• Uses a standard microcassette tape
• Includes voice activation for hands-free recording
• Indexing capability helps you locate important recordings
• 3 LED battery-check system
• Dual tape speeds give you up to 3 hours of recording time

Reviews (7)

To Die For...
Olympus makes GREAT digital cameras, but their recorders are to die for, especially when you interview someone and get back to the newsroom only to discover that while the tape was moving, the condenser mic had decided to go South on you and the only you can hear is the sound of the motor. Cleaning and demagnatizing the heads didn't work for me, either.

For interviews, spend the extra money and get a super quality product.

Olympus Microcassette Recorder
I purchased this product and found that it was of relatively poor construction quality. After reasonable normal use the cassette door hinge broke. I elected not to send it back for repair as my need for this equipment passed, but I was surprised that such a key element of the recorder would be so fragile.

Only Okay
I was given this as an unexpected & thoughtful gift, but after working with it a bit, I don't think I'd chose the Olympus again. One basic design flaw is that it doesn't stand up very well on it's think rounded base. You can balance it, but it will topple over at the slightest disturbance. I compared it with my friend's Panasonic RN505 which is substantially heavier, but has a bigger, better speaker & is more stable. When I played my tape on her machine it seemed as if the microphones on both were comparable.

Great package
I use minicassette recorders on interviews a lot, and this one is a great recorder for the price. It's small enough to fit in a shirt pocket (and nicely slim as well), and the ergonomics are good: easy to play back, fast-forward, etc. It has all the basic controls you need. I can't speak for the sound relative to others, but for voice, it's more than good enough. It picks up voices quite distinctly even in a relatively noisy environment. I also like the battery indicator, so I always know when I need to bring extra batteries, which last a pretty long time. I also can't speak for reliability, but I've had no problems in the six months I've been using it. The only caveats are that the microphone/earphone jack is smaller than ones used by other recorders, so you need an adapter or a mike/earphone with small plugs, and that it doesn't come with an AC power supply. But overall, it's great.

Buyer Beware
I am not sure if it is my usage of this recorder, the tapes I put in it or the batteries. My recorder doesn't work anymore. The features on it are good, and it is certainly an attractive recorder. While it did work, I had absolutely no complaints. Unfortunately it isn't working now (and I have complaints).

If I had to purchase another mini-recorder, I would go with a bigger name brand, just to be safe. It may cost extra money (as in a few measly bucks) but it is better to pay five more than replacing a whole new recorder.

Lawyers will like the cassette recorders (and micro ones) but for the average person, I might even venture to suggest purchasing a digital recorder. Give it some thought, but whatever you do, be careful before you buy this one. I would not recommend it! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Olympus Voice-Trek VN-3600 features a compact, lightweight design with three scalable recording modes. You'll get superb cost performance with a maximum of six hours recording time, with 32 MB built-in flash memory. The recorder weighs just 23 ounces and is ergonomically designed to fit snugly inside the palm of the hand. With its long talk time, the VN-3600 is ideal for weekend seminars, extended discussions, recording meetings, school lectures, or study groups, as well as for short memos, ideas, phone numbers, shopping lists, and other notes.

The unit combines smart styling with four folders for arranging files according to personalized subjects such as "work," "personal," and "to do." A fourth folder (scheduling folder) is used to sort recordings by date, letting you recall the day's meetings, expenses, and reminders for easy on-the-go retrieval. Each folder stores up to 100 messages. Up to 20 alarms can also be programmed for meeting, dates, show reminders, or wake-up calls. Simply press the button when hearing the alarm beep to hear the pre-recorded reminder.

The VN-3600 has these recording modes: HQ mode (for the best possible quality recording and 91 minutes available recording time); SP mode (for a high-quality recording and 137 minutes available recording time); and LP mode (for the most possible recording capacity, with 364 minutes available recording time). An LCD display shows remaining recording time, date and time, voice-activation mode, play mode (HQ/SP/LP), microphone sensitivity (HI/LO), and battery status. Other features include voice activation for hands-free recording and easy deletion of one or all messages in a folder. The VN-3600 uses the ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) recording format. ... Read more

Features

• 32 MB internal flash memory for up to 6 hours of talk time
• 20 alarm messages, built-in speaker
• Easy-to-use jog-dial for quick navigation through folders and options
• 4 folders, up to 100 messages per folder, scalable recording quality/duration
• Convenient metal clip for shirt pockets for quick retrieval

Reviews (7)

Great value
I ordered this product new from a third party seller on amazon, and I was more than pleased with the product once it arrived. As is always the case, the LP setting isn't the greatest, though in a pinch one could use it for, say, a personal interview in a quiet room, if one needed more than the 2.5 hours afforded by the SP setting, which sounds fine in most lecture/interview/meeting situations.

