3MP+ Smartmedia Cameras

Olympus E-10 4MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom

When Olympus says precision, they mean it. The CAMEDIA E-10 is a 4-megapixel filmless digital SLR with TruePic technology and the first ED glass fully multi-coated lens. It's no wonder it is setting a new standard for the Olympus filmless digital camera product line. The E-10's lens features a new design specifically to focus light to every pixel on the CCD surface. This 4x professional f2.0-2.4, 9-36mm zoom lens is fully multi-coated to provide high-quality images. Further aiding in providing excellent image reproduction are the Extra Dispersion (ED) glass lens and two High Index Low Dispersion elements, helping to reduce chromatic aberrations for a clearer and sharper image.Features designed for the avid photographer and professional include raw data capture mode, manual focus, a dual auto-focus system, and newly designed camera controls. These controls are part of Olympus' creative new design incorporating dedicated buttons to control the E-10's shooting modes, flash, white balance and media card settings. This design, along with the E-10's adjustable TFT LCD display which the user can position between a 20-degree down angle and a 90-degree up angle, allows for a pleasant digital experience while simultaneously providing the control users desire with an SLR. The E-10 digital SLR has been especially conceived for all those who refuse to compromise on quality or performance. Ideal for studio, fashion and advertising shootings, it combines tremendous optical capabilities with innovative digital features, manual options and precision photographic metering systems. A range of optional accessories is also available.

Olympus Camedia C-720 3MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom

Reaching new performance heights in the ULTRA ZOOM series, the Olympus C-720 ULTRA ZOOM is the first model to feature three million pixels. The camera's sensational resolution is supported by a host of precision-metering systems and bright optical system. With its very compact, stylish form the cam features an 8x zoom lens. When used together with the 3x digital zoom, 24x magnification is possible. Shooting is easy thanks to full auto and scene program modes. The more adventurous user will also appreciate the many manually adjustable settings.

The 3-megapixel Olympus C-720 Ultra Zoom digital camera boasts an outstanding 8x optical zoom lens (plus 3.0x digital zoom--equivalent to 40-320mm in 35mm camera) and an ultracompact size (4.2 by 3 by 3 inches). The impressive aspherical glass lens gives you excellent detail and sharp, clear pictures, plus the size of the camera makes it easy to bring along wherever you go.

The C-720 offers rapid-succession firing--just over half a second per shot--and QuickTime movie mode for short video clips. Additional features include multipattern TTL autofocus, built-in flash, diopter adjustment, 1.5-inch color LCD monitor, self-timer with 12-second delay, autoexposure bracketing (three or five images), auto white balance, and special image effects such as sepia mode and black and white.

The C-720 stores images on removable SmartMedia cards. The camera can be operated in several modes: in programmed auto mode the camera does everything for you. In aperture- and shutter-priority modes, you get to set the aperture or priority, and the camera does the rest. In manual mode, you have control over all camera functions, with shutter speeds as long as 16 seconds.

Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. The C-720 also ships with two CR-3V long-life disposable lithium batteries (four AA batteries can also be used), a 16 MB SmartMedia card, lens cap, strap, retainer cord, USB and A/V cables, and software.

Olympus Camedia D-550 3MP Digital Camera w/ 2.8x Optical Zoom

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 snapshots.

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 shots 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.

Choosing what to shoot may be hard, but finding the right camera to shoot it isn't thanks to the D-550 Zoom. The comfortably small and stylish digital camera features a powerful seamless 10x zoom (2.8x optical & 3.6x digital zoom) for remarkable range. Its USB Auto-Connect allows for easy connectivity and downloading of images to a computer. And the impressive 3-megapixel CCD combined with Olympus's renowned optics allow for high-quality 8" x 10" prints and beyond -the most realistic digital images yet.

Olympus Camedia C-3020 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Olympus C-3020 is designed to be the most affordable 3-megapixel model in Olympus's C series of digital cameras. Its key features include a 3.3-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, and SmartMedia storage.

