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Olympus D-490 Zoom

Olympus updates a popular 1.3 megapixel model to 2 megapixels, with improved features.

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Page 1:Intro and Highlights

Review First Posted: 10/28/2000

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2.1 megapixel resolution for 1,600 x 1,200-pixel images
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3X optical zoom lens (35-105mm equivalent) with autofocus
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Variable ISO, 100 to 400
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Spot metering option for difficult lighting conditions
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New QuickTime Movie features



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Manufacturer Overview

Olympus America continues to introduce high-quality new products to the rapidly growing market of filmless digital cameras. On the prosumer side, Olympus recently introduced the E-10, the first 4-megapixel digital camera priced for the professional/serious amateur photographer. Less-expensive models include the Camedia C-2100 Ultra Zoom and ES-100 RS (Rapid Shot) digital cameras - with 2.1- and 1.5-megazpixel CCDs, respectively. Both of these cameras feature 10X image-stabilizer zoom lenses that greatly extend focusing capabilities among consumer-level digicams. The ES-100 RS even provides rapid shooting speeds of up to 15 frames per second! The D-490 Zoom is the company�s latest midrange model, featuring a 2.1-megapixel CCD and 3X zoom autofocus lens. The fourth in a series of D-400 cameras, the D-490 combines advanced options like variable ISO and spot metering with point-and-shoot simplicity. The real plus is the 3X optical zoom lens, which provides greatly enhanced framing flexibility. We're big believers in the value of zoom lenses for general-use cameras, and the D-490 Zoom combines good quality optics with solid camera performance.


Highlights

  • 2.1 megapixel CCD delivers 640 x 480- to 1,600 x 1,200-pixel resolution images
  • Variable ISO: w/auto or manual selection of ISO 100/200/400
  • 3X optical zoom (35-105mm equivalent) with f/2.8-f/4.4 maximum aperture
  • Up to 2.5X (1.6, 2.0, 2.5x) "digital telephoto" at any focal length
  • Macro focusing to 8 inches (20cm)
  • 1/1,000- to 1/2-second shutter speeds
  • Optical and LCD Monitor viewfinders
  • Diopter adjustment for optical viewfinder
  • Four recording modes, including uncompressed TIFF
  • Built-in flash with six operating modes
  • Five user-selectable white balance settings
  • Panorama exposure mode when using Olympus-branded memory cards
  • Sequential shooting up to two frames per second
  • QuickTime Movie mode
  • Direct print to optional Olympus photo printer (P-200, 330, 330N, 400)
  • SmartMedia image storage, 8MB card included
  • Power via 4 AA batteries (alkalines included, buy a set of NiMH rechargeables!)

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