Olympus C 3000 Zoom

I bought this camera shortly after the model came out. Initially, the pictures were excellent, although the camera ate batteries like crazy, and the Camedia lithium batteries were impossible to find. After a few months, I had to take some close up shots—nothing extreme, just within three feet—and found that the focus was way off for all of them and could not be adjusted. Then, my camera started failing—refusing to stay on or even turn on even after insertion of fresh batteries or use of AC cord. My camera was out of warranty by then, so I have not tried to have it repaired. I'm looking to replace it with an upgrade.

Beautiful pictures, when it works.

Some problem with the focus on close-ups. Some kind of problem with the electrical system—camera fails even with fresh batteries and use of AC cord.

Numerous SLR's.

I am an avid electronics user and when I found this camera in a ditch on the side of the road i was amazed. I found it riding my mtn bike up a road when i noticed it. When i picked it up and turned it on, to my suprise it worked fine. I knew it had to be there for at least a week and that it was raining almost everyday! I was so impressed with its water resistance and durability that I knew this camera was special! After a good cleaning and practice I was able to master it. Very straightfoward. I was also pleased to see a 128MB card which does add to the versatility of its photo taking opportunities.

Great resoultion Durability Water Resistance Quality Expandibility Features

Bulky compared to today's standards Average Zoom Probably its price

none

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I have been used this camera indoors mostly. It is not useful to write a review on an old model but I want to give some credit to the olympus C-zoom series. The most amazing part of this camera is the fill in flash system. I have concurrently use it with Konica Lexio 70 point and shoot camera and found that in the backlight situation, the Olympus will flash automatically but the Konica won't. In addition, the amount of fill-in flash is just perfect. The tiny shadow produced by the window is visible on the picture while the subject is lighted up by the fill-in flash. 3.2M is good enough to print out 8X10 pictures from my Canon S300 printer. The color indoors and outdoors are vivid and realistic to the eyes. The control is not as friendly as some point and shoot cameras but it's better than the Olympus C-3020Zoom (IMO). For outdoor shootings, the colors at the up-left corner is splited (you call it noise?) sometimes when in the backlight situation but it's not a big deal because I see this only on my computer screen, never on the printout. (The largest printout I've made is 8X10).

Many manual controls which are needed by creative photographers. Olympus flash system is exellent, don't try to compensate the flash even when the subject is small and against a large dark background. Wide angle is useful. 32mm (35mm equivalent), you won't see this in other brands digital point and shoot.

Flash eats up batteries too quickly. AC adapter is not included. I have to glue the lens cap to a string and tie the string on the neck belt, otherwise I can see the cap is easy to be lost.

I've tried my fried's C3020Z.

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Avoid Olympus purchase. They have product reliability problems. We have had freeze-up problem with our camera, that got progressively more frequent. The only way to unfreeze it is to eject and reinsert the batteries. The phone support and on-line tech support and customer service from Olympus is unbearable poor and impossible to use.

When it worked it was great although not user friendly.

product reliability problem, not user friendly, bad customer service, bad tech support, bad website.

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with this camera!! I bought it for business 2 years ago, I'm an indoor landscaper photographing my work. I have been an avid 35mm user for decades, and am impressed with how well this camera compares to 35mm. I love using the bracket and FL-40 flash in conjunction with the on board flash...excellent results. Subtle, almost perfect lighting! I recently "upgraded" to an olympus e-20 and wish I hadn't bothered. For all it's great reviews and proffesional look, the e-20 takes no better photos than my beloved c-3000. As a matter of fact I don't think the e-20 performs as well, with one exception..the wide angle attachment. I was very displeased with the wide angle attachment for the c-3000, horrible distortion and not woth the $$$ or trouble. Now that the price has come down so much, don't think twice...just buy it...you'll love it!!

Great image quality...small size...decent battery use..can use the Fl-40 flash with a bracket, with excellent result!!

The lens cap needs to be taken off before you turn it on or you can ruin the lens...lens cap that came with camera has no way to attach to the body(they make one now that will)..very flimsy battery cover

Olympus e-20

never needed