A light and easy to use camera way more capable than the price tag suggests. The camera as standard is an Aperture Priority automatic exposure, 35mm Single lens reflex. In Aperture Priority mode the user selects the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speed. Exposure compensation is still possible by moving the film speed dial up or down to increase or decrease the overall exposure depending on the lighting conditions. A so called Manual Adapter add on is really a must to give the user full control of their photography. The Manual adaptor is a clip on optional extra accessory which allows manual control of the shutter speeds and hence greater scope for creative photography.

Olympus' redoubtable quality and reliability come as standard. Film may be out of fashion but to get the same genuine resolution on digital as you do on even 35mm negative you might find you need to spend heaps of money mabe £000's.

Olympus' original and highly regarded Zuiko lenses and OM accessories are still readily available from reputable used camera dealers at highly affordable prices. If budgets are really tight then any number of high quality 3rd party OM series marques are more than capable of producing excellent results; Tamron/Sigma/Tokina etc.

Having owned and used a great many high end film cameras in the past (35mm/120/220/6x4,5/6x7) and having used several digital cameras including some highend Digital SLR's, I still cant commend this little gem enough. I bought a whole outfit; Body/Zuiko 50mm std lens/Manual adapter/Makinon 28-200 zoom/Tamron 80-210 zoom/flashgun and filters all for £50 in a Charity shop. Total bargain. All working beautifully. Olympus owners seem to respect and look after their gear. If you can or if you are in any doubt, run a film thru first and whip it round to tesco just to make sure it's working properly. If you do buy one, please do yourself a favour and pay the premium to get your pics developed by a professional lab. 1 hour supermarket labs are ok'ish but they are NOT going to do your work justice. You might just find you are a better photographer than you thought.