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Olympus C-2040 Zoom Olympus updates an old favorite, producing a "third generation" two megapixel digicam. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet C-2040 Zoom Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on C-2040 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 2/20/2001

Video Out

The C-2040 Zoom has a Video Out port which supports the NTSC timing format. (We assume that PAL systems are available for European customers.) The video output can be used for reviewing previously captured images and movies, or running slide shows from the camera. It also shows all of the LCD menu screens, as well as the preview display from the LCD viewfinder.


Power

The C-2040 Zoom is powered by two CR-V3 lithium battery packs, four AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiMH, or NiCd), or by an optional AC adapter that can significantly extend battery life if you're doing a lot of downloads on the computer or working in a studio environment.

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	590 mA
Capture Mode, no LCD	<10 mA
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	600 mA
Half-pressed w/o LCD	340 mA
Memory Write (transient)	570 mA
Flash Recharge (transient)	1100 mA
Image Playback	400 mA

The C-2040 Zoom's power consumption is about the same as that of the previous C-2020 Zoom, and overall a bit lower than average when compared to other two megapixel cameras we've tested. The real news with it though, as with many Olympus digicams, is how low power consumption is in capture mode when the LCD is turned off. It's low enough that you can comfortable leave the camera on and ready to capture all day long without even making a dent in your battery charge. To our mind, this is a very valuable feature, as it makes it more feasible to have the camera in a state of near-instant readiness, without having to worry about battery life.

About Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power" ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.) Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review of it for all the details. Or, just click here to buy one, you won't regret it.


Included Software

Learn what the manual left out - How to *use* your camera. Camera manuals are (sometimes) fine for knowing which button does what, but where do you go to learn how and when to use the various features? Dennis Curtin's "Shortcourses" books and CDs are the answer. (Cheap for what you get, too.) Order the Shortcourses manual for the camera reviewed in this article.

The C-2040 Zoom comes with a nice complement of software on the supplied CD (though we missed the inclusion of Adobe Photoshop LE that accompanied the C-2020 Zoom). Direct camera control and image downloading are provided by Olympus' Camedia Master software package (Version 2.5) for both Mac and Windows platforms (Macintosh OS 8.6 and higher, Windows 98v2/Me/200 Pro). USB drivers for both platforms and an Apple QuickTime reader are also included.

Camedia Master allows you to download and organize images, as well as perform minor image correction and enhancement functions (such as adjusting contrast, sharpness, and color balance). For panoramic images, Camedia Master supplies a "stitching" utility to piece together shots vertically or horizontally. A complete printing utility works with the DPOF settings and allows you to print images directly to Olympus or other DPOF-compliant photo printers. The Camedia Master software manual does not accompany the camera, but is available on the Olympus website.


In the Box

The following items are included in the box with the C-2040 Zoom:

• C-2040 Zoom digital camera
• 8MB SmartMedia card
• Two CR-V3 lithium battery packs
• USB cable
• NTSC video cable
• Camedia Master 2.5 software CD-ROM
• Neck strap
• Lens cap with strap
• User manuals and registration card