Review on Olympus SZ-31MR Silver: 16MP CMOS Camera, 24x Wide-Angle Zoom, 3-inch Touch LCD Panel - Old Model by Ryan Will

I needed a camera with a strong optical zoom that could take decent photos on cruises, around the neighborhood and sometimes with video in low light. This is my second camera from Olympus, the last being the D-500L from 1996. (Which still works, and for a 0.85 megapixel device it works very well.) The optical zoom is fast. The ability to bypass autofocus and tap the video screen is a feature I think is key to the fun. Where some cameras struggle to focus, this one is able to pick up anything I touch, if it sticks at all. The dial for the main modes is handy and eliminates the need to deal with the menu most of the time. An optional rotary control helps you quickly navigate through secondary menus and the like. The video quality was surprisingly good, and while I'll continue to use my dedicated camcorder for most video recording, this provides an alternative that I have no hesitation in using. The ability to record videos instantly via the extra button is great. The burst recording modes are convenient and work well. I can use this camera and be sure that the photo is there when I press the shutter button. There's a little lag in seeing the results, but you'll quickly learn to ignore the lag and just take pictures. The camera is fast and powerful enough that you don't have to worry, just take pictures. Insert a 16GB SD card into this camera and just record. I've taken many more photos, which have turned out much better than the 10 megapixel Kodak I replaced with this device. No, it's not as small as some pocket cameras or as connected as phones. But if you seriously need to know why tiny cameras or phones suck for even slightly thoughtful photography, you don't need this camera or read this review. I would buy this camera with great confidence, even some of the lower models in the range. Although in this case you will get all the options. I can see this camera working hard for three or four years.