Olympus Olympus Camedia C-3040 Zoom 16MB 2048X1536

Olympus Camedia C-3040 Zoom

Olympus Camedia C-3040 Zoom 16MB 2048X1536 Review, by Tracey Capen, PCWorld.com March 23, 2001

Show More Show Less

0 Comments | 0 Topics | Print Only This Review

• Reviewed by: khchao

  Strengths: packed with features, hand grip, fast lens, ease of use, versatility of lens add-ons., clean and crisp professional pictures at an affordable price

  Weaknesses: Battery hog, lens cap blockage, add on longer lenses may cause shadow in lower left corner, smartmedia being phased out of use may cause availability limitations, shutter a little slow for quick shots

  Overall: I've used many of my friends digital cameras before, but none truly feel as substantial and of great a quality as the Olympus 3040. I did plenty of research on the various cameras available, but decided on the 3040 for the reasons listed above. The super-bright f1.8 lens was a big factor in choosing the camera, since, inherent with many digital cameras is having a weak stock flash. The brighter lens compensates for much of the flash insufficiencies, though the flash is pretty good on its own. My 3040 has seen a multitude of shooting situations around the world and has performed superbly. The availability of manual settings truly helps once you know what they all mean. Tweaking manual settings can help you achieve greater effects and get better pictures when shooting conditions are not ideal or unique. The other day, I was shooting in an auditorium in low lighting and using the zoom feature. I noticed the pitures were a bit blurry (probably due to the strong add-on zoom and no tripod, or so I thought). I decided to move the ISO setting manually to 800. Apparently the 3040 auto settings had chosen something lower because my subsequent shots were much better. Both point and shooters as well as serious photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 3040. It's a highly rated camera and serves well in almost all conditions. The phasing out of smartmedia is of concern, but just buy some more to stock up and you should be okay.

• Reviewed by: Barrybuss

  Strengths: Many Features, Lens, Easy to use, Feels good in hands, solid.

  Weaknesses: the Lense Cap thing.....

  Overall: Other than the thing with the lens cap having to be removed before you turn the cam on, I have nothing bad to say about it. It works great, Takes super clear pictures. Very easy to use.. The Remote Control is cool.

• Reviewed by: Ginsnap

  Strengths: The f1.8 Super Bright Lens, size & weight, Zoom lever being attached to shutter release button on the top front of camera.

  Weaknesses: Lens Design/Lens Cap: You can ruin the camera motor by accidentally turning the camera on without removing the lens cap. Bought tube adapter and UV filter; keep them on at all times.

  Overall: This camera outshines all cameras in its class because of the fast f1.8 lens that compensates for low light. Also purchased 128 Mb SmartMedia card, Monster Rechargeable Battery Kit, SanDisk Card Reader, and a Casio Dig. Camera case. Most of my shots are done on "P" (automatic) mode and are excellent. I did lots of research before purchasing this camera and am very pleased with it. It handles nicely and there's a place to put your fingers, unlike some of the tiny cameras out there.

• Reviewed by: aeloa

  Strengths: Bang for the buck. so much quality in a reasonable price. super fast lens. Great pics in low light. easy to use

  Weaknesses: Batteries (we fixed that by buying monster power) to little memory included (16mb) we fixed that when Costco had a sale (128 mb for $43)

  Overall: Awesome camera, my wife took a picture on the beach at dust and she accidentally turned off the flash, the picture came out clear as a whistle. We had no problems setting up the camera or downloading to our computer. The pictures taken were outstanding even the macro shots were of very high detail. Their defaults are set so all you have to do is point and shoot. But yet they give you the power to tweak any shot you take (Powerful). The camera feels good in our hands and is definitely a keeper.

• Reviewed by: joe37

  Strengths: Quite a bit of photo power for its size

  Weaknesses: No panoramic function unless Olympus media is used.

  Overall: Great camera for the price. I've already burned quite a few CD's of photos. Obviously the 16M card that comes with it will need to be upgraded, but smart media is relatively cheap. The 3 megapixel range is great for printing out 8X10's. Connecting the camera via USB to my G4 was a breeze.