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Olympus C-2100 Zoom Wow! A superb 10X, optically stabilized zoom lens on a high-quality 2 megapixel camera! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet C-2100 Zoom Test Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on C-2100 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 10/18/2000

Design
Slightly smaller than a traditional 35mm film camera, the Olympus C-2100 Ultra Zoom may be bulkier than most 2.1 megapixel cameras, but the larger body size is necessary to accommodate the 10X zoom lens and large hand grip to hold the camera steady. Weighing in at 1.3 pounds (540 grams) and measuring 4.44 x 3.06 x 5.56 inches (112.77 x 77.72 x 141.22mm) including the lens, the C-2100 isn't exactly pocket friendly; but with everything it has to offer, it's easy to forgive. The camera's lightweight polycarbonate shell keeps it from tipping the scales, yet it feels relatively sturdy overall.

The face of the camera holds the 10X Zoom lens, popup flash, self-timer lamp/AF assist lamp, and infrared remote control receiver. A bulky hand grip contains the battery compartment and SmartMedia slot, and compensates for the long lens barrel by adding a little extra weight and providing a secure hold on the camera. The soft, leather-textured rubber covering on the front grabs your fingers as they wrap around the grip. At the top of the hand grip is a small eyelet for attaching the accompanying neck strap. The 10X lens zooms inside of the lens barrel, so there's no visible change in the length of the lens barrel. The glass aspherical lens is protected by a spring-locked lens cap, which seems to hold more firmly than those on previous Camedia models.

The large, black hand grip wraps completely around the right side of the camera. The contrasting color and hand-molded shape make it appear like a separate part of the camera. It houses two different compartments - one for the four AA batteries, which are accessed from the bottom of the hand grip, and one for the SmartMedia slot, which is protected by a hinged, plastic door that locks securely into place. The storage media chamber was a little tough to open at times, but this problem was easily overcome by slipping a thumbnail or dime under the rear groove to pop the door open.

The left side of the camera holds a great deal more, including the popup flash release button, an adjustable diopter for the optical viewfinder, a covered external flash terminal, a very small microphone, and several connection jacks. A hinged plastic door hides the serial port connector, USB connector, DC in jack, external microphone jack, and an A/V out jack. The external microphone jack allows you to use more sophisticated sound recording equipment, thereby improving the camera's sound recording capabilities. The external flash sync terminal is covered by a small, threaded, black cap that screws into place. This makes it less likely to accidentally snap off, though it is still small enough to be easily misplaced. Finally, the other eyelet for attaching the neck strap resides at the top front corner of the left side. (A minor detail we really appreciated on the C-2100 is how perfectly balanced it is when hanging from the neck strap: The camera hangs perfectly level, with the lens pointing forward. We're accustomed to cameras that tilt at awkward angles, refusing to lie flat against our chest when carrying them.)

The top of the camera features a small, black-and-white LCD panel that displays the camera's settings, as well as three small control buttons (macro, metering, and drive sets), a large mode dial, a power on/off/reset lever, the shutter button, and a zoom control. The status display panel is a plus because it allows you to operate the camera without the larger, power-hungry LCD monitor activated, thereby saving some battery power (the optical viewfinder also operates a mini-LCD display). The mode dial is on top of the power switch, which is an unusual (but workable) configuration. Both the mode dial and power switch are notched, making them easy to turn or slide with a fingertip.

Along with the optical viewfinder and LCD monitor, the camera's back panel includes a dual-function flash/trash button, info button, manual focus and protect button (labeled OK), a monitor on/off button, and a menu button. The controls on the back panel are well-placed for one-handed operation, and the door covering the SmartMedia slot makes a comfortable thumb rest.

On the bottom of the camera are the plastic, threaded tripod mount and the battery compartment door. Unfortunately, the two are too close together to allow for quick battery changes while the camera is mounted on a tripod. A minor problem, but one to which we always pay attention. The camera's bottom is relatively flat, but requires three small pegs to keep the camera level when it's set down. A sliding lockable door secures the battery compartment.

Olympus has again included an infrared remote control for the camera, which allows you to trip the shutter, control optical zoom, and scroll through captured images remotely. We've always enjoyed this feature, as it comes in quite handy in the studio.