Evaluation:  
Conclusion: High style, low performance; short life
Review: I finally got the "card cover open" error that so many other users have gotten (see various web forums). That means I can no longer use the camera.
No great loss. I was getting pretty marginal results with it anyway. As a former E100RS owner, I was looking forward to excellent photos from the Olympus lens and CCD. But it was not to be, the lens/electronics combo is so slow that you need some sort of camera support or bracing for indoor, non-flash shots. Granted, this is just a simple pocket camera, but as such, it's a disappointment. Not up to the Olympus standard, IMO.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Problem with card cover
Review: This was a great camera until it was out of warranty. Then at the most inopportune times "Card Cover Not Closed" would appear on the LCD screen preventing any further picture taking. I tried all types of tricks like removing the card and putting it back in until the message disappeared.
Eventually, my frustration sent me to the Eastern USA Olympus headquarters at Hauppauge, NY for service. Well, the flat rate was $80. I decided that it wasn't worth spending this much for a 4MP camera when for just a few more dollars I could get another camera with better features. Too bad I hadn't checked the Web before buying this camera as this card cover problem seems prevalent in any discussion I found concerning Olympus.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Good..but not very weather resistant
Review: I bought my Olympus camera a year ago and thought it worked great. The pictures came out very clear and detailed. I took wonderful beach pictues, pictures of flowers, and sunsets with this camera and was very pleased with the results.
However, about 2 weeks after I recieved my camera, I went down to the beach at night and was taking some pictures. IT was a little windy so there was sand blowing. My lens cover from then on would not shut. I continued to take pictures and they still came out pretty good but eventually the quality began to decline. Since the lens cover no longer shut over the lens for protection, the lens got dirty and I am guessing damaged. I sent my camera to the company to see how much it wuold cost to repair and they said probably $105.00 which I thought was too much considering I could probably get a better camera from a little more.
If you are one of those people that are so protective of your camera that you won't let it near water, snow or sand then this camera is phenomenal. I would definetly recommend it; but if you are one of those people that like to get the scenic pics and risk getting the natural elements into your camera I would recommend something that is weather proof. A camera that I am thinking of getting is the Olympus Stylus 600 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom or the 700. It is weather proof which I think will make a big difference.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Good enough while software worked
Review: I would agree with other reviews on this site that the camera takes good outdoor shots. It took some tuning to get indoor flash shots that were in focus but I figured it out - I have used non digital cameras for years. I was pleased with the features, though thought it a bit smaller than I needed. I bought it used from a friend. It did not have a mark on it. I took it on vacation.
After using the camera productively for several days, routinely swapping in recharged batteries or fresh memory cards, the following error message appeared on the screen - Card Cover Not Closed. But the card cover door was closed; the memory card and the battery were properly seated - and reseated, replaced, recharged, etc. I didn't solve the problem and could take no more pictures with it.
When I returned home, I sent it back to Olympus. It was out of warranty. They asked about $125 to repair it. Since there was no physical damage, the price seemed high - I am walking away from it unconsoled. Perhaps I will inspire one of you to buy something different. I am looking at a midpriced Cannon.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: good little camera
Review: Very functional and easy to use. The picture quality is excellent. The numerous modes for taking pictures is awesome. From being able to use it behind glass, at night, with beach or snow backgrounds, this is the only camera I have found that has 14 modes. The video quality is good also. For $300, you won't find a better digital camera. The battery is a little annoying as there appears to be no way to save date etc. when you have to take out the battery to charge it.
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