Olympus FE-47 Review

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FE-47 Overview

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FE-47 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Olympus FE-47
Resolution:	14.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	5.00x zoom (36-180mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	64 - 1600
Shutter:	1/2000 - 4 sec
Max Aperture:	3.5
Dimensions:	3.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 in. (98 x 61 x 27 mm)
Weight:	6.1 oz (174 g)
MSRP:	$120
Availability:	01/2010
Manufacturer:	Olympus
Full specs:	Olympus FE-47 specifications

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14.00 Megapixels	5.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

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The Olympus FE-47's compact, 1.1-inch thick body contains a 1/2.3"-type 14-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled to an Olympus-branded 5x optical zoom lens which offers focal length equivalents from a not-so-wide 36mm wide angle to a useful 180mm telephoto. A 2.7-inch LCD display with 230,000 dot resolution offers the FE-47's only option for framing and reviewing images, as there's no optical viewfinder on this model. The Olympus FE47 does not offer true mechanical or optical image stabilization, providing only "Digital Image Stabilization" - essentially a setting that causes the camera to raise ISO sensitivity (along with shutter speeds and image noise) in an attempt to freeze motion. ISO sensitivity ranges from a low of ISO 64 to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent.

The Olympus 47 captures movies at 640x480 or 320x240 pixels at 30 or 15 frames per second using Motion JPEG format in an AVI container. For viewing images on a television, the Olympus FE-47 has NTSC / PAL video output connectivity, while images and videos can be transferred to a PC over a USB 2.0 High-Speed connection. The FE-47 includes what the company calls Magic Filters, similar to the in-camera Art Filters first introduced in Olympus digital SLRs in 2009. These new Magic Filters include "Pop Art", "Pin Hole", "Fish-Eye" and "Drawing" filters to enhance and transform ordinary pictures. The FE47 comes bundled with new Olympus [ib] software which includes Geotagging and Face Recognition functionality.

The Olympus FE47 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system operating off data streaming from the camera's image sensor, and interestingly the FE-47's face detection function is linked not only to the autoexposure and autofocus systems, but is also used to assist the camera's Shadow Adjustment Technology function. We've seen Olympus Shadow Adjustment function on the company's digital SLRs in the past, and here it helps ensuring that your subjects' faces are captured with appropriate brightness without blowing out the background in backlit scenes. Olympus' advanced face detection function can track up to 16 faces, and new AF tracking technology continually adjusts focus and exposure to keep fast-moving subjects in focus. There's even "Pet Mode" AF tracking for animal lovers.

A total of 13 scene modes are offered in the Olympus FE-47, allowing users some degree of control over their images without needing to understand the subtleties of shutter speeds and apertures. There's also Programmed Auto and an Intelligent Auto mode which can automatically select from a subset of scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro or Sports). Enhanced Help Guides are built right into the camera to assist users of all skill levels. The Olympus FE-47 draws its power from two AA batteries, and a pair of disposable alkaline AA batteries are included in the bundle. Battery life is CIPA rated at 120 shots. Images and video are stored in a not-so-generous 18MB of available internal memory, as well as on SD/SDHC memory cards.

The Olympus FE-47 will be on offer in the USA from January 2010 with pricing of about $120. Available body colors will be silver, black, red and blue.