Customer Reviews
Dated but good 
2008-06-22
Maybe this camera is too dated. It's quite large, it can barely be called a compact camera. Also, the maximum aperture is a mere F4.5, so it's a good idea to use high-speed film.
On the other hand, the picture quality is excellent, with SLR-type quality. Genuinely much better than the results I can get from a similarly-sized digital camera, especially at the shorter end of the zoom. And the flash does a pretty good job. There's some red-eye, but in general it doesn't over-light scenes, the way most flashes do on small cameras.
I had this camera for a number of years, and my friend still uses it. Over the years it's developed a few problems: it makes a grinding sound as the zoom extends (it hasn't broken yet, but I expect it will someday), and it can be a little tricky to open the door enough to activate the camera.
Maybe the still-in-production Stylus Epic 2.8 lens is a better choice - there's no zoom but it has a faster lens, a smaller body, and slightly better picture quality.
It very cool 
2004-12-01
This is a very cool overall camera! The zoom is average, but the picture quality is AMAZING!!! I use the cheapest film around and my brother is a camera freak and my camera still takes better pictures than his! I have had it for 5 years and I LOVE IT!!!
If you want a nice camera with great quality
GET IT :>)
Sliding door failed after minimal usage, otherwise great 2004-06-16
I really loved this camera, but the sliding "door" broke and wouldn't close after only a few months of minimal usage. I don't know if I got a lemon, or what. The camera was never dropped or otherwise abused. I had had another Olympus for years with the same design, that worked great--it's really easy to get quick shots when you can slide off the lens cover and turn on the camera all in one quick motion ; I will most likely try another one even after my bad experience with this one. I hope that they have solved this issue, if it was widespread--at least one other reviewer mentioned the same problem...
perfect point and click camera 2003-10-22
The size and design of this camera make it ideal for what it is designed for. It takes great pictures in light and dark (though it's better at outdoor pictures) and it fits easily into your pocket. It opens quickly with one hand; no fumbling around with a lens cap. It focuses quickly so you can take a shot from a closed position very quickly.
The only thing worth noting is that this is a point and click camera. If you want to control exposure, shutter speed, etc. or play with macro, this is not your camera.
Handy Dandy Camera 
2003-08-16
We purchased this camera to take on a European vacation. It is very easy to use and the pictures, for the most part, turned out well. I only wish I had taken along an old 35mm SLR I've had for 20 years so I could have used a wider variety of lenses. This camera, for all of its capabilities, did a very good job.
looking for manual 2003-07-10
Stylus Epic Zoom 80 combines the best in portability and performance in one world-class camera. A flowing, contour design fits comfortably in your hand. Lightweight construction, a full range of features, and a 38-80mm autofocus zoom lens make this an impressive addition to the award-winning Stylus series. Unique clamshell design protects the lens, enhancing its portability, durability and aesthetic appeal. Special all-weather construction protects the camera against sand, dust and water. Quartz date feature in Stylus Epic Zoom 80 QD model offers convenient date/time imprinting.
Mixed Bag 2003-07-03
I purchased mine in 1999 for its compact size and bang-for-the-buck. It is currently dying a slow death, as the sliding door mechanism has failed. The camera will shut-off if the door is bumped, forcing you to close and reopen. Also, indoor pix are washed-out by the flash. Don't know if that is unique to Olympus. Next time, I'll give Canon a chance.
nice pictures, not durable 
2003-06-10
I have purchased this camera in 1999. I have used it for a few times. The pictures came out great. However, it did not work like 13 months later. When I moved the shell to turn the camera on, it did not turn on at all. I can hear the motor is running. But it was not working at all. Since it is already over one year old, I have to pay to get fixed. It will cost me like almost a hundred dollars. I just bought another camera then. I was disappointed that it did not last as long I want it to.
Let There Be Light - But Not There! 2003-06-08
I own the previous version of this camera, a Stylus Epic Zoom 80 DLX. The features are the same. It served me faithfully for two years until it developed light leaks. Everything still functions well, and my pictures are lovely in the center. But the back cover seems to have warped out of shape, causing streaks at the left edge of each photo. I have traveled and hiked with this camera, but I have always kept it close to me and avoided temperature extremes. But I guess I wasn't careful enough. So, caveat emptor. If you notice faded areas at the edge of your photos with this camera, send it in for service before the warranty expires!
Finally! Clear & Crisp pictures, and easy to use! 2003-05-29
Let me start by saying that I'm not so hot when it comes to taking good pictures. My mother is a professional photographer, but I didn't inherit that gene. So most of my pictures are out of focus, grainy, or have my thumb in them. (Sad, I know)
We've had this camera for 9 months now, and I've never taken better pictures. It's super easy to load, to use, the zoom feature is great for everyday use when you're trying to get a shot of a very active toddler, as is the red eye reduction feature. (No more possessed looking people in our photos!)
I've yet to experience a single problem with this camera, and I've never had such beautiful sharp pictures before. For me, it's the holy grail of cameras.
