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)

Toronto Star Article: Nurse connects ICU patient with his family

I shot some images for The Toronto Star. It’s been a while since I’ve had anything news related published. It was nice to shoot some images for a positive COVID-19 related story. The article can be found HERE. It’s free too, because The Toronto Star has made all of their COVID-19 related content free to access to the public. Good guy Toronto Star! Here is the image they used, as well as a few of the outtakes.

Woodbine Turf Cup Race Simulator

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win a major stakes race on the Woodbine turf? Well here is your chance to feel like a champion jockey! Saddle up on this cutting-edge race simulator and compete in the Woodbine Turf Cup.

When the EFP department at Woodbine Entertainment was approached to assist with the video and audio elements of this activation I was all in. As an avid gamer myself, I was excited by the idea of working on an arcade-style interactive race simulator. I recorded hundreds of canned audio sound bites with track announcer, Robert Geller as well as video elements with TV and radio personality Jason Portuondo.

After everything came together and the Woodbine Turf Cup was ready to roll out we obviously had to get some top tier jockeys on it to test it out. Before a day of racing we got Eurico Da Silva and Rafael Hernandez, both former Queen's Plate winners, as well as Jason Portuondo to go head to head to head. Who won? I guess you'll have to watch to find out! #WoodbineTurfCup

This segment aired on TSN on August 28, 2019. It has been shared across Woodbine's social media platforms as well as Woodbine Simulcast.

TSN Prince of Wales Feature - Brooke Hubbard and One Bad Boy

Brooke Hubbard and One Bad Boy attempt to win the second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown. I had the chance to hang out with Brooke and talk to her about her 2019 Queen's Plate win and what has led her to this moment.

This feature aired on TSN on June 23, 2019. Unfortunately for Brooke and One Bad Boy they took a second place finish. Not bad, but this means there will be no Canadian Triple Crown winner this year.

This may have been one of my favourite features that I’ve had the pleasure of shooting for TSN/Woodbine Entertainment. It was turned around really fast, but I’m happy with how it ended up looking.

This was all shot on the Sony FS7. Love that camera. 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.