Olympus D-40 Zoom Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the D-40 Zoom

The D-40 Zoom measures just 3.4" (wide) x 2.7" (high) x 1.7" (thick), it's not only one of the smallest, but one of the most technologically advanced digital cameras on the market. Incorporating a new 2.8x optical zoom lens, matched to a 4-Megapixel (effective) CCD imager, it delivers rich, colorful, sharp and detailed photographs. Enhanced Color Management delivers better skin tones in portraits, truer blue skies and greener trees in landscapes, without any further operator programming. Users simply select the mode, point and shoot.

For night shots or long exposures, the D-40 Zoom features a Noise Reduction mode. The 4-megapixel CCD produces images up to 2272 x 1704 pixel files that can create prints up to 11" x 14". An Optimum Image Enlargement mode for applications requiring larger output gives users the flexibility to print images up to 16" x 20". The D-40 Zoom offers great picture quality, is easy to use and builds a range of advanced features into a hassle-free camera that fits in the palm of a hand.

A new LCD menu interface gives users fast and easy access to commonly used functions. Three of the four default menu categories in the top menu can be programmed by the user as shortcuts, eliminating the need to navigate multiple screens to change camera settings. The D-40 Zoom features a new 10-position Mode Dial, with creative modes pre-set to fine tune exposure, white balance and color saturation settings for any shooting situation. A new "My Image" mode gives users one-touch access to their own customized settings.

To download, save and share photos, the D-40 Zoom also features Olympus' USB Auto-Connect technology. USB Auto-Connect executes fast and worry-free image file downloads without the need for additional software or drivers for Windows® 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP and Mac OS 8.6 - Mac OS X computers.

The D-40 Zoom offers a host of easy to use capabilities for maximum photographic image quality and creativity. The iESP multi-patterned White Balance system automatically adjusts camera settings to ensure proper color reproduction. Metering modes are automatic and feature a choice of ESP multi-patterned or spot metering for easy, yet advanced exposure control. In addition to full manual operation, users can select from Aperture or Shutter Priority, multiple Program Scene modes, a two-frame-per-second Burst mode, Black- and-White and Sepia shooting modes, Auto Exposure Bracketing and Exposure Compensation settings.

Features of the D-40 ZOOM:

• Super-compact and lightweight, just 6.7 ounces
• 4-megapixel CCD for images up to 2272 x 1704
• Optimum Image Enlargement mode [OIE] - Enlarges images up to 3200 x 2400 pixels (7.7 Megapixels) in SHQ or HQ mode
• SQ, HQ and SHQ JPEG modes as well as uncompressed TIFF format.
• 320x240 QuickTime motion video at 15fps with sound up to 30 secs.
• 2 frames/second HQ burst, up to 8 frames (excluding TIFF)
• Autoexposure Bracketing, 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV and 1 EV, 3 or 5 images
• Spot AF, iESP AF and manual focus modes.
• 1.5-inch color TFT LCD monitor.
• Digital iESP multi-pattern and spot metering modes.
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority or full Manual exposure control.
• Noise Reduction System for exposures of four seconds or longer
• 10-position Mode Dial provides for easier access to program scene modes such as Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Scene, Night Scene and more.
• "My Image" mode - create unique custom settings that can be accessed by turning the Mode Dial to the "My Image" position.
• Sharpness (Hard, Normal, Soft) and Contrast (High, Normal, Low) settings
• Sepia mode, black & white mode, blackboard mode or whiteboard mode
• ISO sensitivity can be fixed at 100, 200, 400 or automatic.
• White balance options now include a custom one-touch function.
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• Automatic Pixel Mapping - correct the rare occurrence of dead (black) pixels or stuck (white) pixels without returning the camera for service.
• USB Auto-Connect - Connect to most any USB-compatible Windows computer (running Windows Me, 2000, or XP) or Macintosh (running MacOS 8.6 - OS X) in seconds.

The D-40 ZOOM ships with a 16MB Olympus SmartMedia memory card, USB cable, AV cable, one LB-01 Lithium battery (also uses 2 standard AA batteries), RM-1 remote control, Olympus Camedia Master Software for image manipulation and creation, instruction manual, QuickStart Guide, and strap.

Physical Views

The ultra-compact D-40 Zoom and the 3-megapixel Pentax Optio 330.