Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom

Opinion: Fast becoming a real classic

Taking into account that the C-8080 is over 5 years old now (2009), this is an excellent camera. In its day it must have been leading the pack (as many reviewers at that time seem to indicate). Magnesium alloy body, top quality Olympus lens, many user options. Excellent output.

Bought second hand (Ebay) complete with battery grip and original extras, plus 2x 2 Gig cards (XD and CF) and 2 batteries. The C-8080 is a miniature E-1 in many respects, quality of construction not least. Great for when not wanting to carry a DSLR.

The C-8080 is not as fast as current digital cameras, but then what do you expect for five year old technology? The 8080 still does as good a job now as it did 5 years ago - have a look at some of the outstanding reviews if you still need convincing.

If you see a good one - buy it!

Opinion: I've used my 8080 since they first appeared and I still like it. Great lens. Some reviewers complain about slow write times in Raw - 13 seconds is an eternity. Just for fun I used a 2Gb H xD card. Write times came down to 10 seconds. Not much improvement but every little helps. Camera has the 78 firmware.
The camera is inclined to miss-focus in low light and sometimes I find using spot focus helps. Now that I'm aware of the focus problem I just check more carefully.

Opinion: My 2 C8080s rival any DSLR out there for IQ. What more then that can you say.After 5 years of use, I should know.
Once you master the menus :) and that can be frustrating it is a joy to use!

Opinion: Inspired to write this after many years ownership as this camera still has the most satisfying shutter sound of any I have used- a discreet but decisive 'thock', makes the moment of taking the picture a real excitement and pleasure. Oh, and the picture quality, for its age, is great - but it's the shutter sound that still keeps me picking it up and using it.