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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom digital camera has a 5.1 Megapixel CCD sensor, 5x Optical Zoom lens, generous sized 2inch LCD, built in flash, xD picture card storage and advanced automatic and manual functions. The combination of the 5 megapixels and 5x Optical zoom will make this a popular choice for consumers.
Buy the “Olympus Camedia C5500 5.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Sport Zoom”
Digital Camera Info reviews the Olympus C-5500 and writes - 'The Olympus C-5500 has a full automatic mode, both Shutter and Aperture Priority modes, 11 scene modes, and a manual mode. These provide a versatile range of shooting options for both beginning and intermediate users. Beginners who purchase this camera can expect to keep it for several years. It is easy to navigate and operate, which is a feature that attracts all levels of users. The 2.7 frame-per-second burst mode and 5x optical zoom make this camera a perfect candidate to shoot soccer games or action-packed sporting events. The image stabilization function active on the Movie Mode is a rare feature that only enhances the value of the C-5500. The 5.1-megapixel Olympus C-5500 seems to be an impressive camera and will be enhance the Camedia series when it hits shelves in February 2005.'
Steve's Digicams reviews the Olympus C-5500 digital camera and writes - 'Shooting performance was average for a camera in this class. From power up to first image captured measured approx. 2.8 seconds. Shutter lag (the delay from depressing the shutter to actually capturing an image) measured 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and only 3/10 of a second including autofocus. When shooting in single drive mode, the shot-to-shot delay averaged 3 seconds without the flash, and 4.2 seconds with the flash. Using the sequential (burst) mode, I was able to capture 7 frames in approx. 5 seconds. The LCD “freezes” during sequential shooting so it is good that the camera is equipped with an optical viewfinder as well. Our tests were done using a 512MB xD memory card, SHQ quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'
Digital Camera Info reviews the Olympus Camedia C-5500 and writes - 'The Olympus C-5500 has a full automatic mode, both Shutter and Aperture Priority modes, 11 scene modes, and a manual mode. These provide a versatile range of shooting options for both beginning and intermediate users. Beginners who purchase this camera can expect to keep it for several years as it’s easy to grow with and the pixel mapping function can fix dead pixels when activated. The 5x optical zoom lens offers a longer range than most digital cameras in its price range. The image stabilization function complements the C-5500’s optical zoom and movie modes. The 5.1-megapixel Olympus camera does disappoint users with a burst mode that is slower than the advertised frame rate and some vague icons in the menus which impede ease of use. However, for the retail price of $349.99, consumers will have a hard time finding another.Photoxels reviews the Olympus Camedia C-5500 Sport Zoom digital camera and writes - 'Some cameras you just love and the Olympus C-5500 is one of those. It feels comfortable and right; it starts up fast (about 1 sec.), has no practical shutter lag; it zooms up to 5x providing above average zoom range; it focuses fast and accurately; it has flexible exposure control; and it produces excellent images with great detail and low noise. But, more importantly, it allows you to get the picture without aggravation. If you are looking for a compact digital camera for the serious amateur photographer, be sure to check out the Olympus Camedia C-5500 SportZoom.'
DCRP reviews the Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom and finds it to be something of a hit and miss digital camera. They write - 'Camera performance is all over the map. The camera starts up quickly and there's no shutter lag. In other areas, such as focusing times, the camera is average. And in some instances the C-5500 is sluggish. This includes shot-to-shot and playback speeds, as well as the sequential shooting mode. Come on Olympus, if you're going to call this a “sport zoom” at least offer a decent continuous shooting mode. The one here only takes 4 shots in a row (at 1.2 fps) and you can't even use the SHQ image quality setting! The camera makes up for these shortcomings in the image quality department: I was not disappointed, except for the colors seeming a little dull at times. Thankfully that's easy to remedy -- just boost the in-camera saturation setting. The camera performed well in our redeye test as well. So well, in fact, that I couldn't even test out the in-camera redeye reduction feature.'
PCMagazine review the Olympus C5500 and write - "The C-5500's shape is similar to that of the Nikon Coolpix 4800, which is nearly the same size as the Olympus, but gives you more zoom. The two cameras sport similar bulging hand grips and brushed-metal surfaces, and they share a street price of $350."
Learn more about the Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom from the following release from Olympus announcing it.
CNET Reviews the Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom and writes - 'The Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom is, above all, a good compact camera for the money. Its 5-megapixel resolution, 5X optical zoom, solid build, impressive array of features, and very good image quality add up to a strong all-purpose option for the advanced snapshot photographer. That said, some of its features are compromised; for example, you can't shoot in burst mode at the highest-quality JPEG setting. That drawback, in addition to some inconsistent shutter lag and focus-time performance, makes this camera less suited for shooting action than the Sport Zoom moniker might lead you to believe.'
