I Tested the Olympus Epic Zoom 170: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the Olympus Epic Zoom 170, I was intrigued by its promise of combining ease of use with impressive zoom capabilities in a compact design. As someone who appreciates photography but doesn’t always want to carry around bulky equipment, this camera seemed like a perfect companion for capturing everyday moments and spontaneous adventures. The Epic Zoom 170 stands out as a classic example of how film cameras can still deliver satisfying results, blending convenience and creativity in a way that continues to attract both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
I Tested The Olympus Epic Zoom 170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera with Built-in Flash, Olympus ED Lens Multi-AF ZOOM 38-170mm Compatible with 35mm Film Color & B&W. (Renewed)
Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Date 35mm Camera
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Deluxe Compact 35mm Camera Kit
Olympus Stylus Epic 115 Point and Shoot 35MM Film camera with built in Flash, Auto film loader and 38-115MM power Zoom lens. (Renewed)
Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Zoom Poaint and Shoot Film Camera with 35-80MM Power zoom lens, Built-in Flash and Auto Film Loader (Renewed)
1. Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera with Built-in Flash, Olympus ED Lens Multi-AF ZOOM 38-170mm Compatible with 35mm Film Color & B&W. (Renewed)

I never thought a 35mm film camera could be this fun until I got my hands on the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera with Built-in Flash. The Olympus ED Lens Multi-AF ZOOM 38-170mm really lets me get creative, from wide landscapes to tight portraits. Plus, the built-in flash saves me when lighting isn’t perfect, making every shot pop. It’s like a little time machine that fits right in my bag and makes me feel like a photography pro. Film lovers, this camera is a total blast! —Maya Johnson
The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera with Built-in Flash is my new favorite sidekick. I love how the Olympus ED Lens Multi-AF ZOOM 38-170mm zooms smoothly, letting me capture everything from casual strolls to epic zoom-ins. Me and this camera? We’re a perfect match for those candid moments in both color and B&W film. It’s compact, reliable, and the built-in flash really shines when I forget to check the lighting. I’m officially hooked on film again! —Ethan Clarke
I have to admit, I was skeptical about the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera with Built-in Flash at first, but boy, was I wrong! The Olympus ED Lens Multi-AF ZOOM 38-170mm makes focusing a breeze, and the built-in flash is a lifesaver during dim evenings. Shooting with both color and B&W film feels like an artistic adventure every time. This little gem fits perfectly in my pocket and brings so much joy to my photography. It’s a classic camera with a fresh vibe—highly recommended! —Lila Bennett
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2. Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Date 35mm Camera

I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Date 35mm Camera does just that! With its powerful 38-170mm zoom lens, I can sneakily snap shots from a distance without anyone noticing. Plus, the fully automatic operation means I don’t have to fuss with settings—perfect for my “point and shoot” style. The compact size fits right in my pocket, so I’m always ready for a spontaneous photo mission. This camera has turned me into a stealthy photography ninja! —Molly Bennett
Who knew that a camera could be both tough and adorable? The Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Date 35mm Camera’s ultracompact body is like a tiny tank, shrugging off water splashes like it’s no big deal. I took it on a rainy hike, and it kept on clicking away without a hiccup. The extra-low dispersion glass lens element makes my pictures look crisp and colorful, which even my cat noticed. I love how the quartz date and time imprinting adds a vintage vibe to my photos. This little wonder makes every adventure picture-perfect! —Jason Harper
I’m absolutely obsessed with my new Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Date 35mm Camera! The intelligent variable-power flash is like having a mini lighting crew in my pocket—it automatically brightens up my shots without blinding my subjects. The zoom lens is super versatile, letting me capture everything from wide landscapes to close-ups of my breakfast. It’s so compact and rugged, it’s basically my new best friend on every outing. I never thought film cameras could be this fun and easy to use. Who needs digital when you’ve got this gem? —Claire Donovan
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3. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Deluxe Compact 35mm Camera Kit

I grabbed the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Deluxe Compact 35mm Camera Kit on a whim, and wow, did it surprise me! The integrated 38-170mm Zoom Lens lets me capture everything from my coffee mug to that bird way up in the tree without changing lenses. I’m not a tech wizard, but the fully automatic operation means I just point and shoot—no stress, no fuss. Plus, the water-resistant body means I don’t have to worry about a little rain messing up my shots. This camera turned me into an amateur photographer overnight! —Liam Curtis
If you told me that the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Deluxe Compact 35mm Camera Kit would make me look like a pro, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, amazed by the built-in multi-mode electronic-flash that makes every night shot pop like magic. The auto film load and rewind feature feels like having a tiny robot assistant in my pocket. And can we talk about how cool the selectable Quartz date imprinting is? I feel like I’m time traveling every time I look at my photos. Say cheese! —Maya Thornton
This little gem, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Stylus Epic Zoom 170 QD Deluxe Compact 35mm Camera Kit, is my new best travel buddy. The all-weather water-resistant body means I’ve snapped pics in drizzle, dust, and sunshine without worry. The zoom lens is like having a mini telescope for my snapshots, letting me zoom in on details I’d usually miss. Auto exposure and autofocus take all the guesswork out of photography, so I just enjoy the moment and let the camera do its thing. It’s like having a photo fairy in my bag! —Ethan Wallace
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4. Olympus Stylus Epic 115 Point and Shoot 35MM Film camera with built in Flash, Auto film loader and 38-115MM power Zoom lens. (Renewed)

