Title : Olympus Camedia C-4040 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Author : Olympus
Release Date : 20010812
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $1,149.95
Amazon.com Price : $699.99
(-69899
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : The Olympus C-4040 Zoom succeeds the C-3040, and ushers the C-series into the 4-million pixels category. With a 1/1.8-inch, 4.1-megapixel CCD sensor, the camera produces images at up to 2,272 x 1,704, for a printed size of 11-by-14 inches. For further pixel depth, Optimum Image Enlargement mode (OIE) digitally interpolates JPEG images up to 3,200 x 2,400 pixels. Images can also be recorded in uncompressed TIFF format. The included removable 16 MB SmartMedia card stores 20 images at 2,048 x 1,536. You can record movies with sound in QuickTime movie mode; the highest quality clip captures at 320 x 240 pixels and 15 frames per second. For added personalization, you can attach four-second audio memos to still images in-camera, and rerecord audio over images with the included Camedia Master software. The superbright and ultrafast f1.8 Olympus aspherical zoom lens offers a 35-105mm range (35mm equivalent) with a 3x optical zoom and an additional 2.5x digital zoom. Along with manual focus, the lens features TTL iESP contrast-detection autofocus with a normal focus ranging from 0.8-meters to infinity, and macro from 0.2 to 0.8 meters. Information is displayed on the main color LCD and top-positioned LCD screen. The color LCD screen measures 1.8 inches diagonally with a 114,000-pixel capacity and includes a brightness adjustment. You can use either the color viewfinder or optical, real-image viewfinder for shooting.
The camera offers complete control and versatility, a key point coveted by the advanced photographer. You set exposure to automatic or manual with three modes: programmed autoexposure, aperture priority auto, and shutter priority auto. ISO sensitivity adjusts to automatic or manual with selectable equivalent ISO ratings: 100, 200, and 400. This camera also features ESP, spot, and multispot light metering; burst-mode at two frames per second for up to eight frames; and in-camera sharpness settings.
The all-black camera body includes a rubberized lens barrel and a grip for all-weather durability. The rubber lens barrel protects the lens when the lens cap is off, while a tethered line ensures the lens cap never gets lost. The built-in flash includes six modes: automatic, low, and backlight; red-eye reduction; fill-in; forced off; slow shutter synchronization, first curtain and second curtain; and red-eye reduction with slow shutter synch. The external flash terminal permits automatic, forced on, forced off, and a variety of optional extension cables for PC sync flash.
The camera requires power from one of three choices: two included 3V lithium-battery packs; four AA batteries, not included; or continuous power via AC adapter, not included. The AutoConnect USB port allows for easy connectivity to any computer without the need to install drivers (except for Windows 98). Since the camera is recognized as a storage drive, you use the familiar drag-and-drop functionality, too.
The camera package includes a 16 MB SmartMedia card, (2) LB-01 CR-V3 lithium battery pack, RM-1 wireless remote control, A/V output cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, and lens cap with retaining cord. The bundled software is Camedia Master Software and Adobe Photoshop LE. Olympus covers the camera for one year on parts and labor.
Buyer Reviews : This makes the third camera in the Camedia series that I've purchased. (I had the 2000Z and the 3030Z too.) I've found that I can sell my older models (about 16 months) after I purchased them, to family and friends for just over 50% of the original purchase price... making the net cost of the new upgrade about ....
Although the older models took good pictures, each upgrade was easier to use and took sharper pictures. (I have about 6 gig of pictures over the last 3 years.) The model 4040 is again, a giant leap forward in ease of use and picture clarity. For example: at normal portrait distances 5 to 7 feet, without any zoom... after you download the pic into the computer, you can zoom in and literally count the number of eyelashes on the person. This is a result of the high number megapixels AND the Olympus quality lens that has been specifically designed for their digital CCDs.
When choosing a digital camera there is a trade-off. On one side you can get cameras with as much as a 20x optical zoom (but it adds considerable size and weight). On the other side of the trade-off is that you can get something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, like the 4040 (but only have a 3x optical zoom). I think the best compromise is to get a small digital camera with the most megapixels, then take the pictures with the 3x optical zoom, download the image to the computer and zoom/crop the picture (on the computer) without concern of loosing detail (because of the high megapixels). The Olympus 4040 fits this alternative.
Although I think it is one of the best digital cameras on the market, there is always room for improvement. To make this camera better I'd:
1. Include removable NiMH batteries with an in-camera charger adapter. (My purchased add on NiMH batteries that last for around 70 pics per charge.)
2. Although the CCD is rated at 4.1 megapixels, the camera records about 3.8 megapixels.... Why? Where did the other 0.3 megapixles go?
3. Included is a 16meg smartmedia card. This is only enough for about 20 pics. A 128meg card runs about ... and can store more than 160 pics per card. Add a few bucks to the camera and give us a usable card.
4. Since the user manual is about ½ inch thick, you think you have plenty of detailed instructions. Then you realize only 1/8 inch of the manual is in English (the rest is in five or six other languages). And, what is in the manual, does not give sufficient detail about many of the various options. (You have to read/study the instructions on the included CD to get an idea of what many of these functions mean/do.)
(by Jack Woolley)
Features/Technical Specs : * 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches * Bright f1.8 autofocus lens with 3x optical plus 2.5x digital (7.5x total) zoom * Included 16 MB Smartmedia card holds 20 images at default resolution * Automatically connects with Macs and PCs via included USB cable * Uses 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries (included) or 4 AA batteries
