Year of Introduction: 2001
Sensor: 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor
Lens: 35-105mm (equivalent) f/2.9-4.8 lens
Zoom: 3x optical zoom
The Olympus Camedia AZ-2 Zoom is a compact digital camera introduced in 2001. It was part of Olympus’s Camedia line of cameras, offering a blend of portability and functionality for photography enthusiasts.
Equipped with a 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor, the AZ-2 Zoom captures images with decent resolution and detail for its time. The camera features a 35-105mm (equivalent) lens, providing a moderate zoom range suitable for various shooting situations, from landscapes to portraits.
Although the AZ-2 Zoom does not have built-in image stabilization, it compensates for this with its relatively wide maximum aperture range of f/2.9-4.8. This allows for better low-light performance and the potential for more creative control over depth of field.
The camera uses a CompactFlash (CF) card as its storage medium, providing ample space for storing images. It also offers various shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual mode, giving users greater control over their photography.
The Olympus Camedia AZ-2 Zoom finds its place in my camera collection as a representation of the early 2000s digital camera technology. It showcases the advancements made during that time, such as increased resolution and a compact form factor. The camera’s modest zoom range and manual shooting modes allow me to experiment with different settings and exercise more creative control over my images. While it may lack some of the advanced features of modern cameras, the AZ-2 Zoom serves as a nostalgic reminder of the early digital photography era and a testament to the evolution of camera technology over the years.