The folders are a tool I didn't think would be useful to me, but have since come to love. I can file interviews for several articles I'm working on at a time, and when I'm done with one, simply erase the whole file.

When I was shopping for one of these things, I almost went with a mini-cassette recorder. Don't make that mistake. Digital gives much better sound quality simply because you don't get the hiss of the tape in the recorder. It is also incredibly small and light. Batteries last longer since there isn't a motor.

Some reviewers have asked about getting files onto your computer. The only way to do that with this unit is to plug the earphone output into an audio input and record the audio in realtime. I haven't found any need to archive old interviews so this hasn't been an issue. If you will need to archive, either go for a mini-cassette recorder or pay through the nose for USB connectivity.

There isn't a jog-dial as the description says. There is a four-way circular button. I don't know of any personal voice recorders with a jog-dial. Searching through audio is incredibly easy and fast, though.

I used to carry a notebook around everywhere, now I have my mini-recorder in my pocket at all times. I use it as a journalism student as I don't know shorthand, and as a music student to record my private lessons and review them later. The sound quality is fine, and the amount of audio that this little thing holds is simply staggering.

Question on editing voice files on digital recorders
I bought the Olympus VN1800 and used it for about a week, and found my biggest frustration is that you can't edit any voice files that you record. In other words, if you wanted to add on to an existing file, you can't. You have to create a new file to record more information. In addition, you can't edit any portion of the file, for example, if you had a long list of items to do for a given day, you can't edit the file to remove those that you took care of, and don't want on the recorder anymore. Are there any recorders with this capability, and if so, which are they? Thanks much.

Question
I wonder whether there's any PC interface, such as USB port available in this recorder??

LP Mode -- Unusable for me
Yes, this unit is small and compact. And it does record great in the 'high quality' or 'standard mode', but if you need to record a long meeting in the 'LP- long play" mode, you may be very frustrated. I attest to a previous reivew -- this mode is "too muffled" unless you have very acute hearing and have a good sense for what the person was saying. Thus, for me, LP mode is terrible and i find it unusable and I have fairly good hearing. I've even tried earphones -- still unusable. Finally, the buttons to fast forward and skip can be very frustrating to use. It takes a deft touch to operate them correctly.

It does what it should
It's very good gadget. Before buying, keep in mind what the use would be. For memos/reminders/thoughs its great, and for lectures/interviews too. You can use the LP mode to have 6 hours available, but I recommend this mode only for memos, or things that you don't need to keep crystal clear; the recordings in LP mode are understandable. ... Read more

Features

• Rugged, durable design with non-slip, shock-resistant rubber coating
• Hermetically Sealed and Nitrogen Purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
• High-index BaK4 prism and big 50mm diameter objective lens
• Internal illuminated compass for easier navigating
• Internal rangefinder scale to determine the distance or size of a subject

Amazon.com Product Description

One of the world's smallest, lightest 140mm zoom cameras, the StylusZoom 140 QD enhances photographic performance without sacrificing portability.The fully automatic operation includes quartz dating, autofocus, autoexposure,and auto loading and rewinding. The multi-autofocus system ensures focusaccuracy even when your main subject isn't in the center of the frame. Itsclamshell barrier design provides worry-free protection against the elements.

One of its best features is the variable-power flash for natural color tones.The red-eye reduction flash mode emits a series of pre-flashes right before theshutter snaps, allowing the subject's eyes to adjust to the light level of theflash, which reduces the red-eye effect. Night scene flash mode automaticallylowers the shutter speed to ensure that both foreground and background areproperly illuminated for night scenes. Fill-in flash mode softens the sharpcontrasts for a more natural look in photos where your subject is in both brightlight and dark shadow. Flash-off mode is available when flash photography is notpermitted, or for special moody effects using available light.

