FILM CAMERA REVIEW: Olympus Infinity Stylus 35mm

Here we go with another film camera review!

This time I’ve got the Olympus Infinity Stylus. My girlfriend managed to pick this point-and-shoot up at a garage sale for a whopping three dollars. An unheard of price for any point-and-shoot. Since one of those Kardashian gals boasted about her film camera on Jimmy Fallon, it seems like all point-and-shoot cameras have surged in price.

I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Olympus Stylus line of cameras, although, in person it seems a little less than impressive. It’s a camera I wouldn’t have given two looks if it weren’t for all the hype. It’s plastic, it’s simple and doesn’t feel all too durable. However, considering it’s compact size and small price tag I’m willing to give it a chance.

Not much to look at…

Not much to look at…

….not much to hold either.

….not much to hold either.

I’m no film camera connoisseur. I’m actually pretty easy when it comes to film. As long as it functions as you would expect it to and it gives you some decent images I’m a pretty happy customer. Using this camera was a pleasure. I loaded it up with an old roll of AGFA APX 25 put it in my camera bag and went on my way. Here were my results:

The lonely streets of Guelph Ontario. Surprisingly this was taken pre-pandemic. Doesn’t look like it though!

The lonely streets of Guelph Ontario. Surprisingly this was taken pre-pandemic. Doesn’t look like it though!

PROS:

First of all, I love the size of this camera. I could carry this with the rest of my camera kit and it would never be a burden. I would hardly notice it was there. It’s around the same size as your average disposable camera. You can comfortably carry it in your front pocket, and sometimes I did. The next thing I enjoyed about this camera was how simple it is to operate. Open the front door and you’re ready to shoot. Focus, frame, release the shutter and that’s it! It doesn’t get much easier than that. The next thing I noticed about using this camera was… well honestly, nothing else really. This Olympus is so simple and that’s the beauty of it. It’s a point-and-shoot... What more can really be said about the operation of this camera?

CONS:

One nit-picky comment I have about this camera is that every time you close the door at the front it resets all settings. This means you have to be mindful of your flash as it will reset to “auto”. I like these point and shoots because they are super stealthy for street photography. It can be a little embarrassing if your flash goes off when you are trying to be a photo-ninja. This is something that you might do once and then probably learn your lesson and never do again. Very minor gripe. Something I got over almost immediately.

All in all if you are in the market for an easy-to-use camera that is portable and truly fool proof, The Olympus Stylus checks off all of those boxes. The one thing I would be aware of is the potentially high price tag. While this camera is a great little point-and-shoot, it’s not worth shelling out a ton of cash for. If you come across one on the cheap, pick it up. If it’s anything over $40 don’t even bother. Even $40 feels like a lot. Love this camera but wait until the point-and-shoot stock goes down before you buy


SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Fully automatic, Point-and-Shoot 35mm AF lens/shutter camera with built-in flash.
Lens: 32 mm f/3.5
Focus: Active Multi-Beam Autofocus
Exposure Control: Program AE
Film Speed Setting: ISO 25-3200(?) set automatically
Film Loading / Advance / Rewind: Autowind and rewind.
Shutter Speeds: Shutter speeds of 1/15-1/500s.
Self Timer: 10-second delay.
Power: One 3V CR123A lithium battery. (3V)

Long Time No Post // POTD 07.12.19

I have been neglecting my social media accounts and website lately. I swear there is a good reason! I’ve been in the process of starting a new job. I’m no longer working in electronic field production with Woodbine Entertainment Group. Just this week I started my new roll with the communications team at Trillium Health Partners as their video production specialist. I can’t wait to share some of the new content I’ll be creating.

For now I’ll share this fun pair of images from Sri Lanka. The edit on these were inspired by an incredible set of photos from a photographer named Richard Mosse taken in the Congo using Kodak Aerochrome film. The film renders the lush green landscape into a surreal array of pinks and reds. Unfortunately this type of film has been discontinued and is extremely tough to come. I couldn’t get my hands on any so I just did my best to replicate it in Photoshop. I hope you enjoy. :)

POTD 04.07.19 - Elephant Rush

While I was in Sri Lanka I went on few safari tours through Udawalawe National Park. Before this I had never seen elephants in their natural habitat, nor had I been on a safari, so this was a pretty special experience for me. On my last tour through the park we were really lucky because we were with one of the most experienced guides and drivers in the park. It was just my girlfriend and I with them on this particular tour. We rolled into the park as the sun was just peaking over the horizon. The park was blanketed in a thick fog— not the most ideal conditions for spotting animals however, judging by how keen of an eye our guide had in previous days we knew we were in good hands. We entered the park and made our way down the red dirt roads and within minutes we approached a silhouette of an elephant off in the distance. We pulled up close enough to see the elephant in the mist, but far enough away to not bother the massive mammal. The driver turned off the ignition. Our guide quietly let us know that this was a male bull elephant in heat. We observed the elephant for a minute or two and he observed us… Eventually the elephant began to turn towards us and slowly make it’s way in our general direction. For an animal so large it was amazing how little noise they make as they move around. Eventually this enormous male was a stones throw away and he was continuing to make his way even closer to us. At this point our guide pulled out his phone to shoot this encounter and the driver turned our vehicle back on. Before I could even process what exactly was happening our driver began to peel out and this elephant began to chase us. Our guide yelled at the elephant in hopes to deter it from hitting our vehicle. It chased us for a few seconds before stopping and disappearing into the bush. I guess we weren’t worth the hassle. Luckily for us this was just a bluff charge. Our guide let us know that the males can sometimes be a little aggressive when they are in heat.

Our guide had the wherewithal to shoot video of this event unfolding and I was also able to grab a couple stills as well. This was one of my favourite moments in Sri Lanka and I’m glad we were able to capture it.

Streets Shanghai/Kunming

Here is a selection of street photos from Shanghai and Kunming, China. Click on the images below to see the full photo, once you've done that you can click the small white circle in the corner to see the description, if you are on pc or mac just hover your mouse. Hope you enjoy!

Beaches

I love living so close to the beach. It feels so great to such easy access to the shores of Lake Ontario. Sunshine or night-time, it's always a great way to reflect and clear your mind!