Olympus D-520 Zoom Review

By: Steve's Digicams


Steve's Digicams

Olympus

Camedia D-520 Zoom



Posted 3/18/2002




Click to take a 360-degree QTVR tour of the D-520


The Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom is an easy-to-use, pocketable, 2-Megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom. It replaces the D-510 Zoom, and is 30% smaller with a sleek metallic silver body.

The D-520 Zoom offers a choice of four resolution levels, an assortment of image edit effect modes, such as black & white, sepia and file resize and also includes the ability to record full motion video and view images and movies on a TV. The movie mode records up to 60 seconds of full motion video (160x120 size) at 15 frames per second with the included 16MB SmartMedia card.

The D-520 Zoom creates high-quality prints up to 8" x 10", as well as providing settings for different image quality and file sizes depending on the application. Even at the lowest resolution setting, the D-520 Zoom delivers quility images for e-mailing photos or for posting images on the web.

For fast and simple downloading, the D-520 Zoom features USB AutoConnect technology. The Olympus USB AutoConnect feature allows users to plug the camera directly into any USB- configured computer. No drivers, additional software, or the additional cost of docking stations are required for PCs running the latest operating systems including Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Me and Mac OS™ 8.6 and higher - these computers will mount and recognize the D-520 Zoom automatically.

The 1.5" LCD display allows for enhanced playback and viewing options, including 4, 9 or 16-frame Index Display Mode, Single Frame Display with 1.5X, 2.0X, 2.5X and 3.0X Zoom Inspection, plus sequential image scrolling. The LCD monitor also serves as the camera's control panel, with an easy to use jog dial and arrow keys to select modes and settings.

Camedia D-520 Zoom Features:

  • 2-Megapixel imager for images up to 1600x1200 pixels
  • Olympus all-glass 3X Optical Zoom f2.8 - f4.4
  • 1.5" color LCD display
  • QuickTime Movie mode at 15fps, 360x240 or 160x120
  • ESP matrix or Spot metering
  • USB AutoConnect technology
  • 30% smaller and lighter than previous D-510 zoom
  • 2-in-1, Portrait and Panorama modes.
  • Sequential shooting at 1.8 frames per second (max. 5 frames in HQ).
  • 2 in 1 image merge perfect for business cards, real estate shots and before and after shots.
The D-520 will be available April 2002 with a suggested retail price of $349 (street retail approx. $299). It includes an Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software 4.0 for photo manipulation and management, 16MB SmartMedia Card, USB cable, strap, 2 AA Alkaline batteries, user manual, and warranty card.




Physical Views



Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-520 ZoomOlympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom





Olympus Camedia D-520 Zoom

The D-520 compared in size to a CD.





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D-520 Zoom Specifications
CCD Imager 2.0 Megapixel Effective
2.1 Megapixel Gross (Full optical CCD resolution)
Size: 1/3.2" (.31") CCD
Lens Olympus asperical glass 3x zoom lens 5-15mm (38-114mm in 35mm)
Seamless Digital Zoom 2.5x digital
Aperture Range f2.8 to f7.5 (W) - f4.9 to f7.5 (T)
Shutter Speeds 1/1000 sec. - 1/2 sec. Automatic
ISO Auto: 80-200 (automatic)
Recording Mode(s) Still image: EXIF JPEG, DCF. Movie Mode: QuickTime® Motion JPEG
Adjustable Resolutions 1600 x 1200 SHQ JPEG
1600 x 1200 HQ JPEG
1024 x 768 SQ1 JPEG
640 x 480 SQ2 JPEG
320 x 240 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG (15 sec. Max)
160 x 120 @15fps QuickTime Motion JPEG (60 sec. Max)
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) Print Reserve, All print reservation, Date or time printing
Image Edit Modes Sepia Mode
Black and White Mode
Resize - file size for email or web
Picture Rotation Mode
Panorama Up to 10 frames switchable with CAMEDIA Master software when using Olympus brand SmartMediaTM
Sequence 1.2 frames per second burst up to 8 frames in HQ mode
Viewfinder Optical real-image viewfinder with autofocus / backlight mark
LCD 1.5" (3.8cm) Wide-View color TFT LCD (114,000 pixels) used for viewing, reviewing or editing images
Focusing System iESP Multi-Pattern AF (autofocus) TTL system (contrast detection)
Focusing Ranges Macro Mode 8" - 20" (0.2m-0.5m)
Standard AF 20" - Infinity (0.5m - Infinity)
Exposure Control Program Auto f 2.8 - f7.5, 1/2 / 1/2000 sec.
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 Steps EV by 1/2 stop settings.
Metering System Digital ESP Multi-Pattern Meter, Spot
White Balance System iESP Multi-pattern auto TTL
Pre-set manual (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten and Fluorescent)
Flash Built-in Flash
Flash Modes Auto Flash for low and backlight
"Red-eye" Reduction Flash
Fill-in Flash (forced on flash)
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (1st curtain effect)
Slow Shutter Synchronized Flash (1st curtain effect w/ red-eye reduction)
Flash Off
Flash Working Range Wide: 8" - 15' (0.2m - 4.5m) @ ISO 100
Flash Charging Time Approx. 6 seconds (at normal temperature with fresh batteries)
Removable Media Card 3V (3.3V) SmartMediaTM card (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 MB)
16-MB card included
Selftimer 12-second delay
Setting Memorization On/Off
Camera remembers selected settings after power off / on
Outer Connectors USB connector (Auto-Connect), NTSC video out, DC input (optional AC adapter)
Auto-connect USB Compatible with Windows 98 rev2/ME/2000 Pro/XP-MacOS 8.6-9.01/OSX
Image Playback Index display, up to 3X enlargement, Slide-show, Scene rotation
Operating Environment Operation: 32° F - 104°F (0°C - 40°C) 30-90% Humidity
Storage: -4° F - 140°F (-20°C - 60°C) 10-90% Humidity
Power Supply Main Power Source: 2 x AA Alkaline batteries (included)
1 x LB-01 (CR-3V) Lithium batteries
2 x AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
2 x AA Lithium batteries
2 x AA NiCd rechargeable batteries
AC Power: C-7AU AC adapter (optional)
(Manganese batteries cannot be used)
Date/Time Calendar Simultaneous recording into image date
Calendar Automatic up to the year 2099
Size 4.4" (W) x 2.4" (H) x 1.3" (D)/(112mm x 62mm x 35mm)
Weight 6.1 oz. (174 g), without batteries and SmartMedia

NOTE: These Specifications are as represented by the manufacturer.




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