Olympus C-50 ZoomOlympus packs a 5.0-megapixel CCD into an ultra-compact body, with a host of advanced features too.<<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:DesignReview First Posted: 11/26/2002 |
Design
As the smallest member of Olympus's C-series of digicams, the C-50 Zoom has a compact body that's clearly meant to travel. A sliding lens cover (with integral power switch) keeps the front panel smooth, perfect for pockets. The silver-toned, all-metal body is very sleek and attractive, yet rugged enough to withstand minor knocks. Despite the camera's small size, it fits the hand well, though you'll definitely want to keep the included strap securely around your wrist in precarious situations (such as leaning over a boat rail or walking in a crowd). External control layout is similar to previous models, though on a smaller scale (with the Mode dial now located on the back panel). The C-50 Zoom has a 5.0-megapixel CCD, which delivers a maximum image size of 2,560 x 1,920 pixels. Using Olympus' own TruePic technology to produce sharper details and smoother, more vibrant color, the C-50 produces images suitable for printing as large as 8x10 inches, even after significant cropping. The C-50 Zoom measures 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches (99.5 x 58.5 x 41.5 millimeters), and weighs only 6.8 ounces (194 grams) without the battery.
The front of the C-50 is fairly smooth when the lens cover is closed, with only a minor protrusion from the lens cover itself and the small finger grip. With the cover closed, the camera's flash and IR remote sensor remain visible. Opening the lens cover triggers the lens to extend forward about an inch from the camera body. Just above the lens is the optical viewfinder window and self-timer lamp. A slight, vertical ridge on the far side of the lens cover serves as a finger grip, balanced nicely by an indented thumb rest on the back panel for a more secure hold.
On the right side of the camera, the USB and Video Out jacks are protected by a plastic door that remains tethered to the camera when open. Also on this side is the eyelet for the wrist strap.
The opposite side of the camera holds only the DC-In port, beneath a rubbery cap, which Olympus wisely attached to the camera via a small flap.
The C-50's top panel has only the Shutter button and zoom lever.
Like the rest of the C-series, the C-50's back panel is logically laid out, with all of the control buttons positioned above or to the right of the 1.5-inch LCD monitor. The optical viewfinder eyepiece is directly above the LCD monitor, with two status LED lamps on the right indicating basic camera status (such as when the autofocus system is set or the flash is ready). Across the top of the back panel are the Flash / Erase and Spot / Macro / Protect buttons. The Mode dial is directly to the right of these, and a Display button diagonally to the left controls whether the rear-panel LCD is illuminated. The four-way Arrow Pad serves multiple functions depending on the camera's operating mode, and is adjacent to the right side of the display, making it easy to switch back and forth between it and the mode dial with your thumb when you're holding the camera.
The bottom of the camera holds the battery / memory card compartment cover and a plastic screw-mount tripod socket. The tripod socket is much too close to the battery compartment to make battery changes easy when mounted on a tripod. (This is a pet peeve of mine, but I realize that most people don't spend as much time with their digicams locked down to a tripod as I do, especially with ultra-compact models like the C-50.) Inside the battery / memory card compartment, the battery and xD-Picture Card slots line up side-by-side. The hinged, plastic door slides out before opening.
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