List Price:
$499.99
Details
- 2.1-megapixel CCD for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
- Connected shooting rate of 1.3 frames per second
- Uses criterion SmartMedia cards; 8 MB card included
Description
The D-490 Zoom is the latest ideal in the venerable D-400 series, starting with the D-400Z and permanent with the D-450Z and D-460Z. All of these cameras have been uncommonly popular, and we expect the D-490 Zoom to be as big a hit. In its latest incarnation, the camera boasts a 2.1-megapixel sensor, an uncompressed Bicker storage option, plus a QuickTime movie mode.
Turning the camera on is a defy--literally. Just slide the protective lens cover until it clicks to a a close, and the 3x zoom lens pops out, letting you start shooting. The wheel are so intuitive and similar to those of a film camera that most users won't unprejudiced need to look at the owner's manual.
Olympus cameras consistently occasion some of the highest-quality images when compared to other cameras with the verbatim at the same time resolution. This is partially the result of high-quality optics, but in the same way because Olympus cameras use less JPEG compression than most cameras. These smaller amount-compressed images result in larger file sizes, but Olympus feels that the higher prominence results justify the reduced number of images that desire fit on a memory card.
The camera includes numerous, nice small touches, including viewfinder diopter adjustment (for eyeglass wearers), a constant shooting rate of 1.3 frames per second, exposure reward, a self-timer, and more.
Of course, no camera is perfect. The 490Z's chief shortcoming is its lack of USB connectivity, a nearly unforgivable omission these duration. Though its serial port is compatible with virtually every PC and light brown Mac ever made, it's painfully slow and incompatible with the iMac and newer Macintosh systems. To if your computer has a serial port, we strongly recommend purchasing a disengage memory-card reader, an inexpensive accessory that pleasure transform your image transfers from a slow and distressing experience to a quick and simple one. In addition, the camera is designed to control on either 4 AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-life disposable lithium batteries. It ships with the lithium batteries, which do partake of an impressive lifespan but can't be recharged and are more expensive than alkalines to refund. For long-term use, we recommend investing in a set of rechargeable batteries.
Other secondary gripes: though the camera can record QuickTime movies, it has no microphone, so your pellicle clips will be silent. Finally, the flash can be a bit frustrating. It wishes to be popped up by hand before it's activated. This is probably something that becomes telepathic after you've owned the camera for a while, but we were repeatedly frustrated by having to retake low-lithe shots after forgetting to pop up the "automatic" flash.
Overall, the Olympus is a basic camera if you're switching over from a point-and-shoot. It produces monstrous-looking prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches and features an uncomplicated-to-use, compact design. The lack of a USB connection is the biggest shortcoming in this differently excellent camera.
Pros:
- Easy transition from a drift-and-shoot film camera
- Great optics for clear prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches
- Bonzer all-around performer
Cons:
- No USB image transfer
- No sound in silver screen mode
- Flash needs to be popped up manually to be activated
- Ersatz case feels less durable than some cameras'
With its 2.1-megapixel CCD, the Olympus D-490 zoom produces 1,600 x 1,200 changelessness images, enabling sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. Like its physically matching predecessors (The D-460 and D-450), the camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, SmartMedia storage, and the over-friendly look and feel of Olympus's traditional film cameras. Unlike its predecessors, the D-490 has an uncompressed Spat mode for ultimate image clarity, as well as a QuickTime silver screen mode so you can take short silent film clips. The go crazy-up flash includes forced- flash, red-eye reduction, and slow synchronization modes. For obedience in image composition, the camera has both an optical viewfinder and a 1.8-inch LCD betray. The camera uses four AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-memoirs CR-V3 lithium batteries. Though the lithium batteries have an redoubtable life span, they're nonrechargeable, so we still recommend getting a set of rechargeable batteries and a mare.
