Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
February 2010
February 2009
January 2009
August 2008
July 2008
April 2008
March 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
Canon | Casio | Fuji | HP | Kodak | Minolta | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony | Misc. | Accessories | Lenses
The Olympus SP-350 is a 8 megapixel digital camera that features a 2.5inch LCD and 3x Optical Zoom. It also has 25 megabytes of internal memory, xD Picture Card, USB 2.0 connectivity and 30 shooting modes.
The Olympus SP-350 will retail for $399.99 and shoul dappear in stores in October of 2005.
Order the Olympus SP-350 today.
Trusted Reviews has reviewed the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'It doesn’t have the performance or picture quality to be the compact semi-pro model that it pretends to be, and it does have a few significant flaws, but nonetheless the Olympus SP-350 is a decent camera, with very good build quality and handling, excellent high-ISO noise control and a useful range of photographic controls and extra features.'
Cameras.co.uk reviews the Olympus SP 350 and writes - 'The Olympus SP 350 is an advanced digital camera at a very reasonable price. The camera is absolutely packed with features and I like the way the camera handles in general. On the whole photos are incredibly sharp with strong colours. Unfortunately the camera struggled badly in my shutter lag test though. If it wasn't for the shutter lag issue I would be tempted to keep this camera for myself.
CNET Reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'The smart-looking, matte-black, 8-megapixel Olympus SP-350 is one of three cameras that launched Olympus's SP line; the other two are its 7-megapixel twin, the SP-310, and the 6-megapixel, 10X-zoom SP-500 UZ. The Barbie-size SP-350 is not only one of the most affordable 8-megapixel cameras on the market but also one of the smallest. Its 24 scene modes will appeal to snapshooters, while enthusiasts will appreciate this pocketful's manual controls, raw-capture and custom settings, and optional conversion lenses, external flash, and underwater housing. Once you get past those attractions, however, you're left with relatively mediocre performance and photos. '
DCRP reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'I have mixed feelings about the Olympus SP-350. While I like the design, features, and photo quality, the camera always felt sluggish when I was using it. While I'm not asking for D-SLRs speeds, it would've been nice if the camera was at least as responsive as other cameras in its class. The SP-350 gets my recommendation, but with the footnote "not the best camera if you want to take or view pictures quickly".'
Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus SP-350 and writes - 'Image quality was actually quite good for an 8-megapixel consumer model. The majority of our outdoor samples were sharp and well exposed, but I did see some noticeable edge blurring, like image noise, which can only be seen when viewing images at 100% and is very unlikely to be seen in any of your prints. Speaking of noise, I found levels were average at lower ISO speeds, noticeably increasing at ISO 200 and 400. Like many Olympus models, the SP-350's white balance and exposure systems work very well, with the Auto WB setting producing accurate color temperatures in a variety of lighting conditions. I was especially pleased with all of our outdoor people shots when using its dedicated Portrait scene mode. Our samples were tach sharp, well exposed, and showed true skin tones.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus SP-350 Digital Camera and recommends - 'The 8.0-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-350 is an excellent performer where it counts: printed image quality. It has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it's not the most attractive design you'll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. Featuring a full range of exposure control, in addition to 24 preset Scene modes, the SP-350 caters to a large audience. Novices will appreciate the availability of point-and-shoot control, while more experienced users will enjoy the availability of full manual exposure control. A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. Though the camera's Auto white balance setting tends toward a warmer color cast, overall color is generally pretty good, and exposure about right (though high contrast under harsh lighting). Though the slow shutter lag and image transfer times could have been better, the printed image quality of the SP-350 really surprised us.'
Get the latest price on the Olympus SP-350
New SP-310 and SP-350 Offers Advanced Manual Controls, 30 Shooting Modes and a Large 2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
With the release of two new SP-series digital cameras, the 7.0-megapixel SP-310 and the 8.o-megapixel SP-350, Olympus introduces state-of-the-art specialized features that enable photographers of all skill levels to express their creative vision. Both cameras offer the option of either manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes for convenience and ease-of-use, along with optional add-on accessory lenses, an optional underwater housing, and a large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch premium size LCD. The SP-310 and SP-350 are highly versatile cameras, powerful enough to satisfy the creative needs of the advanced user, and expansive enough to grow as users develop their talent.
“With the new SP-series digital cameras, Olympus offers a selection of cameras that are specifically designed for users with a variety of needs and photography skills,” said John McGuire, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The SP-310 and SP-350 each offer users the versatility of an advanced fully-featured camera and an easy-to-use point-and-shoot in one compact unit.”
High Resolution Image Sensor for Large-Format Prints
The SP-310 features a high resolution 7.0-megapixel CCD image sensor, and the SP-350 features an even higher resolution 8.0-megapixel CCD, to deliver super high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints.
2.5-Inch Premium Size LCD
Composing and reviewing images is far easier when you don’t have to squint. The 115,000-pixel anti-glare LCD enables you to view images in large and vivid detail. What’s more, you don’t have to download and print images each time you want to share them – you can treat your friends and family to a slide show right on the back of your camera. With the large 2.5-inch LCD, the SP-310 and SP-350 are veritable walking photo albums!
PictBridge Enabled – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the new one-touch printing button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!
Manual Settings for Added Creative Control
The addition of manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes gives users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion.
30 Selectable Shooting Modes
The SP-310 and SP-350 make it easy to capture great images in a variety of lighting situations with 24 pre-programmed scene modes, such as Night Scene, Indoor Portrait or Cuisine Mode. And with its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the cameras can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.
Accessory Lenses & Flashes for Expanded Capabilities
Olympus’ SP-series cameras feature a threaded barrel, which enables easy attachment of add-on wide angle or telephoto conversion lenses for even more creative control. Compatible accessory lenses include the WCON-07F wide angle lens, which enables a wider field of view for shooting skylines, landscapes or group shots, and the TCON-17F telephoto conversion lens, which extends the camera’s magnification capability by 1.7 times for bringing subjects dramatically closer, great for shooting sports events, concerts or wildlife.
The SP-350 also has a hot shoe for external flashes, providing additional versatility for more advanced shots when difficult lighting is an issue.
TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enable the cameras to capture information with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.
High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length, f2.8 – f4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 2 cm.
In-camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, color brightness and saturation adjustments, users can edit photos on the fly – no longer do you have to tool around with computers and editing software for simple image touch-ups!
Style and Ergonomics
With the new SP-series cameras, Olympus returns to the traditional, compact appearance of its traditional range-finder cameras. At a compact size of just 3.9“ W x 2.6” H x 1.4“ D and less than 7 ounces, tucks away easily into a pocket or backpack. The addition of an ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold with one hand, for capturing those photo ops when you are, literally, on the run.
Underwater Photography
The new PT-030 underwater housing is created specially for the SP-310/SP-350 cameras – so you can take your camera with you on your underwater excursions. The large 2.5-inch premium size LCD, compact body size and three underwater scene modes make it the perfect camera to take along diving.
Easy USB Auto-Connect
Connecting the camera to a computer is easy with the USB Auto-Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.
OLYMPUS Master Software
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 SP-310 and SP-350 will be available in October 2005. Each includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Video cable, 2 AA batteries, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.
U.S. Pricing
SP-310 Estimated Street Price: $349.99 (U.S.)
SP-350 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
Posted by Darren in our Olympus category on August 30, 2005