<p>I spotted this camera in a Thrift store display case about a month ago (December, 2015). I paid $50 for it even though I wasn't exactly sure what it was. Olympus called it a ZLR (Zoom Lens Reflex) - an SLR with a fixed 35-135mm zoom lens! Unlike digital cameras, all 35mm film cameras have the same "sensor" size whether they are full featured SLRs, compacts, or bridge (like this IS1000). If the lens and light are good a slim 35mm compact can produce stunning images (my 35mm compact Contax T2 1:2.8 38mm never fails to do so). This now 25 year old Olympus camera is a great performer.</p>
<p>At 31 oz. it weighs a bit more than a modern dSLR (with kit lens) but not that much more (and basically the same if you count the second dSLR lens you would need to carry). Today I wore the IS-1000 around my neck using its broad and comfortable strap. In the field, it feels very much like a regular dSLR. The zoom is fast and the focus quick and reliable - quick enough for my nature walks. P, S, A, M and auto modes are easy to switch to, and I get no feel at all that this is an "old" camera or "vintage" design. It was well thought out and it looks great still. The 4.5-5.6 zoom is pretty much as fast as most current kit zooms. The distance based on-board flash is good out to 35 feet with red-eye reduction and fill-in. The lens quality is very good. The first roll of film I used (Kodak ISO 200) had expired in 2000 (fifteen years ago). This image of moss on the top of a fence post shows nice bokeh and sharpness. The colour is a bit off because of the film's age: <img src="
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<p>Being a hobbyist collector I use a lot of gear - film and digital - and I can honestly say that if this was the only equipment I had I'd be quite content. A 1.5 teleconverter attachment converts the on-board zoom from 35-135mm to 50-200mm and that's the range I generally work with 95% of the time. If you still like to shoot film it's a great camera.</p>
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