Olympus Camedia C-4000 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom Review
Olympus Camedia C-4000 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom Feature
- 4.0 megapixel sensor captures 2,288 x 1,712 images for prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond
- 3x optical plus 3.3x digital zoom lens (for 10x total) with autofocus
- Stores photos on 16 MB SmartMedia card--16 images at high-quality setting
- Movie mode captures up to 2 minutes of video with no audio; connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
- Includes 2 CR-V3 lithium-ion batteries (model LB-01); also accepts NiMH rechargeable batteries
With exposure options ranging from automatic to manual control, as well as six innovative scene program modes, it's easy to customize the Olympus C-4000 digital camera for any shot you line up. The C-4000 features a 4-megapixel CCD sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, and expandability via SmartMedia cards.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a CCD sensor with 4 million effective pixels, the C-4000 can capture digital images up to 2,288 x 1,712 pixels for 11-by-14-inch prints and beyond. The C-4000 features an Olympus aspherical glass lens (6.5-19.5mm, or 32-96mm equivalent in 35mm photography) that's designed exclusively for digital photography and provides vibrant color and sharp detail. It features an aperture range of f2.8 to f11.
Shoot both wide-angle and close-up shots easily with the 10x total zoom lens (3x optical and 3.3x digital). Use the macro mode to shoot a flower from a distance of 8 inches, or use supermacro mode to shoot a dewdrop on a petal from just 1 inch away.
Storage and Transfer
The 16 MB SmartMedia memory card supplied with the C-4000 can store 16 images at the default high-quality setting (2,288 x 1,712 pixels). You can save images as either a TIFF or a JPEG. We recommend purchasing an additional high-capacity memory card.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the C-4000 produces digital videos in two formats--320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels--for QuickTime movies at 15 frames per second. You can shoot movies up to 2 minutes in length.
The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
More Features
The advanced manual controls let you take the picture you envision. Or choose full-auto mode for point-and-shoot simplicity. The C-4000 also includes six scene modes, including portrait, self-portrait, sport, landscape, landscape-portrait, and night scene. There are even four customizable "my modes" for instant access to your favorite combinations of camera settings. The new virtual-dial interface provides quick, easy, and intuitive access to all shooting modes, including the six scene modes.
For extra-large prints, choose the optimum image enlargement mode to increase image size to the equivalent of 7.6 million pixels (3,200 x 2,400). And with 3:2 aspect modes, you can print photos in traditional 35mm format. Olympus's noise-reduction technology helps prevent the image noise that could otherwise appear in longer exposures taken in low light. The C-4000's USB autoconnect enables you to connect to your PC automatically--no driver software is required to transfer photos to most computers
Power
The camera is powered by two CR-V3 lithium-ion battery packs (included). We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries (you'll need a total of four AA NiMH batteries to power the camera) and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch.
Size
The C-4000 measures 4.3 by 3.0 by 2.8 inches and 10.5 ounces (without battery).
Contents
This package includes the Olympus C-4000 digital camera, a 16 MB SmartMedia card, AV and USB cables, two CR-V3 lithium-ion battery packs (model LB-01), carrying strap, lens cap and retainer cord, Camedia Master software CD-ROM, drivers for Mac and Windows, and a printed instruction manual.
The CAMEDIA C-4000ZOOM has exactly the qualities ambitious amateur photographers are looking for: innovative yet easy-to-use technology and a high-quality, bright 3x zoom lens able to draw in distant objects for a more detailed view. Even the price is right. No matter whether using the auto program mode or adjusting the settings manually, the images not only impress on the monitor but - thanks to the CCD's four million pixel power - even when printed in A3 format.
