Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Olympus Digital Cameras > Olympus Camedia D-510 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-510 Zoom Olympus updates its popular 2.1 megapixel D-490 model with a new user interface and improved features. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet Camedia D-510 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-510 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 6/18/2001

Video Out
The D-510 Zoom comes with a video output connector for viewing images on a television set in the NTSC format. (European versions of the camera presumably use the PAL timing standard.) Once the camera is connected to the TV, keep the lens cover closed and turn on the camera via the LCD Monitor button. All Playback mode menus and options are available. The LCD monitor will automatically turn off once the camera is connected to the TV. Olympus warns that a black border may appear around the image with certain televisions and that this border will print if you print an image directly from the television setup.


Power
The D-510 Zoom runs on four rechargeable AA batteries (either NiMH, Li-Ion, alkaline, or NiCd), or two high-capacity CR-V3 non-rechargeable lithium cells. The CR-V3 cells don't lose their charge when not being used, so they make a great backup to bring along in case your rechargeables run out of juice, but their high cost makes them impractical for routine operation. We suggest buying a couple sets of high-capacity NiMH AA cells and a good charger, and stow the included CR-V3 cells in your camera bag.

There's an auto-off timer that shuts the camera down after a minute or so, if left unattended. In Record mode, it will wake up again in just a few seconds when you press the shutter button. Overall power consumption is lower than average among cameras we've tested, and (like other Olympus models), is exceptionally low in capture mode with the LCD turned off. This means that you could comfortably leave the camera in the "on" position all day without having to worry about draining your batteries. The table below details power consumption in various operating modes:

Looking at the results above, we can say that besides being fast, the D-510Zoom is also quite thrifty with its battery power. Like most Olympus digicams, when the LCD screen is turned off, power consumption drops to almost zero. - You can easily leave the camera on and ready to shoot all day long without the least impact on battery life. Even with the LCD on in capture mode, you should get upwards of two hours of continuous operation off a set of fully charged, high-capacity AA NiMH cells. (Our run time estimates are based on slightly derated cells marked 1600mAh or better, providing 1500 mAh of actual power at the camera's consumption levels.) We still highly recommend buying more than one set of batteries and a good charger. (With some emphasis on the charger: We're partial to the Maha C-204 model.) Still though, if you stay away from the LCD display, you could easily take a full day's photos on a single set of batteries.

About Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power" ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.) Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review of it for all the details. Or, just click here to buy one, you won't regret it.


Included Software
A USB cable and software CD accompany the D-510, allowing you to quickly connect to a computer and download images. The CD contains Olympus' own software, Camedia Master 2.5, compatible with Windows 95/98/98SE/Me/2000/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6-9.0.4. USB drivers for both platforms are also included for those computers that do not support USB AutoConnect. Camedia Master allows you to download and organize images, as well as perform minor image correction and enhancement functions (such as adjusting contrast, sharpness, and color balance). A complete printing utility works with the DPOF settings, allowing you to print images directly to Olympus or other DPOF-compliant photo printers.