Olympus D-500L

Opinion: The only reason this camera gets a "poor" on features is because it is (in digicam terms) ancient technology nowadays...

However, as an entry into "sort-of" SLR digicams, the D-500L is no mean performer. Producing images of 1024x768 or 640x480 in three quality modes, it is still ideal for web-use and (perhaps) small prints.

It sports a proper TTL viewfinder, autofocus, spot or average metering, built-in pop-up flash, 3x optical zoom, 43mm filter thread (ideal for adding a teleconverters, wide-angle, etc.). It's also extremely easy to use, and takes standard AA-sized batteries (NiMH preferably).

As a starter camera, I can heartily recommend the D-500L (UK name is C-1000L). It's only got 850K pixels, unlike the 1.3M of the D-600, but in compensation it has a slightly higher ISO (~180), so low-light performance is marginally better.

Opinion: I used one of these cameras for a couple of years. It cost me £300. It consistently produced excellent results. The lens seems to be top quality and I liked the optical viewfinder. Exposure compensation was a useful feature. Whewn teamed with the little dye sub printer it produced super 6x4 instant prints. The only downside is there are no manual controls. Great camera for web use or smallish prints although I have been satisfied with 8x6 prints from this camera.

Opinion: I've had my D-500 for about a year and love it. I did some research before buying it as it was my first step into digital photography. Yes, compared to some of todays digital heavyweights it is a non-contender. But comparing the D-500 to other digital cameras of the same era and you'll see how advanced this camera actually is. I have a point and shoot 35mm and for Christmas purchased a new HP camera for my wife. I may purchase another digital in the future, but this has been my first choice each time I just grab a camera. I love it's bulk, it "feels" more like a "real" camera when you pick it up.

Opinion: Had mine for about 5 years and not a bit of trouble. Bought it
new and have used it for thousands of photos, mostly for the
Web. I'd use it forever it it had athe ability to either manually
focus, or if it had a light assisted focus (like the new Canon
G2s), Wish it permitted higher resolution images and the use
of the larger 128 mb Smartcards, But have been very happy
with it. Am looking at an upgrade and Olympus is on the top of
the list because i also use a C2000 at work and am also very
pleased with it.