Question 1

Is the external flash included with the product?

Accepted Answer

Yes .. the external flash is included .. Also would like to say that I really love this camera I use it just about ever day and the pictures olok great and I like the software that is included makes it easy for me to upload my pics to facebook with the share photo option. If there is anything else you would like to know feel free to ask if I can help I will ..

Have a nice day. :)
Steve

Question 2

Does this camera have an interchangeable lens?

Accepted Answer

yes--this kit comes with a 4-42, which is  about the  equivalent lwnght of a 28-80 mm lens in a standard 35 mm camera.  I bought the longer variant, 40150 I think.  They are both very light weight.  But what I really enjoy is that for $15-30 you can be an adapter for many older lenses.  They have to be used in the aperture preferred mode and with manual focus, but it allows me to use my macro lens that is 40+years old and lots of old pentax smct  takumar lenses I have.  Now, note that you have to uses different 49 mm screw mount adapter for smct takumar lens and most of the other 49 mm lenses.  But I picked up a cheap screw mount 400 mm screw mount lens at a garage sale last month which is like having an 800 mm lens--ie it is like a telescope of about1 16 power.

Question 3

What is the power of the zoom that comes with this camera?---all of the features for this camera are given except the zoom (if any) specifications....

Accepted Answer

That spec doesn't really apply to a camera with interchangeable lenses, which is why its not listed. However since it comes with a 14-42mm lens you'd get 3x optical zoom out of the box. (42/14 = 3)

Question 4

Is this a good camera for a college student who is wanting an upgrade from a point and shoot camera or the Iphone camera?  Is the 14-42 lens more versatile than the 17 mm fixed lens. Would it be more difficult to use for someone who has just point and shoot experience?

Accepted Answer

I would think this camera is an"upgrade" over a point n shoot and definitely over an iPhone.

In regards to the lens everyone has their own use and likes but overall the 14-42 will serve very well. When objects are far away 14-42mm wont cut it. Olyumpus makes an interchangeable lens for this purpose.

This would be the next step up for someone who has just a point and shoot.

Keep in mind this camera will be slightly bigger bulkier than a traditional point and shoot. You cant pocket this camera in your pocket.

Only issue i have with this model is the fact that the flash is a separate unit you attach yourself. Other cameras as the Nikon 1 J1 has one that is built in to the body. Olympus lcd tilts upwards for better viewing angle. All cameras have pros and cons. The optical stabilization in this camera can skew your video image, FYI.

For this price this camera will be a great upgrade from a traditional point and shoot.

Hope this helps.

Question 5

My camera arrived with a big dark oval spot in the middle of the LCD screen. Takes up about half of the screen. It is faint so you can still see the image on the screen but the spot is visible in the background. Does anybody else have this?

Accepted Answer

I see a faint dark oval on my screen when the power is off. However when the screen is on I do not notice any issue. Funny you bring this up because I did notice this as soon as I got the camera.

Question 6

what is the largest memory card you can use?

Accepted Answer

I've used 16G, but I think larger memory cards will work.

Question 7

Does the more extensive manual on the CD give any basic tutorial on manual settings such as ISO, f/stop, etc?  The sort of thing I know I'm gonna want to learn about with this camera.

Accepted Answer

Here's a good site with a highly simplified overview with some nice graphical demonstrations of aperture (f stop)/shutter speed/ISO:
Ok, not allowed to include links.

Just go to google and paste in this exactly:
Camera Exposure: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

Then click the first link.

Question 8

What comes with the Camera?

Accepted Answer

Camera body
Body cap
Strap
USB cable
AV cable
Flash
Flash case
Lithium ion battery
Battery charger
CD-Rom (with Viewer 2 - skip and download Viewer 3 from
  Support at Olympus)
Instruction Manual (a more detailed manual can be downloaded
  from Support at Olympus)
Warranty card

Question 9

what is the f-stop (range) on the kit zoom?    Is there a faster (lower minimum f-stop) zoom available?

Accepted Answer

It's a  f/3.5-5.6. I believe to get anything faster, you have to purchase a prime. Google "micro four thirds lens" to see what's available. The same phrase on Amazon turns up lenses by Olympus, Panasonic, and Sigma. The Sigma primes are only f/2.8, but some of the Olympus and Panasonics are under f/2. Go to slrgeardotcom for reviews. BTW, the Oly 40-150 zoom is currently $119 (B&H Video site says until 12/14).

Question 10

Thanks for the quick response! This is my first time visiting this site. This is a new camera in an opened box correct?

Accepted Answer

Brand new great camera takes amazing pictures but I paid 240 .what a deal for you.the best thing about this camera is the sensor and in the dark takes beautiful pics and no lag really fast .you will love this camera

Questions & Answers