A short time back I had taken my sister's 4MP version of this camera to Disney for the day. It was so nice that I went out and ordered this 5MP version. The 4MP camera was small so it fit in my pocket. It wasn't too light so it didn't feel like I had lost it. It also felt sturdy in my hand. However, in the 5MP version, Olympus seems to have cut back on costs. They changed from a brushed metal casing, to what feels like a shiny plastic casing. I may be wrong about it, but it just feels different to me, and the logo is no longer raised letters, just a clip on plastic emblem. I feel like if it has a slight drop, the case could break, instead of only dinging. This would be a good thing for Olympus, as they would have more service repairs. This is also a bad thing for me, because I exhibit OCD habits and can't stand finger prints all over the plastic. Therefore, I was very disappointed when I pulled this camera out of the box. The camera is also lighter, and I have lost that feeling that I know it's there. Other than that, the camera is great. The pictures are decent, however, a little grainy. The controls are simple to use. I find the setup menu a little confusing to get around in and haven't found all the options yet. It only comes with a 16MB XD card, which only takes 4 pictures at the highest quality (which I recommend), so you will need a bigger card. I am not fond of the XD cards, as there are not many multi-card readers that support them. However, the camera acts as a reader with the cable and the software is not required. It is just a standard mass storage device, which works great in Linux. However, you have to actually open the case to plug the cable in. But this is because the camera is all-weather, and this area is sealed. The movies are good, although a little small. I don't like the fact that there is no view finder, as screens are generally what eats up batteries. However, I can live with that on this camera because the battery life is excellent. However, I did buy an extra battery just in case, since it is a proprietary battery. I wish there was a little more zoom than the 2X optical, however, I have yet to play with the digital zoom. But I avoid digital zoom on all cameras. This camera has a nice little "Quick View' button for those who have friends who like to see their picture right after it is taken. Press this button, and the last picture is retrieved. So I recommend this for someone looking for a good point and shoot camera that can easily be carried with them throughout the day. It also looks pretty cool, so its great for teenagers.

The 5-megapixel Olympus Verve S is an improved version of the older 4-megapixel Olympus Verve. The Verve S is almost identical to the Verve, but this camera has greater resolution, a "live histogram" function so that you get proper exposures, and a high-gloss paint finish on the metal body (the paint finish on the older Verve was known to scratch easily ... this is better). The Verve S also has a raised metal label on the front that serves as an improved grip surface (the old Verve often slipped in people's hands).

This is the perfect camera if you want a high-performance digital camera that you can stick in your pocket ... but that is so easy to use that even non-photographers can take great pictures. It lacks some of the features of high-end digital cameras, but this is just a pocket point-and-shoot camera ... if you want to do professional studio portraits or professional wedding photography you won't be looking at this type of camera.

That said, in skilled hands this camera delivers EXCELLENT results and produces image files that are good enough for perfect 16x20 prints.

If you're looking for a "take everywhere" camera you should consider this little gem.

What an elegant piece of equipment.This is the first digital camera that I have owned or used.The compact design was,I have to say,one of the prime reasons of selection.A camera that I could use in any situation.I also own a Contax SLR&Yashica 35mm compact. The Stylus performs so very well in so many ways,as to compliment to my photography in areas where the other two are impractical.The zoom feature was particularly impressive in such a small camera,as is the picture quality.It does exactly what I expected & more.I shall be purchasing a higher capacity memory card,only because I am using it more than I thought I ever would.I especially like the top "roller mode selector".One problem of having" labourers hands" are the small buttons on some cameras,on this, no problem.In my opinion,just the job!!

First the Bad:

-As several review sites have pointed out, the ISO400 mode is basically unusable due to noise. (thus lowlight images have alot of noise)

-the shutter button is hard to push, making steady shots very difficult (big problem in low (indoor) light)

-Battery life is very short, but you can get good generic replacements from ebay for $5.

-Movie mode is useless indoors without alot of light.

And the good:

- Image quality is good for outdoor shots and well lit subjects

- The scene presets are useful for getting the right colors once you get used to them.

- Weather proof!

- Tiny

Do not buy this camera unless you really need the small size, waterproofness and stylishness. If all you want is a small size consider the ixus range as they have much better lowlight performance and less image noise (I have compared them side to side).

However I give it 3 stars because it really is quite good for such a little camera and has many cool features as well as macro and super macro modes. If you spend a bit of time getting used to it and have a steady hand is possible to take pretty good photos (harder to take good photos than the mju410 (stylus 410) which I had previously but the photos are as good).