Olympus D-550 Zoom Review

Click to take a 360-degree QTVR tour of the D-550

Olympus America's CAMEDIA D-550 ZOOM offers --a high resolution 3 Megapixel CCD; 2.8X optical zoom with a totally seamless 10X zoom (2.8X optical & 3.6X digital); 5 Scene Program modes with the Virtual Mode Dial; an improved easy menu navigation system; large 1.8" LCD; and high-end imaging features in a comfortable, compact and easy-to-use stylish clamshell body for only $399.

The D-550 ZOOM is the smart choice for all kinds of photographers, from the first time buyer who wants a higher resolution digital camera with optical zoom to previous digital camera owners who want to move up to resolution at an affordable price.

The Olympus D-550 ZOOM uses a newly designed 3 Megapixel CCD and offers sophisticated image quality features normally found on more advanced Olympus digital cameras. Olympus' high- quality 2 aspherical glass element 2.8x, 5.8-16.2mm zoom lens (36-100mm equivalent in 35mm photography) is matched to the CCD and designed for digital photography producing superior image quality. Advanced color management settings in the 5-Scene Program modes--Portrait, Landscape, Landscape+Portrait, Night Scene and Self Portrait mode--always give users optimum color and picture result. Additionally, the D-550 ZOOM features Automatic Noise Reduction technology for crisp, clean colors and sharp detail even when shooting long exposures in low light of one second and longer in the Night Scene mode. Olympus's exclusive TruePic™ technology optimizes the image quality for picture sharpness, contrast, true colors and gradation in all picture resolutions, along with Automatic Pixel Mapping, which analyzes the CCD, re-mapping it for maximum CCD performance.

The new 3:2 Recording Mode in the D-550 ZOOM allows users to create perfectly sized 4 x 6 prints along with a variety of other popular print sizes. The 3:2 aspect ratio is the standard image ratio for conventional 35mm film cameras, and the most requested print aspect ratio for photographic framing. The exclusive Virtual Mode Dial with the 5-Scene Program Modes lets anyone easily adjust the mode with a visually supported control circle menu displayed on the LCD for maximum ease of use and "the perfect shots."

The D-550 ZOOM offers easy to use USB(1.1) Auto-Connect, hassle-free for PC connectivity and downloading with most of the latest operating systems such as Windows XP and Mac OSX. Simply plug the camera into the USB port and you're ready to go.

Battery life is one of the most critically important features in a digital camera, and the D-550 ZOOM has long battery life allowing literally hundreds of shots in normal operation with four AA alkaline batteries (while using the LCD display and flash 50% of the time).

Camedia D-550 Zoom Features:

• 3.0 megapixel CCD (effective) allows for high-quality prints of 8" x 10" and beyond.
• Compact design makes the D-550 Zoom easy to handle and carry.
• A 2.8x optical and 3.6x digital zoom combine for a seamless 10x zoom for outstanding range.
• Auto-Connect USB(1.1).
• 5 Scene Program Modes: Self-Portrait; Portrait; Night Scene; Landscape; and Landscape + Portrait.
• Variety of resolution selections including the new 3:2 aspect mode for perfect size for framing prints.
• Olympus's TruePictechnology optimizes the image. quality for picture sharpness, contrast, true colors and gradation in all picture resolutions.
• Automatic Noise Reduction technology when shooting long exposures in low light in Night Scene mode.
• Automatic Pixel Mapping checks the CCD and re-maps it for maximum CCD performance.
• 1.8" LCD
• Virtual Mode Dial seven shooting modes
• New menu design
• QuickTime® movie.
• Built-in flash automatically pops up.

The D-550 ZOOM's availability is June, 2002 for $399. It comes with a 16MB SmartMedia card, USB cable, video cable, carrying strap, 4 AA alkaline batteries, CAMEDIA Master 4.0 software, manual, Quick Start Guide, and warranty card.