turn on the
camera to take a picture I have to first force the cover open so the zoom
can come out, then go through all the menus to change the picture size to
something smaller and less space-consuming. At this point whatever I
wanted to photograph is probably gone.
If the size issue isn't a problem for you and you find that you have
better luck with the body of your camera, then by all means consider this
camera. It takes fairly good photos, though I find the color on other
digital cameras to be much better and brighter, and the LCD screen is a
nice plus though most cameras are coming out with just as nice screens
now. The nighttime mode isn't that great either. While it make come with a
good number of shooting modes, they really don't do much to change your
photo-taking abilities.
And while the sale price is good for the abilities of this camera, you
could find better, especially if this camera weren't on sale.
________________________________________________________________



Great features for a great price, March 14, 2006
Reviewer: D. ROTHGORDON
This is my third compact digital camera, and I have to say I have finally
found one that gives me just about everything I'm looking for. My first, a
Fuji Finepix was boxy, had bad shutter lag and had an annoying two-step
start-up that was way to confusing to be useful. I bought it nearly four
years ago, though, so I can forgive its shortcomings. A year ago, I
replaced it with the Sony W1. What a disappointment! The thing that
attracted me was the large (for the time) 2.5 inch screen, and it seemed
to get good reviews. But not from me. That camera couldn't focus to save
its life! While the shutter lag was almost non-existent (a definite plus)
the number of pictures in all conditions that came out blurry was
unacceptably high. Fortunately, I found someone smitten by the Sony name
who was willing to pay me just about what I had paid. Good riddance!
On to the Stylus. Talk about exceeding expectations! I feel like Olympus
has been the black sheep of the digicam world - unfairly. This camera does
a great job of focusing (especially compared to the Sony), even though it
doesn't have an IR focuser. It turns on instantly, has a 2.5 inch screen
and it's small enough to slip in my pocket - all things that were
important to me.
What I really love is the fact that Olympus is the only company that has
gone to the trouble of weather-proofing this camera. I mean, the reason I
choose a compact camera over an SLR is that I can take it with me
anywhere. When we go hiking, or traveling, or even to kids' birthday
parties, the camera is there in my pocket, ready to use. And I don't have
to worry about coddling it, and making sure it doesn't get wet. That is my
definition of useful technology - it works for you rather than you working
for it!
My only complaint with this camer is its shutter lag. It's nowhere near as
bad as my old Fuji was, but it's there. I find that if I prefocus (hold
the button down half way) that takes care of the problem. But my wife
complains about it because she doesn't want to go through that trouble
(see my definition of useful technology!).
Overall, I'm very happy with this camera. And relieved to be be out of the
overpriced Canon/Sony stranglehold!
________________________________________________________________


Great pictures, but the video's suck! , February 3, 2006
Reviewer: C. Henry "Cyndi Kay"
I love the pictures that this little camera takes, it is a perfect camera
because it is nice and light and fits in my purse so I can take it
everywhere. I have taken some wonderful pictures of my children with it.
But any time that I have tryed to take a in door video clip it is so dark
you can hardly make it out. If it the video's were clear and not so dark
the camera would be perfect and I would give it 5 stars.
________________________________________________________________



User friendly, excellent quality pictures!, January 30, 2006
Reviewer: Joan Hebert
So far I feel this is a wonderful camera. I have never used a digital
before and the ease of using the camera and quality of printed pictures is
excellent; as are the ones downloaded to your computer.
One problem is that there is not a 'booklet' on how to work your way thru
learning how to use the camera completely. You can read it on line but the
script is not visually clear. You can order one, which I did, for $10.00.
I'm also, after many attempts, not able to send an email from the Olympus
photo center with picture attached. If any one can help me in that area, I
would love to hear from you.
________________________________________________________________




Do Not Buy This Camera, November 29, 2005
Reviewer: Amazon Reviewer
This is not a good camera. When I bought mine (directly from the factory)I
was excited because the reviews all raved about its excellency, but this
camera failed to perform. When I first took it out, the camera was already
broken so I returned it. I got another one but that one was broken too.
When I finally got one that worked, it didn't take good pictures and was
very fragile. Don't waste your money on this camera, buy something worth
its money like the Canon Powershot S80. I now own this camera and it is
way better for a lower price. It has 8 meagpixels!! But that not being on
the subject of this camera I will stop talking about it. If you are
looking for a camera, don't buy this one for it does not live up to our
modern-day standards.
________________________________________________________________




Great photos, easy to use., November 4, 2005
Reviewer: A. Waligora
This is my first digital camera, and it is so easy to use. There are only
a few buttons to figure out, and it takes great pictures - they are clear
and the color is great. The large screen allows you to get a good idea of
the photo, so you can delete it right away if it's not a keeper. Great
camera for any skill level.
Back to Olympus Stylus 500