Olympus C-50 Zoom Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the C-50 Zoom

The CAMEDIA C-50 Zoom is an ultra-compact 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a sleek, all-metal body. The C-50 is as easy-to-use as a point and shoot, with features that support advanced photographic control. It's an ideal camera for anyone who wants to take great pictures on the fly at any occasion. The C-50 Zoom offers a 3X optical zoom (12X total seamless zoom when combined with the 4X digital zoom), which is optically the equivalent zoom range of 38mm to 114mm. Sporting a fast shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second for action photography, the extensive shutter speed range also allows long exposures of up to 8 seconds, enabling photographers to express their creativity when capturing night scenes or sunsets.

The C-50 Zoom features a mode dial that enables quick settings for an assortment of shooting situations with a turn of the dial. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For photographers who want optimum results in a wide variety of settings, the easy-to-use Scene Programs on the mode dial provides fully automatic exposure adjustments for Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, and Sports or Action photography. The special "My Mode" feature is a time saver as it enables users to assign frequently used functions for quick and easy access.

The C-50 Zoom has an optical viewfinder as well as a 1.5" color LCD display which displays aperture, shutter speed, and image quality settings and can be used in playback to review shots The C-50 Zoom's advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual operation and are ideal for experienced photographers who want to take control. Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television with the video cable.

Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation. The camera comes with a built-in flash that offers 6 settings to provide the widest range of options.

Another great feature of the C-50 Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTime video (without sound) so users can create short movies that can be sent over the Internet to co-workers, friends and family.

Olympus C-50 Zoom features:

• Ultra-compact all-metal body provides durability and a stylish look
• 5-Megapixel CCD for images up to 2560 x 1920
• 3x all-glass zoom lens, 38mm to 114mm equivalent focal length
• JPEG or uncompressed TIFF image formats
• 1.5-inch color LCD monitor
• 320x240 QuickTime motion video at 15fps up to 30 secs.
• Auto Exposure Bracketing, 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV and 1 EV, 3 or 5 images
• Macro focus down to 7.8 inches
• Digital ESP multi-pattern and Spot metering modes.
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority or full Manual exposure control.
• Shuter speeds from 8 secs to 1/1000 sec in Manual mode.
• Sharpness and Contrast is adjustable
• Sepia, black & white and resize editing effects
• ISO sensitivity can be fixed at 80, 160, 320 or automatic.
• Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red-eye reduction and Slow-sync modes
• xD-Picture Card removable media
• Storage Class USB connectivity insures quick and simple image downloads to Windows XP, Me, 2000 or Mac OS 8.6+ computers
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
• EXIF 2.2, PRINT Image Matching compatible

The C-50 Zoom will be available in November 2002 for an estimated street price of $599. It includes an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, Li-B10 Li-ION battery and charger, a 32MB xD-Picture Card, RM-1 Remote Controller, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software 4.0, user manual and Quick Start guide.

Physical Views

The C50 Zoom compared in size to a standard CD disc

Olympus' 5-Megapixel duo, the C-5050 Zoom and the C-50 Zoom