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Olympus E-20 Olympus updates their bargain-priced Pro SLR with a 5 megapixel sensor and improved electronics Select a topic Reference: Datasheet E20 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 <<Operation & User Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Image Storage & Interface>> Page 9:Camera Modes & Menus Review First Posted: 11/28/2001

Camera Modes and Menus

(Because the capture modes all share the same menu options, we'll discuss each capture mode individually and then list the record menu selections.)

Manual Exposure Mode: Accessed by turning the mode dial to the "M" position, this mode allows you to control the shutter speed (from 1/18,000 to 60 seconds, with a Bulb setting) and lens aperture (from f/2.0 to f/11.0, depending on the zoom setting). You also have control over all other exposure variables, except for metering mode, exposure compensation, and AE Lock.

Shutter Priority Exposure Mode: Marked on the mode dial with an "S," this mode puts you in control of the shutter speed while the camera controls the lens aperture. The lens aperture range remains the same, but the shutter speed range changes to 1/18,000 to 60 seconds (no Bulb setting). All exposure variables are available, including flash mode, ISO, metering, exposure compensation, AE Lock, sharpness, contrast, and white balance.

Aperture Priority Exposure Mode: This mode is noted on the mode dial with an "A," and allows you to set the lens aperture while the camera selects the best corresponding shutter speed. Aperture values remain the same as with Shutter Priority mode, as does the amount of exposure control available with other features, though shutter speed ranges from 1/18,000 to two seconds.

Program Exposure Mode: Denoted on the mode dial with a "P," this mode puts the camera in charge of both aperture and shutter speed, basing the exposure values on the available light. Aperture and shutter speed ranges remain the same as with Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, and all exposure features are available.

Record Menu: Available in all four capture modes, this menu is accessed by pressing the Menu button. The following options are available:

• Card Setup: Reformats the SmartMedia or CompactFlash card, erasing all images on the card (even write-protected ones).
• ISO: Adjusts the camera's sensitivity setting to Auto, 80, 160, or 320 ISO equivalents.
• Bracket: Activates the auto bracketing feature, and allows you to set the exposure adjustment variable to 1/3, 2/3 or one EV.
• Flash Intensity: Sets the flash intensity level from -2 to +2 EV, in 1/3 EV increments.
  
  
• Sharpness: Selects the image sharpness setting (Hard, Soft, or Normal).
• Contrast: Allows you to set the image contrast (High, Normal, or Low).
• Record Mode: Determines the image quality and size for the camera's "standard" image quality selections. Options are TIFF, SHQ, HQ, and SQ, each with 2,560 x 1,920, 1,792 x 1,344, 1,280 x 960, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480 image sizes available (except for TIFF, which is only available with the 2,560 x 1,920 resolution size). JPEG compression ratios of 1:2.7 (! - very low), 1:4, or 1:8 are also available for each selection.
• Interval Time: Activates time-lapse photography and sets the shooting interval anywhere from one minute to 24 hours.
  
  
• Shutter Sound: Chooses between two different shutter sounds, and sets the volume to off, low, or high volume levels.
• Camera Sound: Disables (or enables) all camera sounds.
• Record View: Chooses whether or not the captured image is immediately displayed after shooting, for image confirmation and for how long.
• Scan Mode: Determines whether the CCD scans the scene in Interlaced or Progressive mode, also has an option to enable Noise Reduction.
  

Playback Mode: This mode is marked on the mode dial with the traditional green playback symbol. In Playback mode, you can scroll through captured images, delete them, protect them, or copy them. You can also view an index display of nine thumbnails on a page, or digitally enlarge the captured image and check fine details. Pressing the menu button displays the following selections:

• Slide Show: Begins an automatic slide show of all captured images on the memory card.
• Copy: Allows you to copy selected images, or all images, from one memory card to another.
• Card Setup: Reformats the SmartMedia or CompactFlash memory card, deleting all images (even write-protected ones).
• Brightness: Adjusts the LCD monitor's brightness.
  

Print Mode: Marked on the mode dial with a green printer symbol, this mode allows you to mark images for printing on a DPOF compatible device, and set the number of prints. You can also create index print files. Pressing the Menu button calls up the following Preprint menu:

• Print: Selects all images for printing or cancels the print request.
• Time Stamp: Activates the time stamp function, which prints either the date or time on the images.
• Index Print: Selects all images for an index print, or cancels the request.
  

PC Connection Mode: This mode, marked on the mode dial with a crooked arrow, sets up the camera for connection to a computer. It also accesses the main camera settings menu, once the Menu button is pressed. Options are:

• Conversion Lens: Determines which conversion lens is in use.
• Date and Time: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar.
• File Name: Tells the camera to Reset the file naming with each new memory card, or continue from card to card (the Auto setting).
• Manual Mode Display: Enables and disables the LCD display for Manual exposure mode.
  
  
• Histogram: Switches the histogram function on or off.
• Pixel Map: Starts the pixel mapping function.
• Sleep: Sets the camera's sleep time, or the period of inactivity before the camera puts itself to sleep. Options are Off, or one, two, five, or ten minutes.