Product Description
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Capture the smallest detail with this compact Olympus D-550 Zoom
digital camera featuring a powerful and seamless 10x zoom (2.8x
optical and 3.6x digital zoom) for remarkable range. Features
Virtual Mode dial for easy access to 7 shooting modes, a clear
optical viewfinder and a large 1.8" LCD, and 5 scene program
modes: Portrait, landscape, landscape plus portrait, night scene
and self portrait. Also features built-in flash, USB
auto-connect, 3-megapixel CCD, resolution settings including 3:2
aspect mode, QuickTime movie mode, TruePic technology and
automatic noise reduction. Includes USB cable, NTSC Video cable,
carrying strap, 16 MB SmartMedia Card, CAMEDIA Master 4.0
software, instruction manual and quick start guide. Requires 4 AA
batteries, included.
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Sporting a similar design to previous Olympus D-series digicams,
the D-550 Zoom features a 3-megapixel CCD, 2.8x optical zoom, and
a 3.6x digital zoom. With its familiar film-camera style and
high-resolution imagery, the D-550 is a great choice for vacation
photos as well as family snaps.
Optics and Resolution
The DS-550's 3-megapixel sensor captures ample detail for sharp
prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For a serious amateur
photographer, 3 megapixels is a great resolution, providing
enough detail to perform some cropping and still have crisp
prints.
The all-glass autofocus Olympus lens has a 2.8x zoom range
that's equivalent to a 36-100mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera. For
technophiles, its aperture ranges from f2.9 to f4.4 depending on
the zoom setting, with a normal focal range from 2.6 feet to
infinity. There's also a 3.6x digital zoom, but remember that
digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your
image, so it's best used sparingly.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera
viewfinder or the 1.8-inch LCD display (also used to review the
s you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the
best of both worlds: if you're used to a film camera or want to
conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see
exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
A sliding clamshell lens cover simultaneously protects the
D-550's lens and provides a simple way to turn the camera on and
off, and the all-plastic body feels both lightweight and durable.
While the D-550 offers automatic settings for point-and-shooters
and beginning photographers, there are several manual features
for more adventurous photographers, including macro mode,
adjustable white-balance settings, exposure compensation, and the
ability to shoot black-and-white and sepia images.
Power
Power is provided by four AA batteries (alkalines are included).
We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal
hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will
kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if
you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended
except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action,
we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always
have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips at
resolutions of either 320 x 240 pixels (up to 33 seconds per
movie) or 160 x 120 pixels (up to 148 seconds per movie). The
limited duration and resolution of your movies guarantees that
this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for
when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a
friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The included 16 MB
card holds approximately 21 images at the camera's default
settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take
more than 21 images per outing (or plan to use the video feature
much), then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB card will store
well over 100 pictures. With most cameras, the brand of memory
card you use is irrelevant, but genuine Olympus cards have a
panorama feature not found on cards from other manufacturers.
This feature makes it easier to stitch together a series of
pictures you've taken into a single panoramic photo, and may
justify the slightly higher price of the card if it's a feature
you plan to use frequently.
To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included
USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should
automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures
to your hard drive.
Size
At 4.6 by 2.6 by 2 inches and 8.5 ounces, the D-550 is fairly
thin and small, making it easy to bring along on outings--but it
won't easily fit in your shirt pocket.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, 16 MB SmartMedia card, four AA
alkaline batteries, USB cable, video cable, carrying strap, and
software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but
we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a
carrying case, a set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and
a higher-capacity SmartMedia memory card. Compatible accessories
for this camera are listed near the top of this page.
- 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14.
- 2.8x optical plus 3.6x digital (10x total) zoom lens with autofocus.
- Included 16 MB Smartmedia card stores 21 images at default settings.
- Movie mode captures up to 33 seconds of video with no audio.
- Uses 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries or 4 AA batteries (rechargeables recommended); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port.