Olympus Ferrari Digital 2004 Review

Click on the Ferrari 2004 to take a QuickTime VR tour

Olympus is the official sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team and is producing the limited-edition Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL 2004 camera. It's the second in the Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL series of Olympus cameras to be officially sanctioned by Ferrari S.p.A.   Approximately 1,000 of these limited-edition models will be sold at select retailers throughout North and South America, out of the 10,000 total units being sold worldwide.

The 3.2-megapixel Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL features several Olympus innovations housed in an aluminum body finished in distinctive Ferrari Red that exudes the aura of beauty, quality and advanced technology that are hallmarks of the Ferrari racing machines. Olympus collaborated with Ferrari designers to ensure that an authentic F1 look was achieved. A special finishing process that produces a deeper luster was used to better match the signature Ferrari red of Ferrari racing car bodies. The camera body has carbon-tone accents that have the same texture as the carbon fiber material used to create Ferrari F1 racing car bodies, and on the back you'll find the distinctive "Prancing Horse" logo of the Ferrari F1 team.

The Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL is one of the first Olympus digital cameras to feature a 3X optical zoom lens with a folded light path (equivalent to 38-114mm zoom in 35mm format). It's the slimmest, most compact digital camera Olympus has ever produced. The flat metal body measures only 3.7" (W) x 2.6" (H) x .9" (D) and weighs just 5.6 ounces. Just like the Ferrari race car, no extra weight has been added to the body in order to make it as ergonomic as possible.

The Olympus TruePic TURBO image processor enhances high-resolution detail and suppresses noise for sharper, clearer image quality, and optimizes overall processing speed for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. Composing and reviewing images is enhanced with a newly developed large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with three times the contrast of conventional LCD screens. It dramatically reproduces images with excellent definition and bright, vivid colors and offers a 160° viewing angle.

The Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL 2004 comes with its own "garage," a multi-function docking station that allows users to take full advantage of the large, high-quality LCD display by setting the camera upright and using it as an attractive photo stand. The dock is equipped with a DC power input terminal, an Audio-Video output terminal, and a USB port. It recharges the camera's high-capacity battery and allows direct printing to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer.

In addition to regular shooting modes, the Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL is equipped with 22 optimized Scene Program modes including a Beach & Snow mode for sunny days at the beach or in snowy mountains, a Sunset mode and a Candle mode, that boost color saturation without using the flash in low-light situations, an Available Light Portrait mode that adjusts light sensitivity to allow pictures to be taken in very low light without using the flash, a Document mode that ensures text legibility, and more.

The easy-to-understand LCD screen menu interface is designed with entry-level users in mind, and provides a short explanation of each mode's function when a Scene Program mode is selected. A new control dial significantly enhances operating ease by allowing users to cycle through the various settings displayed on the LCD screen menu by rotating the dial with the index finger of the right hand and activating the desired setting with a quick press of the thumb.

Ferrari Digital 2004 Features:

• 3.2-megapixel CCD for images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels
• 3x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38-114mm zoom on a 35mm camera
• Stylish and highly durable aluminum, Ferrari-red body
• Program (Auto), Movie, and 22 Scene program modes
• High contrast 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 215,000 pixels
• Record movies at resolutions of 320x240 or 160x120 with audio
• Add voice memos to still pictures
• Shutter speeds from 1/725 to 1/2 second (up to 4 secs in night mode)
• Built-in flash with auto, fill and red-eye reduction modes
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• xD-Picture Card media, 16MB card included
• Auto-Connect USB for quick and easy image transfer to computer
• Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger/docking station included

The Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL includes an impressive array of accessories that, like the camera body, were designed in collaboration with Ferrari designers. The special packaging includes a number of rare Ferrari original items including a camera case and strap that feature a matching design, and are constructed of black, high-quality Alcantara-textured material with red stitching that is similar to the buckskin-finish material used in Ferrari racing cars.

There is also a special presentation box for camera storage embossed with the Prancing Horse logo, a Certificate of Authenticity that shows the camera's serial number, a Certificate of Authenticity card folder with autographed photos of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, an original instruction manual, and a Ferrari photo collection CD-ROM. The photo collection includes images from the five-year period 1999-2003, when Ferrari won consecutive Constructors World Championship titles.

The Olympus Ferrari Digital 2004 will be available in late July, 2004 with an estimated street price of $699 (U.S.).

Physical Views

The Ferrari Digital 2004 compared in size to a standard CD.

The Ferrari Digital 2004 and the Stylus Digital 410