Olympus VR-350 Review

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Review posted 12/04/2012

Quick Take
Pros
  • VR-350 is an inexpensive camera
  • This model is very easy to use
  • Dedicated Help button is nice for learning more about the camera, along with general photography tips
  • Beginners will appreciate on-screen explanations of features
  • Battery/memory card compartment has a sturdy latch
  • 16MP of resolution
  • Art filters can be fun to use
  • Small flash works pretty well for low-light photos
  • When powered down, lens retracts fully inside camera, and lens glass is protected by an automatic cover
  • LCD is a good size and is sharp
  • Shortcut menu gives you quick access to settings
  • 10x optical zoom is a nice feature
  • Colors in photos are realistic and bright
  • VR-350 has 3D photo mode
Cons
  • Camera is a little chunky versus other low-end point-n-shoots
  • Control buttons are too small and aren't comfortable to use
  • Very limited number of manual control settings
  • Number of menu choices are extremely limited
  • Some menu options are very odd, and some expected menu options are missing
  • Menus respond very slowly when you press buttons
  • Video options are limited, including no zoom availability
  • Only can shoot 720p HD video
  • No cover for USB port
  • No HDMI port
  • Camera's response times are slow
  • In-camera editing options are limited
  • Camera has some softness in images
  • Flash's position makes it easy to block with a finger
  • Similarities of VR-350 to VR-340 and VR-360 may confuse some photographers
Bottom Line
The Olympus VR-350 (which is almost identical to the VR-340 and VR-360) has some specifications that will grab your attention in its price point of a little over $100. With 16MP of resolution, a sharp 3.0-inch LCD, and a 10x optical zoom lens, the VR-350 provides a good value. However, this camera's performance level isn't very good, about like what you'd expect to find in a camera with such a low price tag. The VR-350 responds slowly to commands, has some softness in images, and its video capabilities are well below average. However, its nice zoom lens and easy-to-use configuration - coupled with the low price - make those problems easier to handle for a beginning photographer. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
For 2012, Olympus has introduced three almost identical models in their V-Series line of compact, point-and-shoot digital still cameras; the VR-340, VR-350, and the VR-360. The VG-350 and VR-340 are pretty much the same cameras, with the VR-350 only adding 3D still image capture. Core features include a 16-megapixel CCD image sensor, 3.0" LCD screen, and a 10x optical zoom lens, which offers a 35mm-equivalent range of 24-240mm. Combined with AF Tracking mode, you'll be able to capture wide visits as well as distant action shots of moving targets. The camera's also capable of recording 720p HD video.

Olympus VR-350 Features:
  • 10x super wide optical zoom lens (24-240mm)
  • 16 megapixel CCD image sensor
  • 3.0" LCD view screen
  • AF Illuminator
  • Magic Art Filters
  • Beauty Make-up Mode
  • AF Tracking
  • 720p HD video
  • 3D still photo capture mode
  • Large Li-ion battery pack (up to 300 shots)
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot

With an estimated street price of $129.99 USD, the Olympus VR-350 is quite affordable. You can choose from several colors, including Black, Red, Silver, Purple, and White (color options will depend on your location in the world). See our lowest price button at the top right to see the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:
  • VR-350 Camera body
  • Lithium-ion battery (LI-50B)
  • USB cable
  • AC adapter (F-2AC)
  • Instruction manual and software CD
  • Audio/Video cable
  • Strap


Additional Product Views:

VR-340_BLK_LEFT.jpg
VR-340_BLK_FRONT.jpg
VR-340_BLK_BACK.jpg

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