Other features include macro close-ups from as near as 24 inches (wide-angle)and 35 inches (telephoto), and a self-timer. All this makes it easy to justrelax and take the picture. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm compact point-and-shoot
• 38-140mm 3.7x zoom lens with autofocus
• Multi-mode flash features red-eye reduction
• Automatic film loading, advance, and rewind
• Features date imprinting and self-timer

Reviews (37)

Great Camera!
I bought this camera a couple of weeks ago and used it for the first time at Disneyland. I'm thrilled with the results.

Film: I used 800 Dx film (the type I always use)--1 roll of Fuji; 1 roll of Kodak. Both rolls came out great.

About Me: I am an amateur camera user, not a professional. I have always used point-and-shoot type cameras for vacations, special occassions, etc.

Convenience: The camera easily fits inside a fanny pack, along with a small wallet, comb, sunglasses and an extra roll of film. At only 9 oz, it is almost feather-light. The buttons are easy to use; you don't need a pencil or other pointed object to press them.

Lighting Conditions/Features Tested: I tested all of the camera's features (except the timer) in a variety of conditions--through the windows of the Monorail both while stopped and moving, inside rides with the flash off, in bright sun, in the shadows and shade of Tom Sawyer's Island, etc. Splash Mountain proved an excellent place to test the camera's splash resistance.

Photo Quality: Nothing seemed to fool this camera. All of the pictures came out crisp, sharp and clear with exceptional color, at all levels of zoom. People pictures came out unusually well with very true skin color.

Windows: I am particularly pleased with the camera's ability to shoot through windows. It does not have a "landscape" or "infinity" mode, nor does it seem to need one. The camera consistently focused on objects beyond the glass, and pictures came back without glare.

Flash Off Feature: Unlike other cameras that require you to activate the flash off feature each time (each shot) you want to use it, the Olympus Zoom 140 flash-off remains activated until you either switch to another mode or turn the camera off. In places where flash is not permitted, this allows you to take numerous photos without having to press the flash-off button each time.

Viewfinder: Like many point-and-shoot cameras, the viewfinder is slightly above and to the right of the lens. But unlike other cameras I considered, the Olympus viewfinder has guides that help you allow for that...and prevent "chopped off heads" in pictures. The adjustable diopter is also very easy to use. It works beautifully except when the camera is zoomed all the way to 140, at which point it is slightly blurry. (But the pictures still come out great!)

Zoom: The zoom is extremely easy to use and allows you to zoom to any point within the range. There are no preset zoom stops.

Minor Criticism: My only slight criticism of this camera is that the window that displays the number of exposures and the flash mode is not lighted. But that can easily be overcome by carrying a penlight so that you can read the display in dim environments.

Summary: This camera produces excellent pictures, is very easy to use, and is well worth the price. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Nice quality pics, very good ergodynamics
I own a Nikon N6006 SLR and set out to buy a point-and-shoot for convenience. I bought both a Minox CD 140 and an Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 QD. I shot a roll of film with all three at once, then blinded sorted the the match sets of three pictures of each image based on which were best. My findings:

1. The Nikon SLR was not consistently the best. In fact, the difference between the pictures from the SLR and the two point and shoots was remarkably smaller than I expected.

2. The Minox had somewhat better color, focusing, and contrast than did the Olympus. The difference, however, was slight.

3. The Olmpus was better designed than the Minox. The Olympus fit better in the hand, the clamshell cover gave more protection, it had a greater zoom range, the viewfinder was slightly larger and set back from the camera body (so your nose doesn't bump the camera as much), and the diopter adjustment was nice. On the plus side for the Minox, the placement of the Minox zoom buttons was more comfortable for me than than the Olympus ones, and the Minox turned on and off markedly faster than the Olympus. Also, the Minox case was more practical.

Both point and shoot cameras would be excellent options. Get the Minox if picture quality is paramount; get the Olympus if you want more features and better comfort in your hands.

Wonderful! Simple to use, great photos.
The two most important features to me are the quality of the photos a camera takes (with and w/out the zoom), and how quickly the picture is taken when you press the shutter and quick speed between photos. This camera delivers both those features.

