Customer Reviews:
  Once again, all the reviews are true June 10, 2005 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I researched a long time, was set to buy another camera, then went in to test it out and found out the shutter speed was excruciatingly slow. This camera, however, is great. I bought it mostly because of the shutter speed (and the 3x X 4x zoom), but everything about it is great. The menus take a little bit of getting used to--I keep hitting the "menu" button to select options, which isn't necessary--but it's hardly a complaint to say the options are more streamlined than usual.
The only real problem I've had is that the hinged cover for the battery and memory card is right where my thumb usually is, so more than once I've accidentally opened it (it opens quite easily). But this isn't really a big enough problem to be a big purchase decision breaker.
I've only had the camera two weeks, so I haven't made any prints yet, but the color is great and the pictures look wonderful online. I highly, highly recommend this camera.
  Awesome Camera June 7, 2005 20 out of 20 found this review helpful
This is my first Olympus digital and I absolutely love it. My aunt has it and she is very picky about her cameras so I knew I could trust her recomendation. I figured everything out very quickly and every shot has been perfect. We have a 512mb card and it will allow you to take up to 25 minutes of video. We did a short 20 second clip and emailed it using the Olympus software. It was so easy and easily viewed by family on the other end. And the screen is awesome. Its nice not to not look so close at the screen anymore. I love being able to hit the quick view button to flip and delete through pictures while keeping it in photo mode and then hitting it again to resume taking pictures. So much easier then turning the dial everytime (although that is still an option). The only thing that I have learned my lesson on with this camera, is when when you have the USB cable connecting it to your computer, Disconnect it as soon as your transfer is done. I did my transfer and then left it connected all afternoon. When I went to turn it on the battery was dead. Even though the screen was not on it still drained. So as long as you don't leave it hooked up to your computer then everything is great. You won't regret this camera.
P.S. the cuisine mode is awesome
  Amazing LCD screen, long battery life May 13, 2005 93 out of 93 found this review helpful
I've had good experiences with Olympus in the past, so I picked up this camera when I wanted to get into the 5 MP range. This is an outstanding value. The LCD screen is like none other I have ever seen. It is huge. I loved it when I first saw it, and I didn't realize until after I got the camera home that it doesn't have a normal viewfinder at all. The only way to take a picture is with the LCD screen on. That alarmed me because I worred about battery life, but the battery life has turned out to be very long. I've used the camera on many occasions without having the charge the battery. It's long lasting and reliable.
I like that I can charge the battery outside the camera, so I bought an extra battery and always keep my spare one charged up. Some other camera have to be charged with the battery inside, which makes keeping a spare harder.
This is super-light and small. It can be tucked into my purse and it takes up hardly any space at all. I adore the size.
One good test of a camera is how easily people unfamiliar with it can take pictures. I know that I never read the manual. It was immediately obvious how to take pictures or movies or review the old pictures, and other people have picked up on the use of this camera instantly, too. The on screen menus are informative and easy to follow without a manual. There are no obscure codes or symbols to decipher.
In the higher-end camera segment, this 5 MP with a sleek design is an exceptional buy. Highly recommended.
  Great camera in a small package May 3, 2005 32 out of 32 found this review helpful
I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. I was looking for a 5MP, compact size, with a large LCD screen, and lots of built in settings. This camera checked off on all with flying colors. The 20 preset modes are easy to navigate thru and give good descriptions of what each one is used for. As with many digital cameras, the indoor shooting can be a bit tricky to get just right. The flash on the auto setting is a bit strong (still not sure if I can adjust that yet). Outdoor shots are incredible! My favorite feature is the 2.5 LCD screen. There is no view finder, but the screen is more than adequate even in bright sunlight. The Stylus 500 is also weather proof which puts your mind at ease if there is a light drizzle coming down or you want to take it with you skiing (which I have done). If you are like me and love all the bells and whistles, this camera has plenty to offer. If you need an easy point and shoot, it can do that too. Overall this camera is fantastic. I hightly recommend it.
  The Reviews are True March 18, 2005 80 out of 80 found this review helpful
This 5.0 MP digital camera is so advanced, it's simple. That's usually a contradiction in the camera market, but Olympus has come up with a definite winner with this offering. Read the reviews and you'll come up with the conclusion that this camera offers a lot for the money, even though you'll probably not use 80 percent of the features. No problem, because the user friendliness of this camera makes it difficult to take bad photos/moving pictures in the "auto" modes. I purchased this camera to replace my Olympus C-5050 (internal battery died and memory feature lost). Because I had several xD cards already invested, my choice was basically limited to Fuji and Olympus. I was also looking for a smaller/lighter camera that is easier to use and has minimal shutter lag (this camera is super quick in all that it does, including shutter lag).
I'm very satisfied with this camera and although I have not used the Canon's, Sony's, Fuji's, HP's, etc., comparative reviews have stated that the picture quality (accuracy and natural tone/colors) of this specific Olympus digital camera is very good. Study for yourself via the internet and you should not be too disappointed with the findings and its value for the money (or your purchase).
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