As its model number implies, the C-3020's list of features fits between those of the discontinued C-3000 and the current C-3040. Compared to the C-3000, the 3020 adds USB direct connect--no driver software is required to transfer photos to most computers. In addition, a new noise reduction system improves image quality in low-light situations. Stepping up to the C-3040 gets you a faster, brighter lens, a larger internal memory buffer for faster shot-to-shot performance, movie mode with sound (the C-3020 records silent movies), external flash connector, remote control, and long-life disposable lithium batteries.

Like all models in the C-3000 series, the C-3020 is a powerful performer, featuring aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, plus movie mode and uncompressed TIFF shooting.

The C-3020 comes with a USB cable, carrying strap, lens cap, and retainer cord, four AA alkaline batteries, a 16 MB SmartMedia card, and a manual.

Packing a wonderful combination of optical and digital features, the C-3020ZOOM assures total shooting enjoyment. It is the ideal choice for those looking for a high-quality, trouble-free start into the world of treble megapixel photography. Experienced photographers will appreciate the creative scope offered by this 3.2 million pixel camera. An ergonomically styled body with elegant aluminum front complements the superb top-performance characteristics. With this addition to the award-winning C-3000ZOOM series, Olympus proves once again that state-of-the-art technology and good looks do not have to cost the earth.Optical precision and digital excellence are the hallmarks of all Olympus CAMEDIA cameras and the attractively priced C-3020ZOOM is no exception. With an effective resolution of 3.2 million pixels and a bright (F2.8), 3x zoom lens (equivalent to 32-96 mm on a 35 mm model) consisting of eight elements arranged in six groups, it provides the perfect optical and digital basis for dazzling image results. An impressive zoom factor of up to 7.5x is possible when the optical capabilities are joined by the seamless 2.5x digital zoom.

Fujifilm FinePix F601 3MP (SCCD) Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Fuji's F601 is the follow-up to the popular F6800 and has a wealth of options for avid digital camera users. Based around a vertical orientation instead of the usual horizontal one it will at first be unfamiliar territory for those used to a 35mm camera, but once you've put aside your differences the images that the F601 produce are very good.

Fuji cameras, like Kodak's EasyShare range sits in a docking unit, making wires dangling around the desk a thing of the past. This is a nice addition for the new comer keen to make the transfer of files to the PC as easy as possible.

Working on the 3rd Generation Super CCD that FujiFilm is renowned for, the 3.1 million pixels can be boosted up to a whooping 6 mega pixel result. Running from the 3x optical zoom lens that has an aperture of f2.8 - f8 the camera can achieve a 36 - 108mm equivalent focal length on a 35mm camera. On top of this, the F601 also offers a macro mode and 4.4x digital zoom to boot.

Manual settings offer control of everything. The most impressive being the ability to set the ISO setting to 1600 making this an ideal camera for speed or night work. Combine that with the option to capture 40 frames a second and you've got a great camera for sporting events. Other options to keep you entertained include five pre-programmed shooting modes, five flash modes and six white balance settings.

Image quality overall is very good. The camera copes well in both night and daylight settings. The macro mode gets you close but not that close, which can be a bit of a set back if you are looking for this function, but then with a macro mode of 20cm this camera never professes that it is one of its strong points. Colors are well covered and detail strong without too much noise - even when we shot with the 1600 ISO setting. --Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk

Replacing the FinePix 6800, the FinePix F601 uses Fuji's third-generation 3.1-megapixel Super CCD sensor, which can produce a maximum image file size of 6 megapixels through interpolation. It also features a 3x optical zoom, 4.4x digital zoom, movie mode, and voice annotation function.

Optics and Resolution
With its 3.1-megapixel Super CCD (interpolated up to 6 megapixels), the FinePix F601 delivers resolutions up to 2,832 x 2,128 pixels for colorful prints to 11-by-14 inches and beyond. Combined with Fuji's proprietary image-processing method--Pixel Data Coupling--and new noise-reduction technology, the new Super CCD enables the FinePix F601 to deliver a wider range of ISO sensitivities with a minimal increase in CCD "noise."

