Olympus D-490 ZoomOlympus updates a popular 1.3 megapixel model to 2 megapixels, with improved features.<<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & InterfaceReview First Posted: 10/28/2000 |
Image Storage and Interface
The D-490 uses SmartMedia cards 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 available, but largely obsolete). You can use third-party SmartMedia cards, but Olympus recommends formatting them in the camera immediately before use. Be sure to use only 3.3V cards. SmartMedia from third-party vendors will not support the camera's Panorama shooting mode, but they will operate fine for all other functions. 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.
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| Uncompressed Quality |
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| Fine Quality (SHQ) |
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| High Quality (HQ) |
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| Normal Quality (SQ-High) |
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| Economy Quality (SQ) |
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SmartMedia should never be removed from the camera while it 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, except for card formatting. You can protect individual images while
in Playback mode by depressing the Write-protect button on the back of the
camera. Once depressed, a "lock" symbol appears in the LCD monitor and that
image cannot be erased unless the entire SmartMedia card is reformatted or the
protection is subsequently removed. Individual image protection is not available
when the write-protection sticker has been placed on the SmartMedia
card.
Stored images are 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 from 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, press the Menu button while in Playback mode and select the
Card setup function, then select Erase all frames. You can also erase the entire
card by selecting Format in the Card setup function. Format will erase even the
write-protected images.
We didn't measure the D-490 Zoom'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
connector now showing up on many digital cameras. Accordingly, we strongly
recommend an accessory card reader for transferring images to your computer, if
you plan to do any serious picture-taking.
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