Olympus C-3040 ZoomOlympus updates its top-of-the-line 3-megapixel model with a "faster" lens and increased movie capabilities.(Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and HighlightsReview First Posted: 4/14/2001 |
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3.3-megapixel sensor, delivering 2,048 x 1,536-pixel images | |
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Fast (f/1.8-f/2.6) 3x optical zoom lens | |
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Improved user interface | |
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Excellent image quality and low-light capability |
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Manufacturer Overview
Over the past several years, Olympus has been a dominant player in the digicam marketplace. It boasts one of the broadest digital camera lineups in the industry, with numerous models ranging from pure entry-level, point-and-shoot digicams to the incredible "near-professional" E-10 SLR. With the Camedia C-3040 Zoom, Olympus updated its former top-of-the-line 3-megapixel design, the Camedia C-3030, incorporating some user interface enhancements and a new, very "fast" lens (f/1.8 at wide angle). Changes to the camera's electronics also provide improved color rendition and better low-light performance.
The C-3040 represents the second generation of the C-3000 design -- continuing a line that began two years ago with the original C-2000. (Really, it's a third generation design, if you trace it's roots to the original C-2000.) The Olympus design experience is evident in this advanced Camedia model, which has many strengths and very few weaknesses. The C-3040 is designed to compete strongly at the top of the current "prosumer" digicam world, with excellent design, great exposure capability, good image quality, and excellent low-light performance. Overall, the C-3040 is a very strong entrant in the 3-megapixel digicam market.
High Points
- 3.34-megapixel CCD delivering up to 2,048 x 1,536-pixel resolution images.
- 1.8-inch, wide view, color LCD display.
- Super Bright 7.1-21.3mm f/1.8-2.6, 3x zoom aspherical glass lens (equivalent to a 40-120mm lens on a 35mm camera).
- 2.5x Digital Zoom (up to 5x at the 640 x 480-pixel resolution size).
- Manual and Automatic Focus control.
- Shutter speeds from 1/800 to 16 seconds for still images; 1/10,000 to 1/30 second for movies.
- Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
- Spot or Digital ESP metering systems.
- Auto Bracketing, Sequence Shooting, and Panoramic capture modes.
- Adjustable White Balance with six settings, plus a WB color adjustment function.
- Built-in flash with four operating modes, plus two Slow Sync modes.
- QuickTime Movie mode with edit function.
- Five-pin external flash socket.
- Infrared remote control included.
- JPEG and uncompressed TIFF file formats.
- Images saved to SmartMedia memory card (16MB card included).
- USB cable for fast connection to a computer.
- NTSC video cable.
- Software CD with Olympus' Camedia Master 2.5 utility software (includes QuickTime and USB drivers).
- DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility and print settings.
- Power from two CR-V3 battery packs (included), or four AA batteries (AC adapter optional).
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