I had an Olympus Stylus for years, then a year ago thought I should get a new autofocus camera and read snappy advertising by Nikon about their special glass lens technology for incredibly sharp pictures blah blah blah. I was sold. That camera took terrible fuzzy or grainy photos with the zoom, and not that great without the zoom lens. And the worst part was the wait time between photos with and without the flash. We'd press the shutter also, and there would be a few second delay before the photo was taken. By then all the kids had moved and we had to set everybody up all over again. Do not buy a Nikon lite touch.

I love the Olympus. We've taken it to the ocean and snapped four rolls of film. Every photo was sharp, colorful, and good quality. I cannot tell you how releived we were when we got the photos. Olympus makes a great product at a great price without a lot of pomp and circumstance.

Very Good Camera
It doesn't suck. I cannot believe some of the negative comments about this camera. I've had one for a while and it's always taken great pictures. The only problems that I've had is when the people at Eckerd screw up the processing (but they have ALWAYS reprinted at NO COST) to correct the problems. For a point and shoot, it does a great job of focusing. 1 last thing, use Fuji film. I have always had better results with it than Kodak.

Too bad it didn't last!
I bought this camera about 2 1/2 years ago. I was very satisfied with the picture quality under a variety of conditions. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago it quit focusing. As it turns out for this type of camera all photo repair shops send the unit in to Olympus to have it repaired. If you want you can send it to Olympus directly yourself. The problem is that regardless of the problem, the repair is a flat rate ... which is rapidly approaching the cost of just buying a replacement camera. Disappointing... ... Read more

Features

• 4 megapixel CCD
• 3x optical
• 1.8in color LCD display
• 16MB xD-Picture Card
• 2-in-1 picture mode

Amazon.com Product Description

With its compact, lightweight, and sleek design, you can take the Olympus Tracker binocular anywhere and still enjoy the great view. With a 10x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 25mm, faraway images will be in sharp detail with brilliant clarity. The lens itself is made from special optical material to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, while the full multicoating keeps maintains brightness and contrast.

The BaK-4 prisms have a high refractive index for complete edge-to-edge clarity. The center knob is in perfect placement for your fingers to comfortably adjust the focus. The built-in dioptric correction adjusts for individual eyesight so everyone can use the binocular to its full potential. The Tracker also has eyecups that twist up and down, allowing each user to personalize the binocular to their comfort, while the long eye relief is a necessary feature for eyeglass wearers. ... Read more

Features

• 10x magnification and 25mm objective lens
• Field of view: 91 meters (at 1,000 yards)
• High-index prisms for a bright, crisp image
• Compact and lightweight for portability
• Twisting eyecups for personal comfort; central focus knob and dioptric correction

Features

• 3.2 megapixels
• 3x optical/3.3x digital zoom
• TruePic TURBO
• USB port
• 7 shooting modes

Features

• Waterproof up to one meter in water
• Nitrogen-filled for fogproof performance
• Fully multi-coated lens for maximum brightness and contrast
• Twist-up eyecups, long-eye relief and dioptric correction for comfortable viewing
• UV ray protection

Features

• Compatible with G-3, iMac, iBook, and Windows 98
• Download speeds of 1MB per second
• 100 times faster than serial connections
• Great accessory for your Olympus digital camera

Amazon.com Product Description

With its compact, lightweight, and sleek design, you can take the Olympus Tracker binocular anywhere and still enjoy the great view. With a magnification of 8x to 16x and an objective lens diameter of 25mm, faraway images will be in sharp detail with brilliant clarity. The lens itself is made from special optical material to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, while the full multicoating keeps maintains brightness and contrast.

The BaK-4 prisms have a high refractive index for complete edge-to-edge clarity. The center knob is in perfect placement for your fingers to comfortably adjust the focus. The built-in dioptric correction adjusts for individual eyesight so everyone can use the binocular to its full potential. The Tracker also has eyecups that twist up and down, allowing each user to personalize the binocular to their comfort, while the long eye relief is a necessary feature for eyeglass wearers. ... Read more

Features

• 8x to 16x magnification and 25mm objective lens
• Field of view: 79 to 51 meters (at 1,000 yards)
• High-index prisms for a bright, crisp image
• Compact and lightweight for portability
• Twisting eyecups for personal comfort; central focus knob and dioptric correction

