Olympus Stylus FE-230 7.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

I got this camera as a present for junior prom, and it went belly-up just in time for senior prom. It was a good camera to start on, easy to use and took good photos. I loved the macro shots & video, but was very dissappointed when it broke for no reason. The zoom is now out of whack, and I don't plan on buying another one.

I bought this camera for my daughter. She wanted a small camera that could be easily carried with her and this is just the thing. It takes good pictures and is the envy of the family (I use a much fancier digital SLR, but it is far too large for taking to every event where a picture opportunity arises -- with a large camera, you become a photographer documenting the event and don't enjoy the event as much --- a tail wagging the dog situaion.).

I purchased this camera in October and by May it no longer takes colored pictures. There is little to no help from the Olympus customer service team. My only option is to mail it to them for a fee to evaluate. Very disappointed with quality of Olympus product. I have always owned Olympus but will definitely not buy another one.

I have to admit, I like the feel of this camera. Light weight and compact. The camera is defective though. Every so often the pictures get lines across them and light leaves trails. It will stay this way for 4-5 days then it is fine again. Basically every time I really need it for business. I did not drop the camera nor is there a scratch on it. I should have returned it immediately, but did not. Every time I thought about returning it, the camera would start working again. When I finally decided to call olympus they informed me I have to pay to ship it to them. I think this is wrong since it is a quality control issue. Also, if I do not come up with a receipt they will charge me. Fortunately it was bought as a business expense. Unfortunately it could take the accountant a couple of hours to find the receipt. That would cost as much as a new camera. I have found other comments from people having the same problems. Their repair department claimed they had not heard of this issue. I think this camera hits the garbage and we try again.

If you are serious about buying this camera, you should head other posters advise about picture quality.

This camera takes the occasional quality picture, but for the most part, pictures are fuzzy and or overexposed.

The size is nice (small) and its quite stylish. But unless being seen with a small camera is all you want to do (not, for example, take picture that are worth looking at) you should look elsewhere.

My only regret is not buying it from a merchant where I could return it.

If you want one cheap, mine will be on eBay as soon as I can find another camera to take a non-fuzzy picture of this one.