Olympus Packs Big Features in a Tiny Camera

If smaller is indeed better, the new Olympus D-40 Zoom digital camera may be worth a closer look.

Only slightly bigger than a deck of cards, the D-40 is the smallest 4-megapixel camera on the market, Olympus claims. Weighing in at a mere 6.7 ounces without batteries, the D-40 stands 2.7 inches tall, is 1.7 inches thick, and 3.4 inches wide. It will be available in October for $799.

Olympus says the camera will satisfy point-and-click novices while giving more experienced users the flexibility they want with several advanced features.

"There are probably more features on this camera than a novice will ever use," says Sally Smith Clemens, a product manager with the Olympus Consumer Product Group.

Dial It Up

Smith Clemens points out that Olympus has included a shooting mode dial with tiny icons for each of ten different settings for portraits, landscapes, action shots, night shots, and more.

"You don't have to go into the menu and configure the camera manually to get the best shot in those shooting scenarios," she says. Users will still be able to control the camera manually, as well.

The pint-size D-40 features a 2.8x optical zoom lens matched with the Olympus Color Management System, a technology that customizes color settings for each of the preset shooting modes. You can set your own customized mode that can be stored and reused.

The new model ships with a 16MB SmartMedia memory card and comes with its own remote control. A built-in speaker--a first for any Olympus digital camera--and microphone allow users to record and play back video with sound.

Third Time Charm

This will be the third entry from Olympus in the 4-megapixel category, joining the C-4040 Zoom, which is appearing on retailer's shelves in September, and the top-of-the-line E-10, which premiered one year ago.

"Unlike a lot of manufacturers, especially with the higher pixel count cameras, you get only one choice," Smith Clemens says. "We know there are some individuals who want higher pixel count cameras, who don't want to pay $1,000 or more, so we are catering more to the mass consumer who wants a very small size; someone who may be a gadget guru."