The AZ-230 Superzoom is a compact 35mm film camera from Olympus's early-1990s Superzoom family, aimed at holidaymakers who wanted extra reach without the bulk of an SLR outfit. It sold alongside simpler fixed-lens compacts as a step-up model with genuine zoom flexibility.
It carries a retracting zoom lens covering roughly 38-90mm, with autofocus and a built-in flash for everyday snapshots. Power comes from two CR123A lithium cells, and the lens motors in and closes its own barrier automatically when the camera is switched off, protecting the glass in a bag or pocket.
An unusual touch for a camera of this class is its infrared remote control, stored inside the finger grip below the shutter button, letting the owner trigger the shutter from a distance for group photographs. That feature, paired with the auto-retracting lens, set it apart from cheaper fixed-lens rivals of the same period.
On the used market it turns up cheaply as a curiosity for film shooters, though buyers should confirm the remote still works, that the zoom racks smoothly without grinding, and that the battery compartment is free of leakage residue from old lithium cells before loading a test roll.