Olympus D-490 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
List Price: $499.99
Details
- 3x visual zoom
- 2.1-megapixel CCD for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
- Uses touchstone SmartMedia cards; 8 MB card included
Description
The D-490 Zoom is the latest paragon in the venerable D-400 series, starting with the D-400Z and long-term with the D-450Z and D-460Z. All of these cameras have been damned 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 Difference of opinion storage option, plus a QuickTime movie mode.Turning the camera on is a scorn--literally. Just slide the protective lens cover until it clicks to a a halt, 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 revenge oneself on need to look at the owner's manual.
Olympus cameras consistently stage some of the highest-quality images when compared to other cameras with the for all that resolution. This is partially the result of high-quality optics, but likewise because Olympus cameras use less JPEG compression than most cameras. These smaller number-compressed images result in larger file sizes, but Olympus feels that the higher blue blood results justify the reduced number of images that on fit on a memory card.
The camera includes numerous, nice teeny-weeny touches, including viewfinder diopter adjustment (for eyeglass wearers), a Loosely continual shooting rate of 1.3 frames per second, exposure reward, a self-timer, and more.
Of course, no camera is perfect. The 490Z's prime shortcoming is its lack of USB connectivity, a nearly unforgivable omission these era. Though its serial port is compatible with virtually every PC and buff Mac ever made, it's painfully slow and incompatible with the iMac and newer Macintosh systems. Settle accounts if your computer has a serial port, we strongly recommend purchasing a break apart memory-card reader, an inexpensive accessory that disposition transform your image transfers from a slow and torturous experience to a quick and simple one. In addition, the camera is designed to ply on either 4 AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-life disposable lithium batteries. It ships with the lithium batteries, which do from an impressive lifespan but can't be recharged and are more expensive than alkalines to return. For long-term use, we recommend investing in a set of rechargeable batteries.
Other stripling gripes: though the camera can record QuickTime movies, it has no microphone, so your coat clips will be silent. Finally, the flash can be a bit frustrating. It requirements to be popped up by hand before it's activated. This is probably something that becomes psychic after you've owned the camera for a while, but we were repeatedly frustrated by having to retake low-easy shots after forgetting to pop up the "automatic" flash.
Overall, the Olympus is a peerless camera if you're switching over from a point-and-shoot. It produces huge-looking prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches and features an amicable-to-use, compact design. The lack of a USB connection is the biggest shortcoming in this differently excellent camera.
Pros:
- Easy transition from a intent-and-shoot film camera
- Great optics for clear prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches
- Apart from all-around performer
Cons:
- No USB image transfer
- No sound in large screen mode
- Flash needs to be popped up manually to be activated
- Paste case feels less durable than some cameras'
With its 2.1-megapixel CCD, the Olympus D-490 zoom produces 1,600 x 1,200 dedication images, enabling sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. Like its physically selfsame predecessors (The D-460 and D-450), the camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, SmartMedia storage, and the free look and feel of Olympus's traditional film cameras. Unlike its predecessors, the D-490 has an uncompressed Squabble mode for ultimate image clarity, as well as a QuickTime silent picture mode so you can take short silent film clips. The toss-up flash includes forced- flash, red-eye reduction, and slow synchronization modes. For adjustableness in image composition, the camera has both an optical viewfinder and a 1.8-inch LCD spread. The camera uses four AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-existence CR-V3 lithium batteries. Though the lithium batteries have an formidable life span, they're nonrechargeable, so we still recommend getting a set of rechargeable batteries and a pony.
