Tell me, do you like the Oly Stylus Epic?

[Doug]

What is the functional difference between this and the non-zoom model (other than the obvious)? My understanding is that lens quality in the "zoom" models is lower but I don't understand why.

Hi -- Slower lens speed (smaller maximum aperture), a tendency toward pincushion distortion at the long end and barrel distortion at the wide end, more darkening at the corners, heavier and sticks out farther. In other words, all the usual zoom characteristics. 🙂

 

[rbiemer]

I bought one of the first Stylus cameras when they were first released as a gift for my mom. And almost didn't give it to her cuz I liked it so well. Acouple of years ago I got my self the Epic and for a long while it was my only auto anything camera. The single most annoying thing about it to me is remembering to turn the flash off.
I also wanted the Pentax Espio/UC-1 but couldn't afford one til fairly recently when I found a good deal on a NOS one. Both have served me well as long as I remember that they are auto every thing.
I haven't used the Epic in a while(loaned it to someone cute and likely won't get it back 🙄 ) but IIRC the spot meter is also spot AF. Very handy.
The date function is set once for how you want it(on or off and format if you want it on) and you don't have to think about it again unless you let the battery go completely flat or take an inordinant amount of time to change the battery. If you can change the batteries in a walkman with out losing your station pre-sets, you won't have a problem with either cameras date function.
I seem to remember shooting Agfa APX 25 speed film in mom's Stylus with no problem but I won't swear to that.
Rob

 

[raid]

A Hexar Silver or Black will be the answer to your wishes.

 

[DougK]

The Shutterbug article was a good read, if brief. Here's the link if anyone wants it: http://www.shutterbug.net/techniques/digital_darkroom/0206one/index.html

 

[ddunn]

But if I never use the zoom, then I'm pretty safe?

Probably. The temptation (and the resulting problem) will still be there. One of the things I've noticed since I've gotten back into "prime lens" (non-zoom) photography is that I have to move myself to frame a better shot rather than just standing there and zooming. That usually results in much better framing (and seeing some things I didn't see before). 🙂

 

[XAos]

There is no 'unzoomed' setting , just a default zoom. I know this sounds obvious and stupid, but what I'm trying to say is that you're still paying all the penalties, you might as well use it. It's not like you're getting a f/2.8 aperture because you're willing to let your feet do the walking.

 

[MelanieC]

One of the things I've noticed since I've gotten back into "prime lens" (non-zoom) photography is that I have to move myself to frame a better shot rather than just standing there and zooming. That usually results in much better framing (and seeing some things I didn't see before).

Using my M3 and only having one lens for it has done that for me. To some extent -- I mean, I've only been trying to frame shots for a few months now (as opposed to really just pointing and shooting).

Thanks for defining "prime lens" for me. I did not know what that meant.