With true 4x zoom and date printing, the fully automatic Olympus IS-20 QD SLR camera offers versatility and professional quality. It combines the advanced functionality of an SLR camera system with a compact, lightweight package. The 28-110mm aspherical glass lens provides a high degree of optical resolution with reduced distortion. A full-auto mode automatically sets shutter speed and aperture, while audible beeps confirm focus.
A set of direct mode select buttons make creative photography easy. A landscape mode captures foreground and background with equal clarity. You can also create dramatic portraits with a sharply defined subject and shallow depth of field. A night- scene mode keeps the shutter open for up to two-second exposures. An intelligent flash automatically fires in low-light situations and includes fill-in flash, red-eye reduction, and soft illumination settings.
1 What a CRAPPY camera!
The pictures are terrible!!!!
I thought it might have been the first roll of film because I left it in the car on a warm day so I tried two more rolls!!! They're sooo dark! Even the ones I took on the beach this morning on an absolutely gorgeous day.
I carried this camera with me to my graduation instead of my bulkier camera because of its compactibility (is that a word?). I'm upset that I entrusted those memories to this camera.
It's also very confusing to figure out. I have a Minolta QT-si that I'll stick with from now on.
2 Wow!
I purchased this camera for my 11-yr old daughter to use in a summer photography gifted & talented art class that required the kids to bring an SLR camera (I got a reconditioned model really cheap). What a find!! I bought it because it seemed much easier to use than a standard SLR (which befuddle me), but I didn't expect that the pictures or adjustability would be that great - I was terribly wrong. There was no discernable difference between my daughter's photos and the photos from the kids (most older & more seasoned in photography) who used a standard SLR - except she said that she got to take more pictures because she wasn't always messing with her camera. Her photos included color, black & white, landscapes, close-ups, and many "trick" shots with long exposures and light effects - everything the other kids did with their cameras. He teacher even recommended that she enter a couple of her photos in a local contest!
The "one step" buttons for landscapes, close-ups, long exposure, and short exposure produce excellent results, and the automatic speed setting with the manual f-step option is very nice as well - no charts or graphs needed to figure it all out.
My husband and I have always been interested in photography, but we never wanted to deal with the complicated SLR lenses, F-stop/speed settings, etc., but we were so impressed with the IS20 that we just purchased another one for our own use, and intend on doing a little hobby SLR photography ourselves! The IS20 actually makes photography fun! I've taken the best photos of my life in the past few days, and I'm excited to continue.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for the beginning or even intermediate SLR user.
3 Golden!
I was looking for an entry level SLR and decided to try the Olympus IS 20 at the advice of a friend who works as a semi-professional photographer. After shopping around and comparing the Olympus to other brands such as Nikon and Cannon, I found that Olympus does not necessarily enjoy the reputation found in other brands. Still, I decided to get the IS 20 based on the functions it offered and the great price on Amazon. Since I have owned the IS 20 I have shot over 20 rolls of film including 200, 400 and 800 speeds. The camera is very user friendly and my photos are excellent. The last roll of film that I shot with 800 contained photos of Seattle taken from the incoming Bainbridge ferry at sunset. When I picked up the photos from processing, several members of the staff were waiting for me to compliment me on the outstanding colors and detail in my photos. They were convinced that I am a seasoned photographer with a superior understanding of manual cameras and photography in general; even though I only have a basic understanding! This camera is everything that I hoped it would be and I would highly recommend it for beginners. Also, if you buy this camera, there is a teleconverter lens available at the Oympus Emporium website (but in limited quanties.)
4 Great Pictures!
Easy to use camera that takes great pictures! I replaced my old Nikon 35mm with this Olympus and have been nothing but pleased.
5 IS-20 , bad pictures
I've been using this camera for about 4 mos. already upgrading from a point/shoot olympus clamshell camera and was very much dissappointed with the quality of the pictures,. It definitely looks cool but the output was terrible, overexposure, dark backgrounds. I tried auto mode and manual mode. Can't say more but I am definitely not recommending this camera.
6 Everything you need, nothing you don't...
I actually own the IS-30, which is almost identical to the IS-20, the only difference being that the IS-30 has exposure compensation (from -2EV to +2EV in 0.5EV steps), but I don't know if its still available, so I'm writing this review instead. I've had it for 2 years and it is a marvellous camera.
This camera has all the features that you need and none that you don't. It is essentially a fully-automatic SLR camera, so you have the best of both worlds. With an SLR, when you look through the viewfinder, you're actually looking through the lens, so what you see is what you get (with composition and focus). Unlike a fully-automatic camera, which has parallax error associated with its separate viewfinder.