Get the Latest Price on the Olympus Camedia C-5500
World-Class Optics, 5.1-Megapixel CCD, 5x Optical Zoom, Large 2-Inch LCD, Advanced Automatic and Manual Functions
With the release of the C-5500 Sport Zoom, Olympus delivers high-end features and functions in a camera that’s approachable enough for the everyday digital photographer. The C-5500 embodies a wealth of features including a 5.1-megapixel CCD, a large 2-inch LCD, world-class optics, and an inspiring array of manual and automatic functions for straight out-of-the-box operation.
The combination of advanced features and intuitive operation enables users of all skill levels to achieve their precise creative goals.
The C-5500 Sport Zoom gives users that extra bit of manual control for capturing perfect snapshots along with the power to create award-winning digital masterpieces.
“Like other Olympus C-Series digital cameras, the C-5500 Sport Zoom combines a high degree of manual control with automatic easy-to-use functions. The powerful 5x sports zoom, combined with a high-resolution 5.1-megapixel CCD, enables users to get right up close to the action,” said Glenn Schwartz, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom makes powerful digital photography accessible to the everyday user. It’s the perfect camera for someone new to digital photography that wants an easy-to-use camera with advanced features they’ll appreciate as their skills develop.”
Designed to Do More
The C-5500 Sport Zoom features a 5x optical zoom lens (f2.8/f4.8 – f8.0, 38mm – 190mm equivalent) designed to maximize the imaging potential of its high-definition 5.1-megapixel CCD sensor.
The 5x optical zoom lens seamlessly combines with 4x digital zoom to achieve up to 20x total zoom capability for capturing distant subjects without sacrificing image clarity in the final result. For close-up photographs with intricate detail, the Super Macro mode enables shooting from as close as 0.8“, filling the frame with dramatic detail and extremely shallow depth-of-field.
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor suppresses noise and boosts image definition to deliver sharper, clearer images with excellent color definition. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensure high-speed response, so you can capture precisely the image you set your eyes on. A burst mode of 2.7 frames-per-second makes this camera ideal for capturing fast-paced action.
The C-5500 Sport Zoom also features a new ”anti-shake“ function for enhanced stability when shooting QuickTime® Movies of television-quality 30 frames-per-second with sound.
Delivering Style
The body of the C-5500 Sport Zoom is designed to be compact while offering a high degree of functional operating ease. Measuring just 4.9” W x 3.3“ H x 3.9” D and weighing 8.6 ounces, the C-5500 is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably your hand for long photo sessions.
Intelligent Design for High Performance
Incorporating all-glass lens elements, which include three high-index lenses and two lens elements that are aspherical on both sides, the camera’s compact “multi-variator” lens unit delivers low distortion and reduced chromatic aberration. Professional SLR-type manual features are included to satisfy advanced users’ artistic needs. For example, using the Autofocus (AF) Target Selection function, users can choose from 143 AF target zones to focus on virtually any area of their composition without reframing the shot. The C-5500 Sport Zoom also features a manual focusing mode, giving users full control over the accuracy of their focal range.
The large, bright and viewable 2-inch LCD monitor with 115,000 pixels of resolution provides easy viewing when composing or reviewing images. This large monitor comes in handy when using the camera’s Direct Histogram function that provides real-time access to exposure information so users can confirm exposure before snapping the picture. A histogram displayed on the LCD with red and blue highlighting to indicate over- and under-exposed areas makes detection of overly white and blacked-out areas simple.
Designed with More Features For More Excitement
The C-5500 Sport Zoom includes a Calendar function, which enables users to organize photos according to the date they were taken, find them easily, and display them on the LCD monitor. And a Slideshow function makes reviewing photos with friends fun and effortless, complete with slide transitions such as Slide, Fade, and Zoom.
Designed for You
Getting started with the C-5500 is as easy as popping in the batteries and turning it on. And once it’s on, everyday users will appreciate that the C-5500 includes a full range of basic photography functions. With the Full Auto mode, even beginners can take perfect photos without worrying about complex settings. More experienced digital photographers will appreciate being able to have control over basic settings such as exposure, aperture and shutter speed with the Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Exposure modes.
For taking quick and precise photos in a range of different lighting situations – such as at night, in candlelight, at the beach, or at sporting events – with optimal aperture, shutter speed, white balance, color saturation and flash setting, users can select from 15 fully automatic shooting modes. Users can also create up to four My Mode settings for additional customization through self-defined combinations of white balance, sharpness, contrast and other settings in an easy-to-view histogram function.
Connecting the C-5500 Sport Zoom to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software. Or, if you prefer, forget the computer altogether. The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera with any PictBridge-enabled printer, such as the Olympus P-10 Digital Photo Printer, without using a computer. Printing and sharing images is more convenient than ever, and the P-10’s photo lab-quality dye-sublimation printing produces archival-quality prints in rich color.
OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.
Availability
The C-5500 will be available beginning February 2005.
It includes a 16MB xD-Picture Card, four long-life AA batteries, an Auto-Connect USB 2.0 cable, Audio/Video Out cable, wrist strap, OLYMPUS Master Software, user manual and Quick Start Guide.
U.S. Pricing
C-5500 Estimated Street Price: $349.99 (U.S.)
Posted by Darren in our Olympus category on January 06, 2005