Features

• Wide-angle field of view
• Anti-reflective lens coating for better image brightness
• Large center focus knob for fast, easy focusing
• New rugged, high-quality finish with sure-grip rubber coating
• UV Protection for worry-free viewing

Features

• Microcassette recorder with variable control voice actuator for hands-free recording
• Tape counter for easy location of previously recorded passages
• Dual tape speeds give you up to three hours of recording time on a 90-minute tape
• Cue/Review makes for fast, easy message monitoring
• Built-in, dynamic speaker delivers crystal-clear sound; does not include a blank microcassette tape (as stated on the packaging)

Reviews (5)

Don't bother
I have owned three of these "machines" and each time, they stop working after lessthatn a week for no reason. I wish I could post no stars.

Don't But it.

Never buy it.

You're beter off throwing your money out the window.

Fairly Suitible as an Analog Recorder
I don't understand the three one-star reviews on this product. I remember purchasing this recorder in probably Sep, Oct, or Nov, 2001 and have been pretty happy with it. I've played around with it a few times here and there, and overall it's not too bad. The microcassette tapes are pretty inexpensive; like $4.99 I believe for 3 microcassettes. The speaker is loud enough to hear the playback most of the time, and the microphone is at a convenient spot on the top of the recorder.

THe VCVA Voice Activated recording works almost every time. You just set it to that setting, And it'll record when it starts to hear voice. As for the options you get on this thing, you get 1.2x speed and 2.4x. The 1.2x is the regular speed in which you get a fair amount of time on the tape, and 2.4x is just twice as fast which takes up twice as much tape. The three modes are: F. Play (Fast Play; makes the play probably 1.25x faster), OFF, and VCVA. Right next to that is the 3V DC port. I've never had to use it because I think after nearly three years I've never replaced the battery but once.

You also get a red LED light when recording which is somewhat bright. There's also a pause button, which may come in handy for playback. The only drawbacks I have is that the MIC/EAR (microphone/headphone) jack is for some reason too small for the 1/8" jacks. So I've never been able to use that feature, which doesn't really put a downer on my spirits because the internal microphone is perfectly fine. The other drawback is that about a year ago the cover for the microcassette tape fell off--but I put it back in place and it stays on all right, however it falls off at certain angles.

I haven't had any experience with customer support, because I never needed it. This recorder is fine as a toy, but for a serious business person they would want something like the Olympus VN-3600 Digital Voice Recorder. It's one of the more fancy voice recorders, having 6 hours available to record, but in my opinion looks worth its price tag. The best part about digital is that it isn't analog, so you can put it onto the computer via USB.

Price Paid:
39.99 $USD

Recommended:
As a play-around toy, but not as a serious business recording tool.

Poor Performer
I own this unit. I attempted to purchase earphones from Olympus but after phoning them 5 times, and getting put on hold each time, I gave up. I was never able to speak to a live person.
The unit itself does not have enough audible power with batteriess or by AC connection. I do not recommend this unit.

Piece of Junk
I have had this recorder for a couple years and have sent it back 5 times because it just decides to not work. Customer service is horrible and the new recorders they send me are just as bad and stop working (without explanation) again. A waste of time and money.

Olympus J300 Microcassette Recorder
I have bought this recorder 2 days ago. I have used it only twice and for some unknown reasons it does not work any more.
I have paid [quite a lot]. Thus, if you do not want to have trouble do not buy it ! Add few euros and buy yourself something better. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 offers advanced features and a zoom in a compact package, allowing you to get the close-up shots you want with the portability you need.

While the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 is one of the smallest zoom cameras available, it is heavy on styling and great features. Its miniature version of Olympus's signature clamshell sliding case makes it easy to turn the camera on and off, while offering protection against lens scratches. It comes in a good-looking and durable brushed stainless steel case that is splash-proof, so you can shoot pictures in all kinds of weather. The 35 to 80mm zoom lens is perfect for framing portraits, getting in on the action, and capturing faraway subjects.

The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 offers the advanced features of Olympus's larger camera lines, including quartz date and time imprinting, a self timer, and a handy panorama switch. The panorama switch lets you take panoramic photos on a roll of regular film. (You can take an entire panoramic roll as well.) The Olympus Stylus Epic also has a whopping six flash modes, including automatic, red-eye reduction, and night scene. It also has a useful Infinity mode, which sets the focus to let you take shots of distant landscapes and other subjects.