The IS-20 is "zoomier" (28-110mm) than a standard SLR camera lens (28-80mm), but yet it is quite a small camera when compared to most SLRs. You can also get a telephoto extender that screws on the end making it effectively a 210mm lens; although you will have to use that pretty much at full-zoom and the camera lens cap won't retract when it is in place.
The other advantage it has over fully-automatic cameras is that you can use various filters on the end of the lens. You might first consider getting a 2X macro lens and a red lens for improving the contrast in B&W photography.
I used my sister's Canon EOS-500N for two overseas trips and I found that about half of the features I just didn't use. With this Olympus, however, I use ALL the features. The two most commonly used modes are the scenery mode and the portrait mode. It also has spot metering, a timer, and a nifty lens cap. Plus it has full-auto mode; just press the green button and shoot!
It has twin flashes, one for wide-angle and one for telephoto, and they are mighty-powerful! There are four flash modes: autoflash, no flash, red-eye reducing, and forced flash activation. They're all important. Having no flash is crucial for night time scenes; just put the camera on something steady, select the timer -that way the camera will go off by itself and you won't bump it- and you will take photos that look like a pro.
Initially, the thing that bugged me most is that you can't manually set the shutter speed and have the camera figure out the correct aperture. But now I tend to think that the only time I really wanted to set the shutter speed myself is when I wanted the fastest possible shutter speed, and the camera has a mode that automatically does that for you (up to 1/2000 sec). You can only manually select the shutter speed for long-time exposures greater than 1 sec (1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 & 60 sec), but then camera fixes the aperture at f8, so you have to take a few shots to make sure the photo won't be under/overexposed. You can, on the other hand, choose an aperture from f4.5 to f22, and have the camera automatically use the right shutter speed. That allows you to change the depth of field of a scene.
On the down side: for the smallish size, it is on the heavy side. But even though I am usually very obsessive when it comes to lightweight objects, in this case I can easily overlook that, because of its sheer convenience.
If you're thinking of buying a digital camera, know that film has the equivalent of 1500 "pixels" per inch, so that a 24x36mm negative, assuming a good lens and fine-grained film, will have over 3 megapixels. Not only that, but this camera can use a wide range of film speeds, from 25 ISO all the way to 3200 ISO!!
The other reason I didn't want a digital camera, is that I've been known to take about a thousand photos while I'm travelling, and I refuse to fork out that much money for the high-capacity memory cards required. Remember that 35mm film can be bought ANYWHERE.
7 great camera
great camera. period. i'm a amuater photographer and this was my first serious camera purchase, and i'm glad i made it.
as far as the manual, DONT LISTEN TO HYPERBOLIC SQUIGGLY or whatever his name is, he was one of the few who didn't like it and obvously was too much of a guy to just cope with the fact that he isn't god and your gonna have to read the manual.
anyway, the camera feels great in the palm, has the look of a pro tool(which i have gotten many compliments on) the pictures, came out great, especially those involving light and sunlight, came out beautiful.
if you want a pro camera with some point and shoot options, this is deffinitly the way to go.
8 best camera
this camera is great for kids who no what there doing in the world of camera's its great for kids who are thinking jobs on the future in camera work! it teaches kids how to take care of there things as well
9 Easy to use, powerful flash, great ergonomics
I purchased the IS20 in July 2001. My first interest in it was its design. Not only does it look good, but its shape and ergonomics makes it really easy to hold, handle and operate. We often forget to admit that looks are one of the major purchase motivations.
The second thing i liked about it was ease of use. if you have minimal camera operation experience you might never read the manual at all!
It also integrates a powerful flash. My boss told me once that he thought it was on fire when it blinked to reduce red eye effect.
The 28-110 mm zoom is also nice, quick. Battery life seems above average (I still have not changet it).
Negative aspects?
Probably its weight and size, its definately not a camera you would stick in your pocket.
You will notice that when the camera is on the lens sticks all the way out wich makes it look more like an Olympus IS3000.
10 I like it!
I am a scrapbooking fiend and I was tired of my regular cameras because I always had to get so close to the subject in order to take a shot. I wanted more portrait like pictures as well as being able to stand away from the subject in order to catch those candid shots.
I actually have two other olympus cameras. I have an olympus stylus 115, which is nice and has a decent zoom, but didn't give me the picutres I was looking for.
I have been taking pictures with my new camera like a fiend and I love them. The pictures have been crisp and clean...the way I like them, and I don't have to stand right in front of the subject to take a picture.
