Svelte and Stylish Stylus Zoom
Written: Aug 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Compact, weatherproof, excellent features, easy to use
Cons: Short zoom
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| LaBruja's Full Review: Olympus Stylus Zoom 70 QD 35mm Film Camera |
Just after food, clothing and the love of a good dog is the need for a camera. I have never heard anyone express regrets at taking too many pictures. Consequently, four and a half years ago I decided to get my niece a point and shoot camera for her HS graduation.
I opted for the 35mm film format rather than APS because 35mm film is less expensive with a wider range of film offerings, processing is less expensive, and the cameras are more affordable. These factors remain true today but the comparisons were quite extreme over four years ago.
Friends and sales people repeatedly gave the Olympus Stylus Zoom a strong, unequivocal recommendation. Everyone I spoke with that had this camera was happy with it and would purchase it again. No other brand was so strongly recommended or had such a high rate of satisfaction.
The Olympus Stylus Zoom stands out as one of the slimmest and most compact of 35mm P&S cameras weighing less than 9oz (without battery). One or two models (different brands) are slightly smaller but they achieve this modest decrease in size using a CR2 lithium battery rather than the more desirable DL123A lithium battery found in the Olympus Stylus models. An attractive camera, it utilizes a clamshell case which turns the camera on when opened and permits the flash to pop up from the body. Available with or without the quartz date function, the QD model sports an attractive champagne finish rather than the standard black finish seen in the model sans QD.
I purchased a refurbished camera locally (Iowa). Note that prices are down a bit since then. The owners manual is well organized, easy to read and understand with a thorough presentation of the features and specs. Set up and use are simple and straight forward.
It is an 'auto all' camera. Auto focus (active), auto exposure, auto film speed settings (from ISO 50 to 3200 in 1 step increments), auto load and rewind. The 35-70mm zoom lens (f4.5-6.9) performs admirably, yielding sharp images and focusing from 2ft. to infinity. Exposure is among the best I've seen in P&S cameras, neither murky nor washed out. Flash modes include auto, red eye reduction, fill flash, night flash (slow shutter speed, tripod required), or flash off. The redeye reduction uses a rapid series of flashes to contract pupils while the popup flash design removes it slightly from the lens axis to help eliminate redeye. I'm told this is one of the more successful cameras regarding the defeat of the ruby eyed devils. My experiences with both this and the Olympus Stylus 140 don't show either to be better than other P&S regarding redeye. All perform abysmally with blue or green eyed people (and pets). Shutter speeds range from 1/500-4secs, typical of a quality P&S. Focus lock, AF indicator, flash indicator and midroll rewind are useful, but not unusual, in cameras of this class.
Several special qualities set this little beauty apart. A self timer with 12 sec delay enables even the photographer to get into the picture while the optional remote increases creative possibilities, especially with slow shutter speeds. And it's weather resistant. This was a deciding factor in choosing this camera. Though not waterproof, it is 'splash safe', making it ideal for the beach, or under damp or dusty conditions. At it's price, and in its class, it's one of the most durable cameras available.
In the last 4.5 years my niece has taken pictures under all conditions, using print films from ISO 50 to ISO 800. She has shot B&W and color films and had enlargements made up to 11x14 with terrific results. This camera has never faltered despite my niece's BAD habit of leaving it in a HOT, HUMID car. She's found it a pleasure to use and especially enjoys the slim dimensions. Her one bad experience was someone recently stole it while she was on vacation! Regrettably, it's probably performing as well for that miscreant as it did for my niece.
Unfortunately(!), I have had no experience with Olympus customer service because we've never had a problem with any of the Olympus P&S cameras that I've purchased (3 as gifts, 1 for myself).
Olympus is the brand I recommend first to anyone looking for a good P&S. I've found them to be durable, reliable, with excellent features, optics and exposure. Within the Olympus lineup, I prefer the Stylus models for their weather resistance and overall design. Olympus has been serving up variations on this model to satisfied customers for a lo-oo-oong time. I recommend a model with more zoom if it's affordable but this 35-70mm will serve beautifully if the 35-105 or 35-140 is too expensive.
My enthusiasm for this camera results from years of excellent results. It's not the absolute cheapest 35-70mm P&S, but I'm convinced it's the best and a genuine bargain. Your memories deserve this camera.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LaBruja
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Member: Jacinta
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 18 members
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