This unique all-in one camera combines ease of operation with a high quality lens and enough creative controls to be used as a serious SLR with full control of exposure; it is far more than just a P&S.

If an iS-4(000) ever sees the light, I would like it to have: a lens that starts in the 28mm range, a led illuminator, a DOF preview button, a faster (4 fps) drive, three selectable AF measuring points, a bigger spot meter button, a better way to overrule DX, a better way to switch from AF to PF.

This camera can fulfill most of my demands. For super wide, super tele beyond 300mm and high magnification macro/micro photography I use my OM's, but for everyday day shooting the iS-3000 has more than enough features. For those occasions where AF is really comfortable the iS-3000 does its job. I became so enthousiastic about it, that I added an iS/L page to my OM-related web pages:

http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/veluwen/om-sif/is-series/is-series.htm

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Olympus OM, Olympus Centurion, Olympus Mju II, Konika Hexar, Yashica T5

- Optics are amazing. (The ED glass really does make a difference)
- autofocus is very fast and accurate
- two speed zoom control
- program exposure modes work great, especially all auto mode
- focal length 35 to 180 meets most if not all my needs (no need for interchangeable lenses)
- fit and finish quality is high -- Olympus builds a solid piece of equipment
- info screen on back is useful and readable
- built-in flash works great, pops up easily
- while a bit heavy for P&S this feels good in the hands...nice design
- lots of manual choice like macro button, drive speed
- layout of buttons -- a lot going on but after shooting a couple of rolls of film, it all makes intuitive sense
- Again, the lens....great optics!! As good or better than my Nikon w/ Nikon lens

- size is fine compared to regular SLRs w/ zoom lens on, but this isn't one to throw in the purse or fanny pack
- wish it started at 28mm versus 35mm (not a big grip, especially at this great price
- I have no need for the quartz date function

Superb camera that really is a utility player. The range (35-180) wins the day. I find myself being able to take more pictures more quickly because I have range of shots without having to physically change locations. For someone who wants SLR high-end lens quality and exposure manipulation, but doesn't need or want to buy a bunch of lenses, this is a perfect choice. To get a comparable 35-180 lens for my Nikon would have cost at least this much. The lens is worth 400 bucks alone. I bought the camera through Beach Camera (great-- cheap two day shipping and they are authorized dealer with store location and Internet sales), and I picked up a B&W UV filter and the dedicated (smart!) G-40 flash through B&H Photo. They are selling the g40 for $199 which is inexpensive compared to other places. I wanted the flexibility of bounce flash for important potrait shots. My first few rolls using Fuji film (e.g., NPS 160) turned out excellent. Great contrast, color saturation. The lens quality is amazing!

Customer Service

Got the additional Olympus added 3 year warranty for a few bucks; hope to never use it.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, etc.

Crisp REally sharp pictures. Always.
Zoom lens - covers great distance. Also use the tele and macro converters. The G40 flash is perfect. Always gives the right amount of light. I usually bounce it. Perfect exposures every time.

Weight. Non-removable lenses. Very delicate. Not a "put in pocket" point and shoot, and still more fragile than slr bodies with lenses.
The built in flash is a waste for me. The "reduce red eye" function, hasn't eliminated red eye for me. I usually leave the built in flash off and use the G40.
Can't over ride ISO.

Great camera for those who want more than a simple point and shoot. And those having no desire to learn to shoot manually. I have recently bought a cheap Canon Rebel X and intend on learning. I have used the IS3DLX for weddings, portraits, sports and of course the family vacations, etc. Always worry about hurting the camera outside of a shoot. Very fragile. This camera isn't for those not wanting the weight or the lack of creative control. The $1000 price tag included accessories - macro & tele converters, G40 flash, & remote.

Customer Service

Never used them. My pop up flash no longer fires, guess I'll be trying out customer service. (Only use it any way "on the road" for quick shots.)

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel X
Vivitar flash
Sun pack flash

I love the quick focus and the perfect pictures taken. You have to try really hard to take a bad picture.

I do a lot of sports work and I wish the film would advance a bit faster.

Comfortable grip and perfect prints. Perfect for just about everything. My only concern is the inability to purchase new lenses. Oh well.

Customer Service

I haven't had to use their services.

Similar Products Used:

Some Nikon and Canon stuff.

None

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Excellent high end point and shoot. Very ergonomic for most of us, but some may not like its unique design. Optics and auto focus are superb. Plenty are available on the used market for a very reasonable price. Most of these are in very good to mint condition. Go to your local shop and try holding one before you buy. See http://members.nbci.com/veluwen/om-sif/is-series/is-series.htm for lots of info on Olmypus IS series.

