This is my second Stylus 300. I thought that when my first one had a problem turning on and off due to the slider door it was an isolated problem. Not so, and I was dumb enough to buy a second one since I had been happy with the pictures from my first one.

Now, my second Stylus 300 has the same problem and I've found out that this problem has been around for a long time and MANY have experienced it. Repairs made by Olympus which cost around $90 have also failed in many instances and Olympus has still not offered free repairs or replacement of such a deficient product. I will gladly join any group that intends to pursue a clash action suit against Olympus considering the widespread and continuing nature of this problem.

Pros:Scenic pictures turn out beautifully, holds charge for a long time, survived more than a couple of falls, black and white pictures turn out very nice. Cons:don't like the red eye problem(only happens when taking pics inside)and don't always remember to use red eye reduction which doesn't always help anyway, not happy with night mode-doesn't work well. I am not a pro photographer and found that when I got 35mm pictures developed I was always disappointed with them because I thought they would be great when I snapped the pictures so I loved the idea of being able to see the pictures I had taken right away and discard the ones I didn't like and not have to waste money getting pictures developed that weren't so great. I didn't want to spend a lot of money (paid almost $400CAD)My favorite type of pictures to take are scenic ones so the guy at the camera store recommended this one and for what I want to do with it, it has served me very well. If you like to take lots of "people pictures" this is probably not the camera for you and forget about taking pictures of fireworks-I took tons at Disney World and they just look like pictures gone wrong.

For our construction environment, we needed something that did not have to be real weather tight, but needed something to protect the lens parts from minor rough handling. I found out quickly and through an inquire to Olympus that the date and time could not be put on the image. Only at print time or use of other software to add the data. We have to look elsewhere.

I do have problems with low light. I am always having to adjust the brightness. It is really getting old. The optical zoom is only 3 times and I find I can't get objects close enough. My next camera will be at least 10x optical zoom. I have taken tons of pictures with this camera it is very easy to use, you can see some of my pics at www.FishPortMansfield.com my husband is a fishing guide and take pics of all his trips.

Chose Olympus because of good reputation & experience with (older) Camedias at work. Chose metal body for durability 'cuz sleek little cameras slip & fall (it survived 2). But after 17 mos of use it just quit. Olympus said Stylus 300s average $167/repair. Paid $400 new, now $250 (12/04). Disappointed!

This is my second Olympus camera and I'm hugely disappointed. I LOVED my old Camedia D-460. It was a dream. Who knew something newer would be so bad. In a low light situation (indoors AND out) the pictures are overly dark and very grainy when lightened. It has a "Night" mode, but unless you can be completely immobile for 3 seconds, it's blurry. Not so with my old Camedia! I can't stand this camera, but I still have faith in Olympus. Plus I got a 256 MB XD card for super cheap at Costco and really don't want to give it up!

After taking only a few pictures and investing over $500, the camera was a severe disappointment. Olympus tried everything thing to run out the year warranty and then would not fix the camera.

I use it outside mostly and like the compact size and picture quality for the most part. The main issues I have are the consistent problems with red eye in low light and flash situations with people and animals. Constantly switching to red eye reduction is a pain and does not always give results. The catch on the card compartment cover breaks easily and should be changed. Overall, if you take mostly outside pictures in good light and close range, and few flash and low light shots you'll be happy with the results.