I actually feel like I am taking professional pictures! Anyway, that's it. Thanks.
11 What a disappointment
My first really "nice" camera, and what a disappointment! For the first time ever in my life, I had to read the instruction manual to figure out a technical item ... (a first for someone who's built telescopes, configured/programmed/used TVs, VCRs, stereo component systems, MD recorders, camcorders, and used many cameras without the aid of the standard booklet). Well, there's a first for everything! That is fine, but ...
"Embarassing" to admit, after having to eventually reread the manual a sum of about FOUR times and still not understanding the temperamental nature of this beast (since it still was not performing as predicted in writing), I gave up on reading. I decided to perservere with the settings to see which would happen to work. I was intent on having a good working relationship with my new friend, but alas, it did not succeed. After enough unsatisfactory shooting experiences, I soon returned it.
To begin with, this camera was bulky and awkward to hold, giving me a bit of the shakies during most shoots. The various button positions for the settings were hardly ergonomic -- more like calisthenics (even for us piano players). When I needed to ask someone else to take a picture with it of me and someone/thing else, I had to give a five minute lesson on how to use it, and these various individuals still couldn't get it to shoot no matter WHAT setting they tried. When it did take the picture, it took quite a while to complete and was rather noisy.
Often I had to change the potential photo's composition (if not photographable at ANY setting combination) to less than what I desired. Then, I usually found only ONE least expected setting that WOULD take the picture. When going through these jumping jacks for various focusing situations, the final pictures still most commonly came out too dark. I WAS using the right film speed for the indoor, well-lit environment according to standard guidelines I've followed for years with no trouble. Even in the few pictures that did turn out visibly discernable, the subject in the foreground looked way too overexposed and the background unnecessarily way too dark. Weird flash on this guy. After briefly using someone's manual camera a few years ago, I am convinced that the old archaic "complexities" of shooting with those cameras are in the end EASIER to use than some of today's overly-programmed, auto-"smart" cameras.
The major reason why I bought my first Olympus is because of their rare use of a total glass lenses, "enhancing" color results. The colors in the few pictures (after working through many rolls) that DID come out were so extreme and bright in contrast that they looked ridiculous to me. I also had those rolls processed simultaneously with film from another camera; and, those pictures did not show those same color results. So, I probably can't blame the developer.
Unsatisfied. NOT a user friendly step-up from your basic three-setting zoom cameras. I'm amazed that anyone can get good results with this otherwise cute camera, and actually admire the picture quality.
12 Broke in less than a week
I recently bought this camera and had to return it because the film loading compartment kept opening in the middle of rolls!! The spring that locks the the compartment shut broke and this is the second time that this has happened. I had it sent to Olympus to get it fixed and actually had to pay for shipping and handling . The first time was also another Olympus. Even though the parts are made in Japan, the quality of Olympus cameras are sacrificed when they are assembled in China. Also when I used the this camera before the onset of problems was the lack of flexibility it had. For those who are looking to learn more about photography, this is just similar to a point and shoot but with the SLR design. There are not functions that you would normally find SLR camera's like setting aperture or shutter speeds. The multi-autofocus modes can be found in high end point and shoots. Also, the camera design claims to be ergonmically designed and it does look very nice I admit but it is extremely hard to hold and grip. It resulted in excessive shaking when taking photographs.
13 Excellent for the price
Looks cool, works spelndid, takes pictures at all scenerios.
14 The camera that keeps on giving....
If you want a trouble free camera that isn't gonna be in the shop, buy something else. Our camera like this one broke last winter and we sent it into be repaired by Olympus. They fixed it for $ and sent it back to us. Takes great pictures, just never seems to be out of the shop. Look at Nikons and Canons for cameras without discounts on price. They don't need to discount because they are built better.
15 which country does this item made in?
Is this item made in Japan or China?
16 Great Line of Cameras
This is a great line of cameras. Looks very cool. Pictures are great with everything that it is suppose to have to produce great pictures. Good flexibility with good automation. Some buttons are hard to use, especially when it comes to figuring out what you want the flash to do. Concerned that it eats batteries, especially since it is fun to play with it. Noisy automation (which is good for feedback). Seems balanced to hold. Will likely replace the carrying case with a larger one to hold the camera and 210mm zoom lense we got with it comfortably so that will be easy to remove and add camera and lense from case with lense cap on the 210mm flying off everywhere. I wish the default lense had a little more range and a 300mm lense was extra. Zoom lense screws on and off. Not sure if the mechanics of the zoom functions are harmed when you screw on and off lense though the manual claims it doesn't. The remote control had a handy feature that you can open it and attach it to the case carrying strap so that you don't lose it. Difficult to open it too so it will not accidently come off. Other handy features included being able to correct the view-finder according to your eyesight. We found the more expensive 30 DLX model for a good price with panoramic, 210mm lense, remote, and the olympus case at another on-line retailer through bizrate. The DLX model is suppose to sport some kind of color correction feature but it is undocumented in the manual. Never heard of the company but they shipped immediately without problem. Despite the criticisms, very fine camera. Olympus does a good job at attention to detail. I just wish the lense and body sported a rubber bumper in the event that you drop the camera with the lense extended. Cameras get dropped. It is a shame if it damages a good expensive one.
