Olympus FE-3010 Review

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FE-3010 Overview

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FE-3010 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Olympus FE-3010
Resolution:	12.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.33 inch (6.1mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	3.00x zoom (36-108mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	100 - 1600
Shutter:	1/2000 - 4 sec
Max Aperture:	3.1
Dimensions:	3.7 x 2.2 x 0.7 in. (93 x 56 x 18 mm)
Weight:	3.8 oz (108 g)
MSRP:	$150
Availability:	03/2009
Manufacturer:	Olympus
Full specs:	Olympus FE-3010 specifications

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12.00 Megapixels	3.00x zoom	1/2.33 inch size sensor

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Inside its slim 0.7-inch thick body, the Olympus FE-3010 features the combination of a 1/2.33"-type twelve megapixel image sensor and an Olympus-branded 3x optical zoom lens which offers focal length equivalents from a rather tight 36mm wide angle to a 108mm telephoto. A 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,000 dot resolution offers the FE-3010's only option for framing and reviewing images, as there's no optical viewfinder on this model. There's also no mechanical image stabilization, with the Olympus FE-3010 instead offering only what Olympus refers to as "Digital Image Stabilization" - essentially a setting that causes the camera to raise ISO sensitivity (along with shutter speeds and image noise) in an attempt to freeze motion. ISO sensitivity ranges from a low of ISO 100 to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent.

Olympus' FE-3010 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system operating off data streaming from the camera's image sensor, and the FE-3010 also includes face detection capability, capable of simultaneously detecting up to 16 faces in the framed scene. Olympus' Face Detection function is linked to both the autoexposure and autofocus systems, ensuring that your subjects' faces are taken into account when determining both these variables. It also allows for tracking of a subject's face as it moves around the frame,once detected.

A total of 15 scene modes are offered in the Olympus FE-3010, allowing users some degree of control over their images without needing to understand the subtleties of shutter speeds and apertures. These shooting modes include three underwater modes for use with the optionally available underwater housing which allows the FE3010 to be used at depths up to 130 feet / 40 meters max. There's also an Intelligent Auto mode which can automatically select the correct mode from a subset of these - either Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro or Sports. Another ease-of-use feature is an "In-Camera Help Guide" system that provides detailed descriptions of the effects that can be achieved with the Olympus FE-3010's various set-up options and modes.

For viewing images on a television, the Olympus FE3010 has audio / video output connectivity, while images can be transferred to a PC over a USB 2.0 High-Speed connection. A rechargeable LI-42B Lithium Ion battery with charger is included with the FE3010, although information on battery life wasn't available at press time. Also included is Olympus' Master 2 software for viewing and modifying photos. Images are stored in 19MB of internal memory, as well as on xD-Picture Card memory cards. As with the company's other cameras since August 2008, Olympus is also including an MASD-1 microSD to xD-Picture Card adapter in the FE-3010's product bundle, allowing the use of microSD cards in the camera as well.

The Olympus FE-3010 will ship in the USA from March 2009 with pricing of about $150.