Howard_Creech's Full Review: Olympus Camedia C-350 / D-560 Digital Camera
For the past few years the Olympus Corporation has been an aggressive competitor in the digital camera marketplace providing an incredibly broad range of choices for consumers. Olympus’ product development folks have concentrated on introducing solid digital cameras with all the features and capabilities of the big two (Nikon and Canon) at significantly lower prices. They’ve accomplished this by sharing proven components across a handful of modular “family” body styles. This corporate philosophy makes it possible to respond quickly to changing consumer needs by introducing new models more rapidly and at lower prices than their competitors. For example, the very popular C 4000 (introduced during last year’s holiday buying season) upgraded the popular C 3000 to four megapixels and improved operation and usability by incorporating key features and components from the upscale C 4040. In other words, Olympus didn’t dump last years popular C 4040---rather they utilized it (like the Native Americans used the buffalo) as a lateral base model for both the entry level C 4000 and the prosumer C 5050, saving the company (and consumers) millions of dollars in research and development costs.
Olympus’ "D" family digital cameras are designed to appeal to the legions of casual photographers who want an easy to use, compact, stylish, feature rich, and reasonably priced point and shoot digital camera. The new Olympus D560Z is the latest in a long line of Olympus clam shell cameras dating back to the 35mm Stylus models of the 80's. The clam-shell design has proven benefits like compact size, sturdy construction, and the ability to protect the lens without a separate lens cap (the sliding lens cover also functions as the camera’s on/off switch). The D560Z is a smaller sleeker version of the popular D550Z that retains most of what made its predecessor a success; 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3X zoom lens, four Scene modes, Olympus’ TruePic technology (optimizes sharpness, contrast, and color balance at all resolution/image size levels), Digital ESP multi- pattern metering, and auto white balance.
What’s New?
The most dramatic difference between the D560Z and its older sibling is the simplified user interface (like most “D” models, the D560Z has only few dedicated controls) and the versatile new menu system. Olympus’ product research indicated that some D550Z features were rarely used and the camera’s target audience actively disliked others, so Olympus dropped the uncompressed TIFF format (the D560Z is JPEG only) and replaced the pop up flash on the D550Z with a built in unit.
NUTS & BOLTS
Viewfinder/LCD
The D560Z features a standard tunnel style true image (zooming) optical viewfinder (with no diopter correction for those who wear eyeglasses) with two status LED’s (flash status and focus lock). The optical VF is large and bright but only shows about 85 per cent of the image frame
Just below the optical VF is the D550Z’s 1.8” color TFT LCD screen (most of the cameras dedicated controls are arrayed along the LCD’s right side) The LCD screen is bright (LCD brightness is adjustable via the setup menu) , relatively sharp, and just a bit bigger than average for compact digicams, however resolution is a bit lower than average (Olympus went with slightly lower resolution to prolong battery duration----an acceptable trade-off) but the screen isn’t quite as fluid (refresh rate) as those featured on the D560Z’s competition
Lens
The D560Z features a newly designed f3.1-f5.2/35-105mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens. The lens is just a tad slower than the D550Z’s f2.8 zoom which is compensated for (sort of) by having a just bit more reach (105mm vs 100mm). The protective lens cover also acts as the D560Z’s on/off switch. The 3X zoom retracts fully into the D560Z’s body when the camera is powered down. The lens is not threaded for add on lenses or filters.
Auto Focus
The D560Z’s Auto focus uses a fairly standard TTL contrast detection system. A nice feature is the One Touch Focus button (the up arrow on the 4-way compass pad) which locks focus at infinity, in the macro range, or in standard AF mode.
Manual Focus
The D560Z provides no manual focus option
Macro
The D560Z does a good job in macro mode (minimum focusing distance is 8”), more than adequate for ebay items and standard close ups but a bit weak for dramatic bugs and flowers. The D560Z’s flash has noticeable falloff in the corners of the frame, so if close-up/macro shooting is important to you the D560Z probably shouldn’t be on your short list.
Flash
The D560Z’s new built in (lots of users didn’t like the D550Z’s pop-up flash) multi mode intelligent speedlight features settings for Auto (automatic activation in low light and backlit situations), Red-eye reduction, Fill, and Off. Maximum flash range is 6.5 – 7.25 feet @ ISO100. Flash recycle time (with fresh batteries) is about 6-8 seconds.
