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Olympus D-580 Zoom Review
By Movable Type Admin
 Click to take a 360-degree QTVR tour of the D-580 Because the purchase of a new digital camera can sometimes be a challenge for beginning photographers, Olympus cut through the dizzying array of options to create a camera with all of the essential features they need to enjoy the digital experience. The result is the new D-580 Zoom, a compact point-and-shoot digital camera with a stylish design that combines all of the user-friendly features beginners want with the high-quality optics and megapixel power they need for great-looking results. The D-580 Zoom features everything necessary to "go digital" including a powerful, world-class Olympus 3x Optical Zoom lens and 4x Digital Zoom matched to a 4.0-megapixel sensor, and a built in microphone to record images with audio. It's picture perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-use digital that produces rich, vibrant images up to 11" x 14" quickly and easily. And thanks to PictBridge™ technology, no computer is required to print out images. The camera's 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor is combined with an enhanced image processor called TruePic TURBO™ that significantly improves image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO allows the D-580 Zoom to capture information from all 4.0 million pixels with pixel "micro-smoothing" that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. Prints are big enough to crop and print up to 11" x 14" and larger. The D-580 Zoom features a 3X Optical Zoom (35-105mm, f3.1/5.2 - f5.2 equivalent in 35mm photography), that when combined with a 4X digital zoom, delivers a total seamless 12X zoom. The Macro Mode allows users to take close up photographs to capture details like dewdrops on a flower petal. Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; auto white balance; multiple flash settings and exposure compensation. The D-580 Zoom has a bright optical viewfinder and auto-focus capability to enable photographers to accurately frame and focus their shots. Composing and reviewing images with an LCD is an asset when taking digital pictures because it allows users to accurately frame their photographs and make decisions about saving or deleting them. To ensure that their shots can be easily viewed, the D-580 Zoom features a large 1.8-inch LCD screen. The D-580 Zoom offers a menu architecture that's easy to navigate for fast access to the right settings with just the press of arrow buttons. Seven preset shooting modes are conveniently accessed through the camera's "Virtual Dial" (viewable through the LCD menu) to provide fully automatic exposure adjustments for the photographer who wants optimum results in a wide variety of settings: Program Auto, Portrait, Portrait-Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Self Portrait, and Movie. The D-580 Zoom has a durable polycarbonate body with an attractive metallic accent on its sliding protective clamshell lens barrier. This pocket-friendly camera's small size (4.3" W x 2.3" H x 1.4" D) and light weight (5.8 ounces) is due in part to its exclusive use of the miniature xD-Picture Card, and it comes with a 16MB card for straight out-of-the-box use. While past D-Series models featured a pop-up flash that would be released upon sliding open the cameras' lens barrier, the new D-Series cameras have built-in flashes that do not pop up and offer 6 settings to provide the widest range of options. Keeping the flash in the camera body further compliments the camera's compact design.
Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the supplied Auto-Connect USB function that does not require software drivers for hassle-free image downloads. Images and movies may also be viewed on a television with the supplied video cable. The camera can be powered by two standard AA batteries, alkaline, NiMH or photo lithium or one CR-3V type battery. The D-580 Zoom is available now for about $279 and includes a 16MB xD-Picture Card™, (2) AA alkaline batteries, an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, wrist strap, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software, user manual and Quick Start guide. |
Physical Views
The Camedia D-580 Zoom compared in size to a CD.
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Features & Controls
D-580 Zoom Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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