The Olympus Stylus Epic is a pleasure to use--it is as small or smaller than many of the new Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras, but still uses standard 35mm film.

Its tapered design made it easy to slip in a pocket, and since it is little larger than a deck of cards, we found ourselves carrying it everywhere. It's especially nice to have the zoom in such a compact camera.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and compact
• Durable construction
• Wide range of flash options
• Panorama switch
• Includes zoom

Cons:

• Battery compartment is hard to open

Features

• Compact design
• 35-80mm zoom
• Multiple flash modes
• Easy-to-use panorama switch
• Splash-proof

Reviews (9)

GREAT CAMERA
i see that many other people here have had problems with things breaking, but i've had this camera for three years and i've dropped it a lot, it's gotten submerged in water, and it's still great as ever. no problems with the color of the photos either.
great camera!

Light and Small, but not very sturdy
I've owned Nikons all my life, so maybe my standards are too high, but this camera has some problems. The camera I purchased came with an artistic condition called "Light leak", which puts a beautiful white arc on some of the pictures. It also takes very, very blue pictures. The shots look great on an island, but not in the snow. My boyfriend used this camera and I used my own Nikon to take the same shots, and his were much bluer. We both used Kodak film and got it developed at the same place. I also agree with the flimsy comment down below, and I don't understand how Olympus can claim this is a water resistant camera, if light is getting through to the film it can't be air-tight. Despite the drawbacks, it is the smallest and lightest 35mm camera I have ever seen. The slide-across lens cover is great, b/c it means you don't need a case for the camera. I'll be buying another one to replace this broken one, and hoping for the best.

The most stylish point and shoot.
Too bad Amazon didn't list all the features this camera has. It has lot more than the regular Stylus 35mm-80mm which is one of the best compact cameras. For those who wonder why this costs more!! Here are the reasons why this is lot better value than the regular 35mm-80mm Stylus.

1. Features the world's first Visual Confirmation Finder - press the shutter button and the viewfinder momentarily darkens to confirm the picture was taken. This unique SLR-like innovation is great in noisy environments.
2. At any point on the roll, you can easily switch to panoramic mode.
3. The six-mode variable power flash system reduces red eye, fills in shadows, improves night scenes and softens glare during close-ups.
4. Quartz date back.
5. Deluxe package includes leather case and lithium battery and comes in a nice Blue Package that looks great for offering as gift or to store the camera.

It's the best point & shoot zoom camera in the market yet
Being an ardent Olympus fan I was sold out by the advertisement hoopla - 'world's smallest and technically advanced P/S, I first bought the Epic dlx (fixed focus) camera. I was surprised by its superb performance and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Technically, no body can beat it quality optics, all-weather construction, solid feel design and above all, its size. Later, I ended up with the 140 zoom camera and enjoying it even more. Wish these 'minis' were out when I bought my first SLR, Olympus OM-PC in the eighties. Being convinced by its performance, many of my friends have purchased these cameras as handy, second units for casual shooting.

Pretty good, but it's flimsy.
I bought the Olympus Stlyus Epic one month ago, because it was the smallest 35mm camera I could find, it seemed sturdy, and it was weatherproof. I give it only 3 stars because after one month of use & carrying, it started to fall apart... the shutter-release button fell off, the flash started to become loose, and chunks of the case chipped off. I was very disappointed by how flimsy it was, I've used other (cheaper) cameras in the same travelling conditions, and they held up fine. Despite the fact that it fell apart on me, I was very pleased with it. The 38-80 Zoom was perfect, almost all of my pictures came out bright & clear (even indoors), and the controls are easy to figure out. Even though it takes good pictures, I regret buying the Olympus Stylus Epic because it fell apart after only one month, and I would not recommend it to others. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 QD CG offers advanced features and a zoom in a compact package, allowing you to get the close-up shots you want with the portability you need.

While the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 is one of the smallest zoom cameras available, it is heavy on styling and great features. Its miniature version of Olympus's signature clamshell sliding case makes it easy to turn the camera on and off, while offering protection against lens scratches. It comes in a good-looking and durable brushed champagne gold case that is splash-proof, so you can shoot pictures in all kinds of weather. The 38-80mm zoom lens is perfect for framing portraits, getting in on the action, and capturing faraway subjects.

