Customer Reviews:
  User friendly, excellent quality pictures! January 30, 2006
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 30, 2005
15 out of 34 found this review helpful
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.
 Small, easy to use -- with lots of extras November 27, 2005
I love this little digital camera. The Stylus 500 has everything I was looking for: small size, 5 mega-pixel resolution, ease of use, 3X zoom, and a LCD viewing screen that I can actually see. The beauty of this camera is what it offers beyond the basics. The body is waterproof (though not for underwater pictures), so getting caught in a downpour is not cause for panic; it also keeps sand out, making it great for beach use. The lens cover is built in, and it automatically covers the lens when the power is shut off, uncovers it when you turn the camera on. The rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery keeps its charge for a surprisingly large number of uses. Although you can start taking snapshots without reading the manual and navigating the menu, the camera offers a selection of scene options such as color enhancement for still life, shoot and select for moving objects, landscape and portrait shots for crispness in both foreground and background, a sport setting to capture action without blurring, beach and snow setting for to minimize glare, a selection for taking pictures of objects behind glass, and many other options. These scene features work well, and they deliver exactly what they are supposed to. This palm-size camera also records digital home movies, with audio, that you can play back either on your television screen or through your PC software such as iMovies.
The camera comes with a high-speed USB cable to transfer photos directly to the computer without intermediate hardware, an audio/video cables to hook up for film clip viewing, a semi-rigid black case, CD-ROMs for the software and user manual, and a 32 MB picture card. The photo transfer works on both Macs and PCs. The included software, Olympus Master, is adequate for photo management, although I prefer iPhoto. Adobe Photoshop would be even better for those who like to manipulate photos, though this kind of high-tech software is hardly necessary. You can also print directly off the camera if you choose to bypass your PC. The 32 MB XD picture card that comes with the camera is woefully inadequate for even average use, so plan on buying a 256 card at the same time. Those planning to take a large number of pictures or movies within a short period of time should consider getting a spare battery as well; because the battery charges outside of the camera, you can pocket a fully charged spare to take with you, or you can be charging one battery while the other is in use.
Especially for those buying their first digital camera, shooting photos with this camera can be slightly disconcerting at first since the user must depress the shutter button halfway to lock in to focus, then the rest of the way to shoot. The impulse is to press down harder to take the photo, which can result in a blurry picture. Taking pictures with a digital camera simply is not as instantaneous as with a 35 mm camera. Once the transition is made, however, the quality is superb. Red-eye is a huge problem with the flash, so users should remind themselves to switch to that mode when taking photos of people inside.
The Olympus Stylus 500 is a compact, versatile camera designed for people who shoot primarily snapshots. Its size and weather-proof case make it perfect for vacations as well as for everyday use.
Great photos, easy to use. November 4, 2005
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
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.
Nice camera October 14, 2005
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
After trying the Fuji FinePix, which was a nightmare, I am loving this camera. I owned an Olympus before (35mm) and it lasted almost 20 years. I hope to see the same return on this camera. Good battery life and large display screen are the biggest pluses for me and my needs. I basically take pictures of my kids. The only complaint I have is that the manual that comes with the camers is very basic and to get the more detailed manual, you have to download and print it. I wish it came with the camera.
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