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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 <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 6/14/2000

Optics
The D-460 comes equipped with a 3x, 5.4 to 16.2mm zoom lens (equivalent to a 35 to 150mm lens on a 35mm camera) with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 to f/4.4, depending on the zoom setting. In normal mode, the lens can focus from 31 inches (80 cm) to infinity and from eight to 31 inches (20 to 80 cm) in macro mode. The TTL autofocus function uses a contrast detection system which produces sharp, reliable focus in well-lit conditions, but may have problems in low-light situations. Low-light shooting is provided for with two preset focal distances of 8 feet (2.5m) and infinity selectable by pressing back-panel buttons during the exposure. (These seem to work well enough, but we'd like to see more "quickfocus" steps, or an autofocus-assist light for better low-light operation, particularly since the camera does so well in dim light with its variable-ISO capability.) The camera controls aperture automatically with settings of f/2.8 and f/8 in wide angle and f/4.4 and f/12.6 in telephoto mode.

The D-460's 3x optical zoom is controlled by a rocker toggle on top of the camera and pretty much lets you zoom in any increment. (The zoom lenses on some cameras tend to have certain "preferred" positions, a phenomena we didn't observe with the D-460.) An additional 2x digital telephoto increases the camera's total zoom to 6x, but image quality will suffer in direct proportion to the amount of digital enlargement. We noticed moderate optical distortion on the D-460, with the camera showing a 0.8 percent barrel distortion at the wide angle end an about a 0.3 percent pincushion distortion at full telephoto. While more than we like to see, 0.8 percent barrel distortion at wide angle is fairly typical, while the 0.3 percent pincushion at telephoto is a bit better than most. Digital telephoto and macro mode are controlled by the same button on the back panel of the camera, meaning that you can't use the two together. However, digital telephoto can be enabled at any zoom setting, not just at maximum optical zoom. This is an uncommon feature on digicams we've seen but one that greatly increases the D-460's flexibility. The D-460's macro performance is quite good, as the camera captures a minimum area of 2.89 x 2.17 inches (73.41 x 55.06 mm) at the furthest telephoto setting.