Awesome camera, but note limitations before you buy
Written: Jan 30 '01 (Updated Jan 30 '01)
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Pros: Easy to use, spot focus feature helpful, fits in pocket
Cons: A little loud and flash options hard to use
The Bottom Line: Buy it if you're looking for a small P&S. It's the only one with the clamshell design that allows it to fit properly in your pants pocket.
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| Uncle_Tippet's Full Review: Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 QD 35mm Film Camera |
This camera stands out from the other P&S cameras for the following reasons:
- The curved clamshell design means you can put it in your pants pocket. It doesn't stick out uncomfortably like other cameras.
- It has one of the longest zoom in its class -- pretty handy when you're doing close ups.
- Has all standard features in one small package (quartz dating, autofocus, autoexposure, auto loading and rewinding, self-timer) plus many of the more advanced features: Spot focusing, variable-power flash with back-light correction, flash off override, and dioptmeter.
I bought the camera last year and have been field-testing it for the past year. Since that time, I've gone through about 12 rolls of film on the same original battery. Some thoughts about the camera:
Features I liked
The camera was really handy since it is small enough to fit into my pocket. Those with smaller pockets might want to consider the Olympus Epic which has a small footprint than the Stylus. It's only about 9 ounces
The spot focus feature makes this a lot better than standard point and shoot cameras. The camera will normally focus on the object in the middle of the viewfinder. However, there are many times when you want to focus on an object to the side. With the Stylus, you simply point to the object you want to focus on, press the shutter button half-way to fix the focus. Then you can frame the picture however you want and press the shutter button all way to complete taking the photo.
I expected a relatively powerful zoom lens but an added bonus was the "macro" feature. This allows me to take close-ups of my kids from as close as 2-3 feet away. I no longer have to back-up to take a shot, just press the zoom button in the reverse direction. Nice unexpected bonus.
Because I'm so used to my trusty Nikon Semi-Automatic, I've had to adjust to a P&S camera. But once I've made the adjustments, the pictures come out fine.
Things to note before buying
The dioptmeter is billed as an advanced feature, but it was one feature that I could have lived without. It allows you to take pictures without your eyeglasses on. Here's how it works: You turn a little knob which allows turns the viewfinder into a mini optometrist office. You stop turning when the picture is clear. Of course, if you share the camera, you keep having to fiddle with the diopmeter because what's clear for one party is blurry for another. The knob is also very easily adjusted by accident since it rubs against my pants when I take the camera out of the pocket. This means I have to constantly re-adjust the dioptmeter because the viewfinder becomes blurry.
Please note that there is no panorama mode in this camera, unlike some of the newer cameras on the market.
Also note that although it is billed as weatherproof, it is NOT waterproof. It is also not Breakproof. I've dropped the camera several times (usually off tables 4-5 feet off the groud) and it is beginning to show signs of wear. After one particular nasty drop, I had to "adjust" the camera body. But I'm still using it so I guess it's pretty durable.
There doesn't seem to be a way to change the "F-Stop" in this camera. So for folks who are used to change the "focal" length in their cameras, they will need to stay clear of the P&S type cameras. But this is more a drawback of the general class, not of the Stylus in particular.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 220
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Epinions.com ID:
Uncle_Tippet
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Member: Avon Leong
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Reviews written: 79
Trusted by: 10 members
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