Olympus IS-3 DLX

Review Date
July 25, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Reviewed by
johnyknox , Professional

Price Paid
$250.00 at Wellington Camera sh

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
I have always had a soft spot for Olympus cameras, ever since my first one when I was a teenager, the Pen FT.

Having had Hasselblads and most of the upper end Nikons in my time as a photographer, I find the Olympus IS 3000 is the only one now that I'll take on holidays or work jobs.

I take it out because it is compact, fits onto a lightweight tripod, and takes incredibly sharp and well saturated with colour photographs of anything - it's amazing.

I do a lot of work in National Parks here in New Zealand , Australia and Fiji and I really need a camera like this in the back pack with a lightweight tripod.

I just wrap it up in a towel in a plastic bag with a small pouch for filters, films and some spare batteries and with that small package I can handle almost any situation - true

Strengths
Compact, easy to operate, takes a few different filters and quiet to use.

The 180 zoom and close up feature really get some fabulous pictures.

The flash is balanced.

Really affordable to purchase if you get a good used one like I managed too.

People cannot believe sometimes that the photos I show them have been taken on a compact zoom - surely not it has to be a Nikon or Canon big SLR

Weaknesses
Wish somehow that it could be digitalised so I don't have to pay for film processing. Would like the zoom to go to 300 perhaps.

Similar Products Used
Nikon F5, Hasselblad ELM, Swiss army knife, Subaru 4WD car, ABU fishing reel, Martin D 28 Guitar, Yaesu SW radio, Citizen Eco drive watch, KTM mountain bike, Pentax binoculars - things that do eveything well.

Customer Service
Never needed any, it is so reliable.

Review Date
January 16, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
mkg , Intermediate

Price Paid
$650.00 at ProCam Wht River Jun

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Other

Summary
I purchased this camera, my last film camera buy, in the late 90s. I have recently pulled it off the shelf as I return to film work along with digital.

This is a terrific camera. The lens, 35-180mm built-in zoom with ED elements, is phenomenal. While the 4.5 F-stop may seem minimal, it really poses no problem at all in actual use. There are numerous ways to shoot: fully automatic including focus, aperture or shutter priority and fully manual. In addition, the manual focus works easily for the rare occasions when it is require. Macro mode works well, also.

The viewfinder is bright and clear. The TTL meter works with near flawless precision - including in the provided spot metering mode. The built-in flash is superb, though a rather costly external flash may be used for greater control and affect.

The shape of the camera contributes to its overall ease of handling, fine balance and ability to shoot at slower shutter speeds than one would anticipate. It is an extremely well engineered device from every aspect.

Strengths
Overall design, lens quality, robust construction, simple and intuitive controls, ergonomic "rightness", full auto to full manual options

Weaknesses
A faster lens would be nice on rare occasions

Review Date
October 19, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
afshalders , Expert

Price Paid
$300.00 at B&H

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
This camera is one of the finest I ever had. This is a very advanced camera and the lens is fantastic (Zuiko ED, the finest)

Strengths
Excellent metering, spot, full manual override, WONDERFUL flash, good grip and one of the finest lens on the world. Good finder and very easy operation.

Weaknesses
Lens is a bit slow. Heavy.

Similar Products Used
IS-10, IS-50

Customer Service
After near 4000 pictures, still no service needed.

Review Date
December 13, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
kalizzi , Intermediate

Price Paid
$300.00 at Internet

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
Olympus IS-3 DLX
Excellent all-round camera, reliable, great quality pictures, despite the fact that the lens is fixed (ZLR). Has all you may need for 99% of shooting situations. With adapters you can have a zoom range between 28 and 300mm, an external flash of GN-40 will increase the range and battery life. Very accurate metering, 2fps motor drive, you name it. I have taken this camera through extensive travel and have come back with breathtaking photos. I have Olympus OM gear for when I am in the mood for serious shooting, but using my IS-3 does not mean in anyway that I am comprimising on quality. The typical SLR outfits are a wee bit more customizable, thats all. It is discontinued but S/H are always available on eBay. Feel comfortable about buying it S/H as this is a very sturdy and durable machine.

Strengths
About everything, and no greater value for money.

Weaknesses
Discontinued, hence less supported. Mind you, the current flagship of Olympus (IS-5/IS-5000) doesn't even come near this baby.

Similar Products Used
IS-5, IS-2, IS-10 Super.

Review Date
April 16, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
dpriest , Intermediate

Price Paid
$439.00 at Internet

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
This is a excellent camera for the money. It has been discontinued, but you can stil find examples that are used. The lens and shooting modes are excellent. You can use manual control if you desire. The built flash and redeye reduction also work well. If you are looking for a film camera that will make you look good as a photographer and is capable of handling 95% of the situations you will encounter in a one piece package, this is your camera. I don't care for the new IS-5 which is cheaper and has less capability. This is a excellent camera for travel and for the photographer that wants versatitly without buying a lot of lenses. I will enjoy this camera for a long time.

Strengths
Lens
Auto Modes
Built in Flash

Weaknesses
Discontinued
Plastic construction (don't drop it!)
Accessories are expensive

Similar Products Used
Olympus IS-2, Canon SLR's

Customer Service
I haven't needed it!