Memory
The D560Z uses the new xD picture card to store captured images (as opposed to the D550Z’s Smart Media format) xD picture cards are faster than Smart Media and the maximum capacity is higher (256MB vs 128MB)
Connectivity
Auto-Connect USB 1.1 (driver free connection to recent MS & MAC computers) and Video out
Power
The D560Z is powered by two “AA” Alkaline batteries, one CR-3V lithium battery or two “AA” NiMH rechargeable batteries. We used the camera heavily for two days (LCD and occasional flash) without exhausting a CR-3V cell, so I can’t really comment on battery duration. The D550Z was good for about 200 exposures (with four “AA” batteries) and the D560Z’s power management appears to be improved. Two pairs of high capacity NiMH’s (and a charger) should get you through pretty much anything.
EXPOSURE & FEATURES
Auto Mode
The D560Z is a Program Auto only point and shoot digital camera with manual exposure options. For users who want a bit more creative control the D560Z provides four scene modes (where all camera settings are optimized for the type of image selected) including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Self Portrait. The Self Portrait mode allows users to hold the camera at arms length (pointed at themselves) and snap a photo. The zoom is locked at the wide-angle setting so your picture will be sharply focused but composition (framing) is strictly guesswork. I think users would have been better served with an action scene mode, the only real benefit of the self portrait mode is one of those “look at me in front of the (insert relevant landmark)” shots.
Manual Mode
The D560Z provides no manual exposure options.
Movie Mode
The D560Z can capture video clips (up to 15 seconds in duration) @ 320 x 240 (60 seconds @ 160 x 120) at 15fps without audio (so you can use the zoom during filming).
CONTROLS, DESIGN, & ERGONOMICS
The Olympus D560Z’s stylish silver polycarbonate body is compact enough to drop in a large pocket or small purse and tough enough to take anywhere. All controls are logically placed and easy to use. The menu system is complex, but navigation is simple and intuitive.
Technical Specifications
Resolution: 3 megapixels (2048 x 1536)
Viewfinders: Optical (true image zooming) and 1.8” TFT LCD
Lens: f3.1-f5.2/35-105mm (35mm equivalent) with 5 elements in 3 groups
Auto focus: TTL iESP contrast detection
Exposure modes: Program Auto and four scene modes
Exposure metering: Digital ESP multi-pattern or spot
Exposure compensation: +/-2 EV in 1/2 EV increments
Flash: Built-in Multi-mode
White Balance: Auto, daylight, overcast, tungsten, and fluorescent
Sensitivity: Auto only (the camera sets sensitivity between ISO 60 and ISO 400 based on lighting)
Shutter Speed Range: Auto---2 seconds to 1/1000th of a second
Noise Reduction: Yes---automatic on long exposures
Image format: JPEG
Memory Media : xD Picture Card
Connectivity: USB 1.1 & Video Out
Power : 2 “AA” or 1 CR-3V battery
MSRP $349.00------------------ Street Price Range $229.00--$299.00
Included
1 16MB xD card, 2 Alkaline AA batteries, wrist strap, USB & Video cables, software CD-ROM, users manual
Optional
Olympus AC adapter & Olympus NiMH “AA” charger and batteries
In the Field/Handling & Operation
There’s never been a better time to buy an entry-level digital camera. Five years ago entry level was one megapixel and two years ago it was two megapixels, but today first time digicam buyers are starting off with three megapixel units. Most major digital camera manufacturers are introducing their holiday buying season three megapixel digicams as summer draws to a close and my friend (who sells new and used digital and analog cameras and photo equipment) and I have been trying to check out as many of them as we can. We’ve recently spent some quality time with the Canon Powershot A70 and the Nikon Coolpix 3100, so we were anxious to try Olympus’ new D560Z.
We got together on a rainy Saturday afternoon and started off by checking the D560Z’s color. We use a homemade macro stage lined with white background paper and a collection of brightly colored plastic kiddies beach toys. The test is simple but it works (and gives us results that can be compared from camera to camera). The Olympus D560Z’s color is quite good, although both of us felt the reds were just a bit hotter than average.
After we finished our color tests we picked up another photographer friend and headed for the Executive Inn West on Phillips Lane for the 2nd annual Louisville Tattoo Expo. Louisville seems to have more than its fair share of tattoo and piercing emporiums (the two seem to go together) so the Derby City has become the place to be in August if you’re into body art. Hundreds of aficionados of tattooing, piercing, and punk rock descend on the city to compare “toons” and see what’s new in goth/punk music and body decoration.
My friend thought the tattoo expo would be a good place to check out the D560Z’s indoor imaging capabilities (lots of mixed lighting) and he turned out to be right. The lighting ranged from fairly dim to industrial level fluorescent. The displays were amazing----you can’t believe all the things you can have tattooed on your body and the absolutely amazing array of shiny sharp things you can poke through various parts of your body. We talked to and photographed several friendly and cooperative subjects who were like walking billboards (I kept thinking of Ray Bradbury’s story “The Tattooed Man”).
