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Olympus C-3020 Zoom A bargain-priced, full featured 3 megapixel model from Olympus! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet C-3020 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-3020 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 2/16/2002

Design
Sporting a new, warmer-toned silvery body, the Olympus Camedia C-3020 updates the Camedia line with a new look and a more affordable price for a camera with a 3.14-megapixel CCD. The C-3020 combines many of the features I like on other Olympus digicams with an attractive lower price (around $500 at retail when this article was written in February, 2002). The C-3020 includes many of the features present on the C-3040, though in the interest of making the camera more affordable, Olympus left out a few options (namely sound recording, an external flash sync, a Video Out jack, and remote control compatibility). Still, the assets of the C-3020 are pretty impressive, with full manual exposure control as well as Program AE and preset Scene modes. The My Image mode allows you to save a set of exposure settings and create a specific exposure mode that can be recalled at any time.

Measuring 4.3 x 3.0 x 2.8 inches (110 x 76 x 70 millimeters), the C-3020 is an average-sized digicam. Though it isn't designed for shirt pockets, the C-3020 could easily find its way into larger coat pockets and purses, and the neck/shoulder strap makes carrying the camera a cinch. (I always recommend picking up a small camera bag though, which is more convenient for carrying the camera and any accessories safely.) The C-3020 weighs approximately 14 ounces (400 grams) with the batteries and SmartMedia card, giving the camera a solid feel despite its plastic body. (The front, top and left side are trimmed with aluminum panels, the handgrip, back, and bottom are rugged plastic.)

 

 

Looking at the front of the camera, the lens and hand grip are the dominant features. The lens telescopes outwards when the camera is powered on, extending an additional inch or so from the body. A plastic lens cap protects the lens from any accidental scratches when in place, and tethers to the camera body so that it won't be easily lost. (My eval unit didn't include the lens cap tether itself, but a piece of sturdy thread would serve as well.) The hefty handgrip (created by the battery compartment) facilitates a firm grip on the camera, with a smooth slope on the side to comfortably rest your fingers. Also on the front of the camera is the built-in flash, self-timer lamp, and the front window of the optical viewfinder. At the top of the handgrip, the side edge of the Zoom lever is visible, where it it wraps around the Shutter button.

 

 

The right side of the camera, comprised of the bulky handgrip, holds the SmartMedia card slot, protected by a hinged, plastic door that opens from the back panel. Above the card slot is one of the neck strap attachment eyelets.

 

 

On the opposite side of the camera is the second strap attachment eyelet, as well as the diopter adjustment dial for the optical viewfinder and the connector jack compartment. The plastic, hinged door covers the DC In and USB connector jacks, and snaps firmly into place (a little too firmly in our opinion, as the door can be difficult to open without nearly breaking a nail).

 

 

The Shutter button, Zoom lever, Mode dial, and status display panel are all on the top side of the camera. I always to see a status display LCD like this, as it lets you view camera settings without switching on the LCD monitor, thus saving battery power.

 

 

The C-3020's remaining controls are all found on the back panel, along with the optical viewfinder eyepiece and LCD monitor. Two LED lamps next to the optical viewfinder report the camera's status, lighting solid or flashing to indicate when focus is set or the flash is ready. At the top of the back panel is a set of navigational arrow buttons, as well as the Flash/Erase and DPOF/Macro/Spot Metering buttons. Lining the right side of the LCD monitor are the OK, Display, and AE Lock/Custom/Protect buttons. A red light next to the SmartMedia compartment door lights whenever the camera is accessing the card (meaning you should wait until the light turns off to open the compartment door).

 

 

The battery compartment and plastic, threaded tripod mount are the sole occupants of the C-3020's flat bottom. The two are much too close together to allow battery changes while the camera is mounted to a tripod, a design feature consistent with many Olympus digicams. Since I use a Camedia C-2020 to do much of my own studio shooting, I always notice this attribute. Still, few consumers are likely to encounter this problem, as I suspect most use of this camera will be without a tripod.