For long years I've been skeptical about zoom models, not so anymore - after seeing some of them are practically usable. Point is they have to be top models not low end ones. Speaking about Olympus, say, cheap Superzoom 80 isn't comparable to, say, Mju II Zoom 80 - I've both models. Latter one probably will not stand comparison with Mju II simply because it can not shoot at f/2.8 (giggling in the background) but for daytime shots it's quite good, actually. And Mju V with it's zoom lens and aspheric elements is simply stunning, despite being on a slow side - if you want to use it flashless at darker time of day. Just use them for what they were intended and even zoom models will reward you with pleasing, sharp and well exposed pictures. For 35/2.8 lens, I really agree to DeGuilherme, go for some less overhyped camera and save yourself a ton of money. Pentax PC35AF or Ricoh FF-70/FF-90/FF-700 which is a beast of camera with as good lens as you can get in compact camera. Just don't tell me they aren't bargains anymore! ages ago (permalink)

MedicalTracker

This is a very interesting topic. I have a few of the Olympus Stylus Zooms and have to say: The Stylus Epic 170 has the one of the best metering and focusing systems on any of the Olympus cameras, indoors or out. The Stylus Epic 120 has similar metering and focusing and a very handy size. (also multi focus) The Stylus Epic 115 Vf has beautiful metering and contrast and makes a great macro camera The Stylus Zoom 140 does not have the multifocus of the first three but always delivers great photos at any range. The Stylus Epic Zoom 80 is the most popular but the least capable of these cameras. But...... it's size is wonderful but not as sharp in the resolution department as the Stylus Epic 120 If you don't mind a larger camera get the Stylus Epic 170 - they are excellent. I did a photo shoot in an antique shop and the results were most impressive at all ranges. ages ago (permalink)

LondonMedical

ok thank you! on ebay they only have the zoom ones in the stylus epic or just the mju i! which one would you recommend out of the two? and what makes the zoom not as good as the normal stylus epic? ages ago (permalink)

Go to the Olympus website. The final models are interesting cameras and don't have the cult following of the 2.8 (because they are great cameras, but some people want crazy money for a beat up one). I got a mju metal that I am getting very fond of. It has an excellent lens. ages ago (permalink)

MedicalServices

Strictly speaking the Mju 1 is the original Stylus. The Mju II is the Stylus Epic model. Both are very good though! I'd skip the various zoom models. Lenses aren't as good (or as bright) and the cameras are bigger. ages ago (permalink)

Thor.5: I agree with you about the zooms, and they are all so reasonably priced. I especially like the weather proofing on the Olympus cameras as well. I'd still like a 2.8 though. ages ago (permalink)

hello, i really want to buy an olympus stylus epic from ebay, but i'm not sure which model to buy! i've seen some Olympus mju II and Olympus mju I but theres others too. which one is best? like what would you recommend? 9:51AM, 24 May 2012 PDT (permalink)

Medicaladvice UK NHS

if you are in for point and shoot, and think the wonderfull Mju II might be overpriced for your budget, for lower money you can get equally interesting cameras, such as the Pentax PC35AF or simillar. I really like the Mju for the weather-proof feature, and the compactness, but recently got a Canon MC and I really like it too. with some fleamarket mornings you can pick a bunch of cool sharp prime lens point and shoot cameras for some coins ages ago (permalink)

Freemedicaladvice UK

Lesser? Sure there are lesser cameras but FF-700 gives Oly a run for sure, lens-wise. It has simpler flash but not lens. It's hard to judge which is better but don't count Ricoh as third party company, they knew then and know also now something about lenses and cameras. ages ago (permalink)

I agree, olympus is the best! but if you are willing to compromise 1 or 2 points, you can get same results with other cameras. of corse you wouldn't have the weather proof feature, or it will not be so easy to slide into a small pocket as the Mju's, etc etc (we all know what we like about the Mju)... but with the hype around it (going up to 100$??!!), I'd strongly advise to give it time to find one very cheap in some 2nd shop or fleamarket, and in the mean time, go for the PC25AF, or the Ricohs wich might be easier to find and cheaper too (even on ebay. normally in the middle of "Lot's" sales, you can grab 10 p&s, maybe only 2 or 3 will be interesting but for 1€ or 2€ + shiping) edit: to say that I dont have a PC35AF yet, but I'm looking for it, I'll nor let it go next time Originally posted ages ago. (permalink) DeGuilherme edited this topic ages ago.

When you don't have a zoom, lens designers don't have to worry about moving lens groups. In essence, a fixed lens is usually sharper. However, there are some very sharp zoom lenses out there, however not many of them are in a point and shoot unless you want to pay over $300 for a Leica Minizoom or other such camera. They can also make it f2.8, which is very nice for sharpness, brokeh, and for lower light situations. Even my SLR Nikon 35-70mm only opens up to f3.5. If I had to choose between a Zoom and mju 1, I would go with the mju 1. It's still a pretty fast and sharp lens, and I like 35mm for travel and landscape photography. ages ago (permalink)

Tessy, The mju-II is by far the best one. It has a fixed 35mm f2.8 lens, it's small, water resistant, and comes in sliver or black. Newer models might be labeled Deluxe or DLX, but they have the same lens. The mju is great too, but has a 35mm f3.5 lens and it is not water resistant. Other Stylus cameras are good, but usually are of the zoom variety, which are good, but do not have the sharpness or contrast as the 35mm f2.8 lens. But if the zoom appeals to you over the wider 35mm, then you can find some great deals out there. Check out this page on Camerapedia: camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Olympus_mju_Stylus_Epic These go anywhere from $40-80 on the bay, but I have seen some auctions go as low as $25. Some are just overpriced...over $100. Just be watchful. They are very highly sought after compact cameras. Likely the best compact 135 camera point-and-shoot. Originally posted ages ago. (permalink) ryan.acree edited this topic ages ago.