17 Great Line of Cameras
This is a great line of cameras. Looks very cool. Pictures are great with everything that it is suppose to have to produce good pictures. Good flexibility with good automation. Some buttons are hard to use, especially when it comes to figuring out what you want the flash to do. Concerned that it eats batteries, especially since it is fun to play with it. Noisy automation. Seems balanced to hold. Will likely replace the carrying case with an additional one to hold the 210mm zoom lense we got with it that will be easy to remove and add camera and lense from case. I wish the default lense had a little more range and a 300mm lense was extra. Zoom lense screws on and off. Not sure if the mechanics of the zoom functions are harmed when you screw on and off lense. We found the more expensive 30 DLX model for a good price with panoramic, 210mm lense, remote, and the olympus case at another on-line retailer through bizrate. The DLX model is suppose to sport some kind of color correction feature but it is undocumented in the manual. Never heard of the company but they shipped immediately without problem. Despite the criticisms, very fine camera.
18 Perfect for me!
I love this camera. I wanted a camera that I can take good family photos with as well as use to learn a bit about the basics of photography. The directions were easy to understand, and it took no time at all to figure it out and start shooting. My favorite is the portrait mode. It's very simple to use, and the results are fantastic!
19 Olympus iS-20 QD Camera
Very versatile, stylish, easy-to-use camera! I used several rolls of my 2-month daughter basically in the portrait mode and I found them very good (w/flash or without it). But more impressive pictures have been done outdoors with 28mm focus. They a really great! The images are sharp, clear, a full of depth. Before I used 35mm fixed Olympus Stylus and my manual Minolta XG-7. This IS-20 QD camera has a lot more to offer for for the beginner and experienced photographer!
20 A Happy Medium
As one reviewer wrote, I reluctantly gravitated toward an autofocus SLR because my eyesight (even at 30) isn't perfect, and the one thing missing from the shots taken with my traditional Pentax SLR is "focus." An autofocus camera fixes that problem for me. But I want some options as well, to allow for some creativity amidst all the automation. From the moment I got the IS-20 QD out of the box and put in the batteries, it has been a dream to own. I finished off the first roll within an hour, and the pictures, even from the 1-hour shop at the drugstore, were outstanding. I'm not commenting on my picture-taking; I give all credit to the Olympus. Everything from portraits to landscapes to action (it stopped a spinning backyard windmill in its tracks) came out great. I know that I am sacrificing some of the freedom that one would get with a traditional SLR, but for my money (and my experience) I waste much less film by avoiding experimentation, and I can concentrate on the subject matter of my shots. I recommend this camera for both novice photography buffs, and for those who just want a fantastic hassle-free high-end camera.
21 A cross between an idiot-proof camera and a SLR
NICE! I'm glad I've swapped my Canon EOS SLR for this!
While I find the coverage of its built-in flash is a bit on the harsh side (my 8-year old Canon Photura is better in this area), the photos taken with the camera under daylight can match up to any good SLR camera in the market. All that performance is delivered in a nice, easy-to-carry, all-in-one package.
You've got a winner here, Olympus!
22 Olympus iS-20
After using telephoto lenses it was hard for me to go back to standard photos. Friends and family photograph better when the camera isn't "in their face." Still, manual telephotos are cumbersome. Too many right moments lost. This camera solved my problems. I'm online here because I'm having to shop for a new Olympus iS-20. The one I had is missing!
23 Auto camera with manual preciseness
I've had a manual-focus camera for years, set apertures, speeds, etc. This camera gives you all the exactness of that medium with the total convenience and ease of a fully automatic package. Plus you can set your own apertures if you wish to move "outside the box" and the camera sets the speed for you! The settings are easy to figure out, auto focusing is a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, there's nothing easier. Great versatility in a reasonably priced package! I highly recommend it.
24 Handy
Pretty style, compact size & easy to carry. Has all the features I need with good price.
25 just good
This item is just good enough for the beginner.