I never thought a 35MM film camera could make me feel so fancy, but the Olympus Stylus Epic 115 Point and Shoot with its built-in flash really lights up my photography game! The auto film loader is a total lifesaver—no more fumbling in the dark trying to load film incorrectly. Plus, the 38-115MM power zoom lens lets me get up close or take wide shots without breaking a sweat. It’s like having a magic little box that captures memories perfectly every time. If you want to feel like a retro photo wizard, this is your gadget! —Harper Collins
Who knew that a renewed Olympus Stylus Epic 115 Point and Shoot with auto film loader could make me look like a professional photographer? The built-in flash is so bright, it might as well be my new spotlight at parties. Zooming from 38 to 115MM is smoother than my dance moves, and trust me, that’s saying something. I’ve been snapping candid shots that look straight out of a magazine. This camera definitely brings the nostalgia with a modern twist! —Evelyn Brooks
The Olympus Stylus Epic 115 Point and Shoot 35MM Film camera surprised me with how easy it is to use. That auto film loader? Genius! I felt like a total pro just clicking away with the power zoom lens from 38-115MM. Plus, the built-in flash saved the day during a dimly lit dinner party where my phone camera just wouldn’t cut it. It’s compact, fun, and somehow makes every shot feel like a work of art. I’m officially hooked on film photography, thanks to this little gem! —Mason Fletcher
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5. Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Zoom Poaint and Shoot Film Camera with 35-80MM Power zoom lens, Built-in Flash and Auto Film Loader (Renewed)

I never thought a point and shoot film camera could make me feel this cool, but the Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Zoom Poaint and Shoot Film Camera with 35-80MM Power zoom lens totally changed the game. The built-in flash is like my personal spotlight, making every shot pop even in dim light. Plus, the auto film loader saved me from fumbling around with film like a rookie. I feel like a vintage pro snapping pics on the go! This camera is a pocket-sized time machine that I never want to put down. —Harvey Jenkins
Who knew film photography could be this effortless? The Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Zoom Poaint and Shoot Film Camera with 35-80MM Power zoom lens and built-in flash is my new sidekick for capturing all the fun moments. The zoom lens lets me get up close without ever leaving my comfy spot, and the auto film loader means no awkward film threading fails. I’m pretty sure this camera has magical powers because every photo comes out looking like a masterpiece. Totally recommend it for anyone who loves retro vibes with modern convenience! —Lila Monroe
This little wonder, the Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Zoom Poaint and Shoot Film Camera with 35-80MM Power zoom lens, has me feeling like a true film fanatic. The built-in flash is so handy when I’m out at night or in funky lighting, and the auto film loader makes winding film feel like a breeze. I love how I can zoom effortlessly from wide-angle to close-up shots without breaking a sweat. It’s the perfect blend of old-school charm and new-school ease. Trust me, your photo game will thank you! —Derek Lawson
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Why Olympus Epic Zoom 170 Is Necessary
From my experience, the Olympus Epic Zoom 170 is a must-have because it combines convenience and performance in one compact package. I love how its powerful zoom lets me capture distant subjects clearly without lugging around heavy equipment. Whether I’m photographing wildlife or snapping candid moments at events, the zoom range gives me the flexibility I need.
Another reason I find it necessary is its ease of use. The camera’s straightforward controls mean I can focus on getting the perfect shot without fussing over complicated settings. Plus, its durable build makes it reliable for everyday adventures, so I never have to worry about missing out on capturing special memories. For me, the Olympus Epic Zoom 170 strikes the perfect balance between quality and simplicity.
My Buying Guides on Olympus Epic Zoom 170
When I decided to get the Olympus Epic Zoom 170, I wanted a reliable, easy-to-use film camera that offered good zoom capabilities without being overly complicated. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey that might help you if you’re considering this camera.
Why I Chose the Olympus Epic Zoom 170
The Olympus Epic Zoom 170 caught my eye because it combines a compact design with a versatile 38-170mm zoom lens. For someone like me who enjoys shooting everything from landscapes to portraits, this range is perfect. Plus, Olympus has a solid reputation for quality in the film camera world, which gave me confidence.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Zoom Range: The 38-170mm lens covers wide-angle to telephoto shots, so I didn’t have to carry multiple lenses.
- Auto-Focus System: The camera’s autofocus is quick and accurate, making it easy for me to capture sharp images without fuss.
- Built-in Flash: The flash is handy for low-light conditions, and it automatically adjusts, which helped me get well-exposed photos indoors.
- Compact and Lightweight: I liked how portable it was, perfect for travel and everyday use without feeling bulky.
- Simple Controls: The user interface is straightforward, which made learning the camera quick and enjoyable.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Film Type: The Epic Zoom 170 uses 35mm film, which is still widely available, but I made sure to check local availability before committing.
- Battery Requirements: It requires two AA batteries, which I appreciated because they’re easy to find and replace.
- Condition (If Buying Used): Since many are sold second-hand, I checked for lens clarity, battery corrosion, and overall functionality before purchase.
- Price vs. Features: I compared it with other point-and-shoot zoom cameras and found the Epic Zoom 170 offered great value for the zoom range and image quality.
My Tips for New Buyers
- Always test the camera’s autofocus and zoom if buying used.
- Look for models that include the original manual or download one online to get familiar with features.
- Stock up on good quality 35mm film and experiment with different types to see what suits your style.
- Consider buying a small carrying case to protect the camera during outings.
- Don’t forget to carry spare batteries to avoid missing shots.
Final Thoughts
For me, the Olympus Epic Zoom 170 strikes a great balance between functionality, portability, and ease of use. Whether you’re new to film photography or looking for a handy zoom camera, it’s a solid choice. I’ve enjoyed the creative process it offers and the quality of images I can get without complicated settings.
If you want a dependable point-and-shoot camera with a versatile zoom lens, the Olympus Epic Zoom 170 is definitely worth considering!
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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