P3D Re: Barriers to Entry/Olympus Stylus Epic

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Brenda Nowlan wrote:
> I have an Olympus Stylus Epic DLX.  It is very sharp and you
> can focus as close a 9".  The reason I didn't go for a
> second one is that even though it is a *fixed* lens, the
> lens moves everytime you shoot (because it is focusing).
> Sometimes the lens doesn't *quickly* focus on exactly what I
> want to focus on.  If you want your subject to be off
> center, you have to push the button half way to focus on
> your subject, then move the camera to frame the image the
> way you want it.
> 

I've noticed this too.  I think it is a common problem with electronic
cameras.  You can't always know what the electronics are selecting to
judge their settings on, and they can hunt or otherwise take a long
time to pick a setting.  I proposed the Olympus as a readily available
"featureful" camera, not necessarily the best camera.  For my own use
in a twin rig I also looked at a nice Pentax P&S that was half the
price of the Olympus, but it didn't have a tripod socket.

Personally I'd choose a pair of Pentax K-1000s, but they are no longer
made, and B&H has sold their last ones.  Ricoh and Yashica make
compatible cameras, but I haven't used either of them.  Eventually (if
I actually do anymore 2x2 stereo, or if my wife wants to do any), I
intend to ask a friend to return the Pentax K-1000SE I lent her so
that I can twin it with my ME Super (the only camera with electronics
I've ever owned, and I only got it a couple of years ago).

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              | "Oooh!"
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
NAR# 54438                      |       "Dexter's Laboratory"


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