Customer Reviews

Olympus Infinity Zoom 80 QD Date 35mm Camera

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

I originally purchased this camera because I liked the small size, although I wasn't sure it was going to have enough zoom for me. I took it on vacation with me and I'm very happy with the pictures. I have since purchased a camera similar in size with more zoom (nikon lite touch 120) and it doesn't compare to the olympus. The pictures are noticibly off center and it often delays or won't take simple candid photos. Needless to say, I will be replacing the Nikon with an Olympus Stylus Epic 80.

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.

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.)

I received this camera as a gift about 5 years ago and use it for just about everything: family pictures, vacations, etc. The pictures come out clear, the camera is very easy to use and has nice features, such as zoom and auto-focus that make it a great all-around camera. The camera survived a lot of abuse from travel, etc. but did not survive a fall on a hardwood floor. But after many years of use, I can't complain. I would definitely recommend this camera!

This camera is really great, but you have to read everything that says in the instructions booklet, before using it, other wise your film will go to waste. The zoom is just amazing, I totally reccomend this camera

I have purchased two of the "clam shell" Olympus cameras...they both broke within 2 years. The clam shell lens cover fails to operate and the camera will not function. Don't waste your money on this camera!

Be careful....on the third roll of film I tried to load, the camera refused to load. Tried multiple rolls of film, new battery, etc, to no avail. Had to send it back.

Hello there, I was pleased with the packing and mailing of the camera. Although it said slightly mused,it was first time I ever took a chance.
So far the camera had dark developed pictures. there was a delay in flash going off. My other Olympous did not have that delay. I figure that is why pictures developed cloudy. Point and shoot. It did not come with a guide of how to use it. I read somewhere in the process of ordering said it was part Digital....???? but did not know how to verfy and use it.
Would like the camera store to get in touch with me. thank you, SharonR.