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My dad had an Olympus C2020 way back, then I bought a C3030 (3MP), when they were about $1000. I upgraded to a C5050 when they came out. I've stuck with them since then, for my work. I design and install septic systems and part of the design process involves soil evaluation and reports. I am on my third C5050, but the extreme conditions that I work in are the explanation for the need for replacement, not the quality of the camera. I carry my camera on my belt, at all times, in and out of my excavator, track loader, dump truck and in and out of the soil pits that I am in for the evaluations that I do. The quality of the pictures is excellent, the colors (which is a critical part of the soil report) are quite accurate, including the reds, which are critical to septic design. This is a fine camera for the stills that I need to take. I gave all 5-star ratings, based on the specifics of my needs. The LCD screen swings out a little for "over the crowd" type shots and comes out a full 90 degrees for looking down at the screen, while the camera is pointing out. This is a great feature for my soil pits, as I can stand in the pit and take pictures from one side, and move down the pit in 12" - 15" increments in a 30" wide pit. I also have an Olympus SP 550 UZ, with 18X zoom. The 3X zoom on the 5050 is a little limiting if you are a birder, or something, but that is the only limitation that the 5050 has for me, and I don't use it for that type of photography. I bring the 550UZ when I might need zoom, like ski trips, or wildlife viewing. The onboard flash is adequate, but with the hot-shoe, you can add a higher end flash if need be. Being an earlier digital, there is a fair amount of shutter lag, but again, for my needs (soil will wait for the shutter), that is not a problem. I almost hate to give this camera high ratings, because I'll probably be replacing #3 in a couple years and will want to keep replacing them, if need be, until I retire (probably 10 - 20 years) and I will want to keep being able to find one.Read full review
The Olympus C-5050Z an incredible small camera. A well made camera with a super 1.8 lens allowing low light photography and better control of depth of field. It's macro capabilities is as good as an SLR. It has live view as well as a viewfinder, making it good for outside bright conditions. I take it everywhere. The auxilary lenses available for it can add to it's lens capabilities. While it was made in 2003, its sensor chip is of high quality and noise is not too objectionable. I own an E-3 and a bunch their high end lenses but I find myself using the 5050 more and more since it is a marriage of high quality and small size. I am waiting for another one at a good price for a spare.
After reading a highly respected website on underwater photography, I took the plunge (no pun intended) and bought an Oly 5050 in excellent condition. I was able to find a PT-015 housing after a month of searching, and just returned from a Caribbean island, where I took it shooting underwater. The camera produces excellent, high quality images once you master the flash, macro, and other strategies to optimize images. HOWEVER, that said, it must be noted that their are definite limitations. First, the slow shutter response is far slower than newer models or DSLR's. For anyone who does not have a prescription snorkel mask, the image screen is too small to see easily. Similarly,I was unable to read the menu or see the icons on the controls, in order to make needed adjustments in flash, sync, focus, aperture, and other modes. Sadly, despite shooting nearly 100 frames in just under two hours, only two were worth printing. A fellow snorkeler/photographer who had a Canon G9, also with built-in flash and underwater housing, was able to see more easily through the larger screen, besides being far more experienced and familiar with shooting in this medium. In summary, if you have no issues with seeing small images and icons underwater, or are shooting on land, this is a wonderful camera.Read full review
This is a very good starting digital camera. It is very easy to use and takes wonderful pictures. The lens works very well and the options are adequate for most situations. The price is very modest and should be considered when buying your first camera. I have more sophisticated cameras with more bells and whistles but for some instances I like to use this camera. It provides excellent photos of automobiles. It does have drawbacks. The number of seconds between frames is very slow. I bought the camera for the excellent photos that I have taken using an earlier Olympus camera and the price was very reasonable.
I bought this to replace one I regretted selling. The pictures and features rival my Nikon DSLR. I take it when I don't want to carry a bigger camera. Takes micro closeup pics with out extra lenses. Has slots for 3 kinds of media plus micro drive. External flash, infra red remote. Manual mode presets. Magnesium alloy body, not plastic. Get it, learn it and you will love it.
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