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Olympus D-460 Zoom Olympus updates a popular 1.3 megapixel model with improved features and a simpler interface. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D-460 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 --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 6/14/2000

Image Storage and Interface
The D-460 utilizes SmartMedia to capture and store images. An 8MB 3.3v card comes standard with the camera, but 16MB and 32MB sizes may also be used (2MB and 4MB sizes are also available, but largely obsolete). Be sure to only use 3.3V cards. You can use third-party SmartMedia cards, but Olympus recommends formatting them in the camera immediately before use. Non-Olympus cards will not enable the camera's Panorama-shooting mode described earlier, but otherwise operate fine. Special function SmartMedia cards are also available from Olympus.

The remaining image capacity is shown on the LCD monitor when the camera is turned on. When the number reaches zero, the camera beeps and the green LED next to the optical viewfinder flashes. The table below shows the number of images of each size that can be stored on the provided 8MB memory card, and the approximate level of JPEG compression used for each.

Resolution/Quality vs Image Capacity	High Resolution		Standard Resolution
	Images	Approx. Compression	Images	Approx. Compression
Uncompressed Quality	2	1:1	N/A	N/A
Fine Quality (SHQ)	18	8:1	N/A	N/A
High Quality (HQ)	36	17:1	N/A	N/A
Normal Quality (SQ 2)	N/A	N/A	32	4:1
Economy Quality (SQ 1)	N/A	N/A	122	14:1

As always, SmartMedia should never be removed while the camera is in operation to avoid damaging the media. The card fits into a slot on the side of the camera, protected by a plastic flap that snaps firmly into place.

The entire SmartMedia card can be write protected by placing a write protection sticker in the designated area. Write protection stickers can only be used once and must be clean to be effective. Write protection keeps the card free from any alteration whatsoever, except from card formatting. You can protect individual images while in Playback mode by pressing the Protect button. Once pressed, a lock symbol appears in the LCD monitor and that image cannot be erased unless the entire SmartMedia card is formatted or the protection is subsequently removed. Individual image protection is not available when the write protection sticker has been placed on the SmartMedia card.

Photos are stored on SmartMedia and assigned file numbers from 0001 to 9999. Through the Record menu, the File Number option allows you to select from Auto File and Name Reset. Auto File assigns a continuing number from the last file number of the last card used. This prevents the same file number being used for images taken together and saved on multiple cards. Name Reset sets the file number back to 0001 each time a card is inserted into the camera.

The Erase button allows you to erase individual images while in Playback mode. To erase all frames, hit the Menu button while in Playback mode and select the corresponding menu option. The entire card can also be erased by formatting, also available in the Playback menu by hitting the Menu button.

We didn't measure the D-460Zoom's image transfer time to the host computer, but it'll be relatively slow since the camera uses the older RS-232 serial connection protocol, rather than the much faster USB which is now showing up on many cameras: Accordingly, we strongly recommend an accessory card reader for getting pictures into your computer, if you plan to do any serious picture-taking.