Olympus Camedia D-380
| Overall rating | 76 |
| Image quality | Fair |
| Ease of use | Good |
| Features | Limited |
| Effective pixels at maximum true resolution | 2 megapixels at 1600 by 1208 |
| Bundled media | 8MB SmartMedia |
| Focal range (35mm equivalent) | 35mm |
| Aperture range | f4, f8 |
| Shutter speed range (seconds) | 1/2 to 1/2000 second |
| Viewfinders | Optical viewfinder, 1.6-inch LCD |
| Video/audio recording | Yes (QuickTime)/No |
| Exposure and focus modes | None |
| Optional lenses | None |
| Software | Camedia Master |
| Battery score | Outstanding |
| Battery life | 541 shots, 189 minutes |
| Battery type | Two 3V disposable lithium/four AA |
| Support policy score | Good |
| Support policies | One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 24 hours daily |

Olympus Camedia D-380
Camedia D-380 Review, by Tracey Capen June 20, 2002

WHAT'S HOT: $199 is a great price for 2-megapixel camera. Because the camera isn't loaded with features, it's extremely easy to use. Shortcut buttons let you set the self-timer, flash, and other core functions with a minimum of fuss. Video recording (without sound) is a rare find in such an inexpensive camera, and the D-380's battery life is phenomenal: Using the two disposable 3-volt lithium batteries included with the camera, we took over 500 shots. (You can also use four AAs.)
WHAT'S NOT: We had some difficulty with focus in close-up shots. Some pictures looked relatively sharp, while others were severely out of focus.
WHAT ELSE: The D-380 has no optical zoom, but Olympus includes a 2.5X/5X digital zoom (5X at 640 by 580, 2.5X at all other resolutions). When taking close-ups, however, we noticed that images snapped at full digital zoom are far less sharp than images taken without digital zoom. Manual settings are scarce: There is no manual override of exposure values other than the standard EV control found in almost all cameras' EV setting (which lets you set the light sensitivity but automatically sets the shutter and aperture); and the camera lacks such scene modes as nighttime, distance, or portrait. The D-380 does offer a panorama mode and an unusual two-in-one option: With it, you take two shots--each half the width of a standard image--and the camera automatically stitches them together into one full-size shot. We can't think of too many practical uses for this, but it's a novelty.
Aside from the focus problems mentioned above, we were fairly pleased with the results of our photo tests. Overall, exposures and color looked accurate, and the camera produced fine contrast and shadow detail in our outdoor city shots. The 4-by-6-inch prints made from our indoor mannequin shots were relatively sharp. But 8-by-10-inch prints showed the limitations of the camera's 2-megapixel resolution. The images were far less sharp than what we've seen from cameras with higher pixel counts. The digital zoom left much to be desired, too, as image sharpness fell off dramatically.
UPSHOT: The D-380 is a great starter camera for folks testing the digital camera waters. It's also suitable for casual snap-shooters who want their cameras uncomplicated and basic.
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Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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Reviewed by: emkat2
Strengths: For an inexpensive camera,all my pictures have been excellent.I really like this camera.
Weaknesses: Menu is a little tough to learn,but it comes to you the more you use it.
Overall: This is my first digital camera,but not my first to use.My main use of this camera is to take pictures of small scale models to place on ebay. It has never failed me,always great pictures,clear,with all detail clearly visable.I have skylights where I take my pictures so I rarely use the flash.I also download using a reader.I'am still using my original batteries!I take about 12 pictures a week.I really think most people would be happy with this camera.I'am very pleased with mine!
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Reviewed by: dpd8706
Strengths: Very helpful service.
Weaknesses: None at this time.
Overall: People very nice on the phone, will work with the price. Would suggest people to order from website. This camera is a must have. If can't get 4 megapixels, this one will due. It's a great camera. Very easy to use. I am totally satisfied and would buy again.
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Reviewed by: PowerMacG4_450
Strengths: great first digital camera for digital camera newbies. Price is good and quality is great. Under $200. Small, light. Not real bulky. Easy to operate. takes Great pics for the price. Im impressed.
Weaknesses: 8 meg memory. I would recommend at least 64, which I bought extra for $40.
Overall: great camera for first time digital cam owners. MacOSX compatible out the box, no need to install any software! Plug it in and macosX downloads the pics without you doing a thing! I would recommend this to anyone.
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Reviewed by: harnerkd
Strengths: For a basic digital it's great
Weaknesses: you have to adjust resolution each time if you want to get more picts on card--defaults to HQ resolution setting
Overall: For a basic digital it's great, has desent features. Easy cross over from piont/shoot 35mm cameras. After weeks of research and only wanting to spend not too much more then $300 found this one. Highly reccommend for begininers like myself!
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