One gentleman we spoke with had every visible inch of skin on his body (except his hands) covered with tattoos and piercings. We shot a couple of images of him showing off his collection of personal body art and one of the pictures ended up with some very serious red eye---my friend thought the shining red eyes worked perfectly with the beard, tattoos, and multiple piercings (eyebrows, nose, tongue, ears, and cheek) we joked all the way back to the car that this guy was “never going to get through an airport without setting off every metal detector in the place”.
We got together again Sunday morning (a much prettier day) and headed for one of my favorite shooting locations, Cherokee Park. Since our first outing had tested the D560Z’s indoor abilities we wanted to check out how the little digicam would do outside in good light. The park is filled with tree covered hillsides and open meadows that slope down to Beargrass Creek. Cherokee Park is right on the edge of the Highlands neighborhood and provides a green refuge for joggers, runners, in line skaters, dog walkers, and bicyclists.
My friend and I always cruise the scenic loop along Beargrass Creek looking for interesting stuff to shoot. We stopped once to shoot a clump of gorgeous bright yellow Black-Eyed Susans and again to shoot some in line skaters racing across the carved native limestone bridge. The D560Z performed flawlessly. This is one of the simplest and most responsive cameras I’ve ever used. If you want to have any creative input into the picture taking process, this ain’t the camera for you---but if you want a camera that just takes the picture (and does it very well) without any hassle whatever---there’s a D560Z somewhere with your name on it.
After a few hours we called it quits and headed off to print a couple of enlargements from the pictures we’d shot. We printed a 5x7 from the tattoo expo and an 8x10 of the Black Eyed Susans (with an Epson 785 EPX and Kodak Photo Paper) and the prints were excellent in every respect.
PERFORMANCE
Image Quality
Image quality is surprisingly good for an entry-level “auto only” three megapixel digital camera. The camera’s program mode, auto white balance, and auto sensitivity all work very well together to produce consistently excellent exposures. Color is pretty accurate, although a bit warmer than average across the board. Contrast is a bit hard edged but resolution (sharpness) is excellent and images manage detail very well. Shadow areas contain little noise and noise is well controlled in low light images as well. Most casual photographers will like the slightly warm look (the camera is clearly biased to favor skin tones and bright colors)
Shutter Lag/Timing
The D560z is very quick for an entry-level digicam. The boot-up cycle is between three and four seconds (how long it takes the camera to extend the lens and be ready to shoot) better than average for entry level 3 megapixel digital cameras. Shot to shot times are a bit quicker than average (obviously the D560Z inherited the D 550’s large buffer. Shutter lag is a little shorter than average for three megapixel cameras, less than one second if you don’t pre-focus and almost instantaneous if you do. AF speed is about average for three megapixel entry level cameras, in good light, but a bit slower than average in dim light.
A Few Concerns
The D560Z’s auto white balance produces a slight pinkish cast and the daylight setting is also just a bit warmer than average.
The 3X zoom is sharp but it does exhibit some very minor barrel distortion at the wide-angle end of the zoom’s range. Optical distortion (pincushion) at the telephoto end of the zoom’s range is very well controlled and virtually invisible. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is visible but it is well controlled and should not be a problem except in extreme situations. There is very minor corner softness at maximum aperture, but overall the D560Z’s zoom is excellent and provides better performance than many more expensive digital cameras.
Olympus charges an extra $20.00 for the full “pro” version of the D560Z’s software, which is pretty chintzy. The D560Z’s new menu system is very user friendly, but it is not customizable by users.
Like all compact digital cameras, the D560Z has redeye issues (the cameras aren’t big enough to properly separate the lens and flash) and the redeye reduction (while it helps) is not really a viable solution.
If I could change one thing on the D560Z it would be the auto only ISO sensitivity---the camera does a good job of matching the camera selected ISO with lighting, however I’d have preferred at least a small level of user input.
Who is the D560Z Best Suited For?
The new Olympus Camedia D560Z is best suited to purchasers looking for a first digital camera or those who want to move up from a two megapixel digicam. The camera is competitively priced and very easy to use. Two years ago three megapixel digital cameras were very near the top of the digital imaging food chain, but the recent introductions of new four and five megapixel digital cameras and rapidly falling prices have made the three megapixel range the new entry level and that is great for consumers. The D560Z would make a great family camera--- it’s reasonably priced, easy to use, makes great looking photos, and its tough enough to take anywhere.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for your first digital camera there’s never been a better time to buy, the three megapixel market is flooded with capable digicams. The Olympus Camedia D560Z is compact enough to slip into a large pocket or small purse and tough enough to take anywhere. Under most lighting conditions the camera will deliver excellent digital photos and most important, the D560Z competes pretty well in this dog eat dog high tech marketplace.
Links
Check out my review of a bargain priced and very capable photo quality ink-jet printer.
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