The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 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. It also has a useful Infinity mode, which sets the focus to let you take shots of distant landscapes and other subjects.

The Olympus Stylus Epic is a pleasure to use--it is as small as or smaller than many of the new Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras, but still uses standard 35mm film.

Its tapered design made it easy to slip in a pocket, and since it is little larger than a deck of cards, we found ourselves carrying it everywhere. It's especially nice to have the zoom in such a compact camera. --Walt Opie

Pros:

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

• Battery compartment is hard to open

Features

• 35mm compact point-and-shoot
• 38-80mm 2x zoom lens with autofocus
• Multi-mode flash features red-eye reduction
• Automatic film loading, advance, and rewind
• Features date imprinting and self-timer

Reviews (100)

This is a great camera!
Not liking point-and-shoot cameras made it difficult for me to decide to get one for a recent trip overseas. I wanted something light, easy to use, and easy to hide (so as no to look like an American tourist). I decided on this camera because of recommendations by friends, but also took my heavy SLR with me in my carry-on luggage. Then, while abroad I decided to mostly use my little camera due to its size.

I never saw the pictures until I got home and had the photos developed (at a good camera shop). Was I thrilled! They were absolutely great. The colors were bright and true. The details were sharp enough to reproduce by scanner and send as attachments onto emails to my family overseas.

The camera itself I often carried hidden in my purse, but it was always ready. The only time I was disappointed in its performance was when I ran out of film! Of course, that was my fault, not the camera's.

It's so easy to use. Very often I had others taking pictures of me. Generally all they would ask was which button to push. Even the most inexperienced picture taker came up with terrific shots!

I would say that this is an excellent camera for its price. If you get it, you won't be disappointed.

STILL A GEM
About a year ago I reviewed this camera and was crazy about it. I haven't found any reasons to change my mind. If anything, I like it more now than I did then.

I just took it along on another vacation (Cancun, Mexico, this time around) and it was the perfect choice. This time I also brought one of my Nikons and a few lenses to use for my more "serious" photography.

Score it 9 rolls of film for the Olympus and 2 for the Nikon. I won't say that the Olympus pictures are "better". What I'll say instead is that since the Olympus was so easy to carry around I found myself doing so more than I would the 10 lbs of Nikon equipment.

Again, I've found that the night flash mode is a beaut. I took a picture of my girlfriend on a pier with the sunset for a background. Using this flashmode, the foreground was filled in perfectly and the background sunset had fantastic color saturation.

I'm still going to use my Nikons as I have for well over 20 years, but maybe not as often.

By the way, I've read a few reviews saying that the Olympus is fragile. I haven't found that to be the case under normal use.

Edited 1/13/04: I just sold mine after three years to purchase a Canon A70 digital.

I guess it's time to move on from the "old" technology and learn something new.

If my A70 gives me as much pleasure as this little Olympus did I'll have it around for quite a while.

Sliding door failed after minimal usage, otherwise great
I really loved this camera, but the sliding "door" broke and wouldn't close after only a few months of minimal usage. I don't know if I got a lemon, or what. The camera was never dropped or otherwise abused. I had had another Olympus for years with the same design, that worked great--it's really easy to get quick shots when you can slide off the lens cover and turn on the camera all in one quick motion ; I will most likely try another one even after my bad experience with this one. I hope that they have solved this issue, if it was widespread--at least one other reviewer mentioned the same problem...

perfect point and click camera
The size and design of this camera make it ideal for what it is designed for. It takes great pictures in light and dark (though it's better at outdoor pictures) and it fits easily into your pocket. It opens quickly with one hand; no fumbling around with a lens cap. It focuses quickly so you can take a shot from a closed position very quickly.

The only thing worth noting is that this is a point and click camera. If you want to control exposure, shutter speed, etc. or play with macro, this is not your camera.

Handy Dandy Camera
We purchased this camera to take on a European vacation. It is very easy to use and the pictures, for the most part, turned out well. I only wish I had taken along an old 35mm SLR I've had for 20 years so I could have used a wider variety of lenses. This camera, for all of its capabilities, did a very good job. ... Read more