Olympus iS-50 QD Date 35mm Camera

This camera takes quality pictures, but we did not find it to be very well constructed. The diopter (view finder adjustment) stopped working in the first 90 days, and the film advance mechanism failed about one year later. We take a lot of pictures, but do not treat the camera roughly. Even with the instructions, we were not able to make the "date-stamp" work correctly. My wife also had occassional trouble loading the film. The optics seem to be good, but overall we were un-impressed. We were able to get a full refund using an extended warranty offered through our credit card provider. We originally paid about $150 brand new.

I've had this for almost 2 years now. Picture quality varies with the auto focus function, however overall they come out good. It is definitely heavy and there other much lighter SLR's around. I've seen certain 35mm compact cameras that can compete with this camera in terms of picture quality. If you are lloking to buy a "true" SLR camera then you should probably choose something else. If you want a easy to use, good SLR type camera then this is a great buy.

The world has gone digital and yet Olympus produced one of the best 35mm cameras out there just as film cameras were becoming obsolete. It's a shame because this camera kicks [...], because it's simple to use, produces amazing shots and has a great zoom/lens, autofocus, battery life (beats any digital camera) and it feels great in my hand. I've taken many shots with it, including B&W shots, which are even greater than color shots. I've also taken tons of night shots, including auroras, which I never knew how to do before. This camera works especially well with Fuji film. I want to buy another one before they get rid of film cameras forever. Sad.

The Olympus IS series cameras have always had an identity crisis. At first they were called "ZLRs" or "Zoom Lens Reflex." They have the internal making of an SLR (a mirror mechanism that shows you exactly what the lens is seeing), but lack the versatility of being able to change the lens.

I've owned or given as gifts a number of Olympus cameras - the OM10, the IS-2, the IS-10 and now the IS-50. To this day the IS-2 remains one of my favorite cameras, especially with its unbelievable macro ability that rivals cameras/lenses costing hundreds more.

The IS-50 is a good camera. It takes great photos, its exposure system is excellent, it's light weight, has a powerful flash, and its automated features will be a boon to novice users. However, there are still better choices available.

I bought the IS-50 for a young nephew who wanted something easy to use and to shoot sports. The IS-50 delivers on the first, fails completely on the second. This camera does not have a continuous advance and focus sports mode. You press the shutter release, take a shot, and then have to repeat.

As a semi-pro user I found the flash warning system on the IS-50 to be especially annoying. The average person can easily take a photo in low light situations with a shutter speed of 1/60th of a second. People with super steady hands can even go as low as 1/15th. Experienced photographers know that you want to use natural light as much as possible because the flash creates shadows and harsh skin tones. The IS-50, however, starts warning users to use a flash at around 1/100th of a second! This makes no sense.

Normally this wouldn't be such a big deal for a point and shoot. However, camera prices, especially on 35mm models, are falling and users are expecting some bang for their buck. For the same price of an IS-50 you can buy a used Nikon N50 or N65 - both of which offer versatility, ease of use and exapandability. Earlier IS models such as the IS-1, 2 and 3 all offered much of these features. Why not the IS-50? At the very least, the price should be lower given the value and low cost of novice SLR models such as the Nikon models or the Canon Rebel.

Even with all these criticisms, the IS-50 is still an OK choice for novice users. If you want simplicity and good 35mm photos this is one camera to look at. Just be aware that for the same price or a little bit more you can get a camera that's a lot better.

I have never owned a camera before this one but I have taken a lot of pictures with other cameras so I know a good camera. I did a lot research when I decided to finally buy my own camera. I chose this one based on it's not complex features. I wanted something that would take up a lot of my time to learn as I am a college student and need that time to study school work not how to work a camera. I got the camera about two weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with the results, these are some of the best pictures that I have ever taken. This is definatly a camera that is for the first time camera owner.