Olympus FE-210 Zoom Review

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Olympus FE-210 Zoom

Review posted 3/29/2007


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Click to take a QTVR tour of the FE-210


The FE-210 is one of several additions to Olympus' FE series of entry-level point-n-shoot models for 2007. These four new FE-series models combine slim design and easy operation to deliver impressive image quality without a steep learning curve - perfect for first-time camera owners. The FE-210, FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 all feature a 2.5-inch LCD, Built-in Help Guides, Pre-set Shooting Modes and Digital Image Stabilization. Bright Capture is also available for the first time in select FE-series cameras.

The FE-210 features a 7.1-megapixel imager, 3x optical zooms, as well as Built-in Help Guides, including a Shooting Guide, that let users choose the desired effect and the camera adjusts to those settings automatically

These new FE-series cameras feature an enhanced Help Guide that makes digital photography simple for users of all levels. A tutorial "shooting guide" educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as "shooting into backlight" and "adjusting coloration." The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various photographic scenarios, but also actually sets the camera with the touch of a button, making the transition from learning to doing instantaneous.

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) comes standard on these new models, for capturing crisp, clear pictures. DIS freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. The FE-230 and FE-240 also feature Digital Image Stabilization Edit, which uses a built-in gyro sensor to track camera movement so you can fix blurry images right in the camera.

They also feature a "One Touch" design with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images, conveniently located on the top of the cameras with icons so that frequently used functions can be accessed easily. Shooting, playback, zoom and delete options are at your fingertips. Macro mode, flash mode and a self-timer are located on the 4way controller for quick use while setting up the perfect composition.

The inclusion of pre-set shooting modes, accessed via a rotating dial and menu button on the back of the cameras, makes it easy to capture great images in a variety of shooting situations, such as Sports, Fireworks, and Night Scene with Portrait. The FE-210 offers Movie mode without sound, which enables users to create short movies with small files sizes, that can be easily emailed to family and friends. The FE-230, FE-240 and FE-250 capture movies at a higher resolution with audio, providing television quality movies. The FE-210, FE-240 and FE-250 offer 16 different shooting modes, while the FE-230 features 19 shooting modes including three underwater scene modes.

Connecting any FE Series camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects the camera directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software. The included OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View.


FE-210 Zoom Features:

  • 7.1 Megapixel CCD imager
  • 3x optical (38 - 114mm 35mm equiv) zoom, 4x digital zoom
  • Digital Image Stabilization and Built-in Help Guide
  • 2.5" color LCD and 10x playback zoom
  • 16 shooting modes
  • Movie mode without audio at sizes of 640x480/15fps (SHQ) or 320x240/15fps (HQ)
  • Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
  • Shutter speeds of 4 seconds to 1/2000 second
  • Auto ISO range from 64 - 640
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries (Alkaline cells included (Ni-MH or LI optional)
  • USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
  • USB connectivity for PC and Mac
  • 7MB of internal memory
  • Card slot supports xD-Picture card Type H/M up to 2GB


The FE-210 is available now with an MSRP of US$149.99. It ships with: two AA Batteries, USB Cable, Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide, Basic Manual, CD-ROM (includes OLYMPUS Master Software and Advanced Manual) and Warranty Card.

Physical Views



Olympus FE-210 Zoom

Olympus FE-210 Zoom

Olympus FE-210 Zoom Olympus FE-210 Zoom

Olympus FE-210 Zoom

Olympus FE-210 Zoom





Olympus FE-210 Zoom

The FE-210 compared to an average CD disc.





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Features & Controls


FE-210 Zoom Specifications
Imager 7.1 Megapixel (effective), 7.4 Megapixel gross, 1/2.5" (1cm) CCD
Lens 6.3 - 18.9mm (38 - 114mm equivalent in 35mm photography), 6 lenses in 5 groups
Zoom 3x Optical + 4x Digital (Seamless to 12x)
Aperture Range f3.1 - f5.9
LCD 2.5" (6.4cm) Color LCD, 154,000 pixels
Focus System Autofocus (CCD Contrast Detection, iESP, Single)
Focus Range Normal: (Wide) 23.6" (0.6m) - infinity; (Tele) 39.4" (1.0m) - infinity
Macro Mode: (Wide) 3.9" (0.1m) - infinity; (Tele) 23.6" (0.6m) - infinity
Super Macro Mode: 2.0" (0.05m) - infinity
Shutter Speed Auto (1/2000 sec. - 4 sec.)
ISO Auto (64 - 640)
Exposure Compensation ±2 EV steps in 1/3 EV steps
Recording Modes Still Image: Exif 2.21, JPEG, PIM3 Movie Mode: AVI Motion JPEG with Audio
Adjustment Resolutions 3,072 x 2,304, SHQ / HQ 2,048 x 1,536, SQ1 640 x 480, SQ2 1,920 x 1,080, 16:9
Shooting Modes 16 Shooting Modes: Program Auto, Scene Presets (Portrait, Landscape, Night & Portrait, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Sunset, Sport, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Behind Glass, Auction), Digital Image Stabilization Mode, Movie
Panorama Modes Up to 10 frames automatically stitchable with OLYMPUS Master Software when using Olympus brand xD-Picture Card™
Movie Mode AVI Motion JPEG without audio: 640x480/15fps (SHQ), 320x240/15fps (HQ)
Pixel Mapping Automatic Pixel Mapping (APM) available via menu setting
Noise Reduction Set automatically in select Scene Modes
Image Playback Still Image: Single, Index (4/9/16/25), Enlargement (up to 10x), Slideshow, My Favorites, Rotation Movie: Normal, Reverse, Frame-By-Frame
Playback Edit Effects Still Image: Resize (640x480, 320x240)
Direct Printing Options PictBridgeTM, DPOF
Flash Built-in
Flash Modes Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off
Flash Working Range Wide: 0.33 ft. (0.1m) - 12.8 ft. (3.9m)
Tele: 2.0 ft. (0.6m) - 6.9 ft. (2.1m)
Selftimer 12 Seconds
Setting Memorization On/Off (Hold changes/Reset to default settings)
Date/Time Calendar Simultaneous recording into image data, Automatic up to 2099
Memory 7MB of internal Memory, xD-Picture Card™ (Std/Type H/M- 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB)
Outer Connectors USB, Video Output, DC Input
Auto-connect USB 2.0 Full Speed (USB mass storage)
System Requirements Auto-connect USB: Windows® 98SE/ME/2000PRO/XP/VISTA with USB port, Mac OS® 9.0-9.2x/OS X 10.1-10.4 with USB port. Software: Windows® 2000PRO/XP/VISTA, Mac® 10.3 and higher
Operating Environment Operation: 32° - 104°F (0° - 40°C), 30% - 90% humidity Storage: -4° - 140°F (-20° - 60°C), 10% - 90% humidity
Power Supply (2) AA Batteries, (2) Ni-MH OR (2) LI AA Batteries (optional)
Size 3.5" W x 2.5" H x 1.2" D (90.0mm x 62.5mm x 30.5mm)
Weight 4.3oz. (122g) without batteries and media card




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