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Olympus Camedia D-40 Zoom Super-compact 4 megapixel model takes great pictures! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet Camedia D-40 Zoom Sample 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 Camedia D-40 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User Interface Review First Posted: 10/8/2001

Operation and User Interface
The D-40's menu system employs the new, simplified interface introduced on their cameras in early in 2001. When you press the Menu / OK button, it brings up the main menu (known as the "Top Menu"), which is divided into three or four smaller sub-menus, each selected using the Arrow button that corresponds to its position on the screen. The right button is the Mode menu, which includes all of the sub-menus available for that particular Shooting or Playback mode. In Program and A / S / M modes, the Mode menu is divided into four subject tabs -- Camera, Picture, Card, and Setup -- with sub-menus appropriate to that particular subject tab. In the Movie and Scene modes, the Mode menu includes all but the Setup subject tabs. The other two or three buttons (top, left, and bottom) are "Shortcut" menus that provide shortcuts to the most frequently used sub-menus, such as ISO, White Balance, and Quality settings. In Auto mode, the Top menu has only three Shortcut menus -- Resolution, Clock set, and Format -- it does not include a shooting Mode menu. Though this system takes some getting used to, it is much more efficient than previous models, as you can make fast adjustments to three of the most often used settings.

Control Enumeration

Sliding Lens Cover: Protecting the lens on the front of the camera, the clamshell-style sliding cover also serves as the power switch. Sliding the cover open turns the camera on and places it into Record mode. Likewise, closing the cover turns the camera off.

Shutter Button: Located on top right side of the camera, and surrounded by the Zoom lever, the Shutter button sets exposure when halfway depressed and triggers the shutter when fully depressed.

Zoom Lever: Surrounding the Shutter button, the Zoom Lever controls the optical zoom in all exposure modes, and the Digital Zoom when enabled through the Shooting menu. In Playback mode, the lever switches between Index view, normal image display, and playback zoom.

Flash / Erase Button: Positioned on the top right of the optical viewfinder, this button controls the Flash mode in all exposure modes. Pressing it cycles through Auto-Flash, Redeye Reduction, Fill-in Flash, Slow Shutter Sync (1st or 2nd curtain), Slow Shutter Sync w / Redeye (1st curtain), and Flash Off modes. In Playback mode, this button pulls up the Erase menu, which allows you to erase the currently displayed image.

Spot / Macro / Protect Button: Located beneath the Flash / Erase Button, this button alternates between normal metering (Digital ESP), Spot metering, Macro (Close-up) focus mode, and Macro with Spot Metering modes. In Playback mode, it write-protects individual images against accidental erasure (except from card formatting).

Mode Dial: On the top of the back panel, near the center, is the Mode Dial, which selects the various camera Shooting modes: Auto, Program, Aperture / Shutter Speed / Manual (A/S/M), My Image, Movie, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Backlight, and Portrait modes.

Display Button: Just below and to the left of the Mode dial, this button controls the LCD display in Record mode, turning it on or off. If pressed twice quickly while in Record mode, this button accesses Playback mode.

When the lens cover is closed, pressing this button powers on the camera and places it into Playback mode. A second press of this button shuts off the camera (only while the lens cover is closed).

Four Way Arrow Pad: Positioned in the lower right section of the back panel, the Arrow Pad controls many of the camera's operations. In all Shooting modes except Auto and Manual, the left and right Arrow buttons increase or decrease the exposure compensation setting (provided the LCD monitor is active). In Aperture or Shutter Priority exposure modes, the Up and Down Arrow buttons adjust the lens aperture or shutter speed settings, depending on which mode you've selected. In Manual mode, the up and down Arrows control shutter speed, while the left and right Arrows control aperture.

In Playback mode, the Up and Down and Left and Right Arrows move forward or backward through the pictures stored on the card, or scroll around portions of the expanded image in Zoom Playback mode.

In the LCD menu system, the Arrow buttons navigate through menu screens and select settings.

Menu / OK Button: In the center of the Four-Way Arrow Pad,, this button calls up the settings menu in both Record and Playback modes. It also serves as the "OK" to confirm menu selections. If the LCD monitor is turned on when you press the Display button, it will call up the menu options and display them over the image. If the LCD monitor is off when you press Display, it brings up the camera's menu system with no viewfinder image. Holding this button down for approximately one second brings up the Manual Focus distance range, along with the AF and MF icons. Highlighting the MF icon with the right Arrow button engages the Manual Focus mode.

Battery Door Release Button: Located on the bottom panel, in the center of the battery chamber door, pushing down on this button releases the door latch and allows you to slide it open.