Similar Products Used:

None

- stunningt quality under all conditions
- ideal for the casual user who still want to be able to use some advanced features
- superb performance

- bulky
- expensive accesories

One of the best deals for casual user who still want to be able to use some advanced features. Beware, bulky camera, not the type you will carry in your jacket pocket.

Customer Service

haven't used them yet (hope never need them)

Similar Products Used:

- Pentax SRL camera
- Olympus digital camera

Many features of a pro camera.
Great optics.
Great accesories

None

I like to grab this camera on the go with out having to take along all my gear.
This camera produces very sharp photos.
It's very easy for my wife to use.
A good value.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Minolta, Nikon, Mamiya

Ergonomics, Nice Zoom range, Twin Intelligent Flash, Extra-low Depression lens, and more

Heavy, Big, Accessories are very expensive (instead of buying those accessories we can buy a new Canon Eos Camera and costly lens for it)

Its a good camera but i think the life of it is about 3-5years only i think. But its a good camera for all beginners.

Customer Service

not really good, My camera's auto focus went bad i've sent it 3 times back and forth to them. But it is covered with 6 months workmanship.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Eos 7E/30, and Canon Eos Rebel 2000

Great quality zoom.
Option of full auto, full manual or anything in-between.
Good quality, powerful built-in flash
Ergonomically nice to hold- won't break your back to tote it around all day.

Mostly plastic construction, creating the great weight, is the trade-off. This camera is well-made though. Probably stronger than I will ever give it credit for- Time will tell.

The bottom line is this is a great camera. The short time I've been using it is enough to know this is the type tool I've been looking for. Everyone needs to "shop around" and see what works for them. I've been in the "single focal length only" camp before. Had an extensive Nikon F3 outfit once. Lug one of those WITHOUT a motor around with a 24, 50 and 105 wide aperture lens and 180 f2.8 lens and flash. NO WAY did that outfit travel with me. It's a back breaker. Went with the EOS line with a 28-135 and 100-300 lens for a while. Lighter, but still not light enough and still way too bulky. There's also the "I want an "L" lens....!!" expense that any serious user of Canon equipment deals with. Tried a Leica M6 outfit. Tremendous quality optically and mechanically, but for someone like myself I had no business paying that kinda money for what you ultimately have. The Konica Hexar is a dream camera built around a beautiful 35mm f2 lens, but I do like the occasional option of different focal lengths. This camera WITHOUT any of the "bulky" accessories is a great compromise size-wise and the optical quality is right up there with anything I've used other than the Leica 35mm f2 ASPH or Konica Hexar 35 f2. For 95% of what I shoot the f4.5-5.6 maximum aperture is a no-issue. The other 5% can easily be handled with the Hexar. The IS-3 and Hexar are perfect mates for each other. One thing the instruction book does not point out is you CAN lock focus without having to keep the release pressed in, re-compose, then take a separate meter reading before releasing the shutter. Just pre-focus then lock that reading by pushing and releasing in the power focus button. Then take your reading, recompose and shoot. Then push the power focus button again to put the camera back into AF. The only accessory that any serious shooter needs to get before they are all gone (this camera has just been discontinued) is the G40 flash unit. I do not have it yet, but will shortly. The wide angle attachment and macro attachment are also items I will most likely pick up, but 180mm is plently long for what I shoot. It's really unfortunate Olympus is not replacing this camera with an as fully featured successor. None of the other "IS" line that will be current 6 months from now that we all know about really interests me. An IS-3 type camera updated with a more modern AF system would be a winner and a camera I would buy in a heartbeat as a camera to use alongside this one I now have. I see very little difference in the build-quality of this camera compared to the Canon EOS Elan 7E. If not abused I see no reason why this camera won't last as long as anything out there in this price range if it's not mis-handled or abused, maybe longer. If you don't know how to use all the manual over-rides and options the IS-3 offers, you will be much better off and less confused getting one of the more all-automatic models of the "IS" series.

Customer Service

No experience.

Similar Products Used:

Not many of this type. I've been a user of no-frills, all-metal built-for-a-lifetime cameras like the Nikon F3, Canon FTB, Leica M6. Currently using a Konica Hexar AR with built-in 35mm f2.0 lens as a high speed alternate body to the IS-3.

Good all around camera

Focusing tricky at times

I love it. Easy to use and all at your fingertips. I can do my own special effects or go to program mode and not worry about settings.

Similar Products Used:

None