The FinePix F601 also features a Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical aspherical zoom lens (with up to a 4.4x digital zoom option) that allows for more detailed close-ups.

Fuji's Super CCD
Instead of conventional CCDs with square photodiodes and pixel arrangements, Fuji's Super CCD has octagonal-shaped photodiodes and pixels situated on 45-degree angles. This "honeycomb" pattern increases sensitivity, allowing pixels to be efficiently packed at maximum density. The area of the photodiode in a half-inch Super CCD with 2 million pixels is about 1.6 times as large as the area offered in the conventional CCD with the same number of pixels. The Super CCD improves overall signal-to-noise ratio and offers a much wider dynamic range.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the FinePix F601 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including QVGA (320 x 240, 66 seconds) and VGA (640 x 480, 27 seconds)--both at 15 frames per second and with sound.

The limited 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 6 images at the highest 6-megapixel setting (fine setting--2,832 x 2,128 pixels) or 26 images at the typical 3-megapixel setting (normal setting--2,048 x 1,536 pixels).

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Power
The camera is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is charged by the included AC adapter.

Size
At 2.8 by 3.7 by 1.3 inches and 7.8 ounces, the FinePix F601 is a powerful camera that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

More Features

• Shutter speeds range from 3 to 1/2,000 seconds with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high-sensitivity 1-megapixel (1,280 x 960) mode at ISO 800/1600.
• Continuous shooting modes at 1 megapixel (maximum 1.8 frames/sec up to 40 images at 1,280 x 960)
• Voice-memo function records up to 30 seconds of audio with each picture

Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package contains the FinePix F601 digital camera, 16MB SmartMedia card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter-battery charger, wrist strap, USB cable, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring FinePixViewer software and drivers.

We recommend a higher-capacity SmartMedia card. Also, the F601 cradle enables you to effortlessly charge the battery and transfer photos while the camera comfortably rests on your desktop.

Boasting a new 3rd generation Super CCD sensor (3.1 million effective pixels) and advanced LSI algorithm delivering a richly detailed, noise-free 6.0 million recorded pixels with superb color, the FinePix F601 Zoom is no ordinary compact digital camera. A wealth of new features including true photographic control, amazing movie capabilities and an all-new full color graphical user interface make the FinePix F601 Zoom the perfect camera for anyone wanting style without compromising features or full photographic control that can be slipped into a pocket. The included PictureCradle USB dock automatically recharges the long life lithium ion battery and transfers images to the PC.The FinePix F601 Zoom makes taking pictures easier than ever thanks to the newly designed user interface. With friendly, full color graphics and a simple menu system the powerful new features of the camera are easy for even the less experienced photographer to master. The supplied PictureCradle provides a simple desktop docking system offering automatic transfer of images to your computer (via a USB connection) as well as charging the long life Lithium-ion battery. Despite the wealth of features, high resolution and high performance optical zoom the FinePix F601 Zoom is a remarkably compact camera. The sleek stylish casing measures only 2.8 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches and - at just 220g - the FinePix F601 Zoom can be easily slipped into your pocket ready for shooting in any situation.

Olympus C-3040 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

An upgrade to Olympus's respected C-3030, the C-3040 adds a faster f1.8 lens and better USB connectivity to the extensive features it shares with its predecessor. The new f1.8-2.6 lens is clearly the central feature of the new model. According to Olympus, the lens lets the C-3040 shoot in lower light conditions, which allows you to shoot flash-free in more situations and increases the effective range of the flash. The 3.34 megapixel CCD in the C-3040 captures images at a resolution of 2048 x 1536, in both the JPEG and uncompressed TIFF formats, and a 32 MB internal buffer allows you to shoot at 3.3 frames per second at high resolution and low compression levels. Additionally, the camera can record short QuickTime movies with sound.

The camera can be operated in several modes: in programmed auto mode, the camera does everything for you; in aperture and shutter priority modes, you get to set the aperture or priority, and the camera does the rest; in full manual mode, you have control over all camera functions. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via the included USB cable, or viewed on your television using the included video cable. The camera includes USB storage class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000 and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. The C-3040 also ships with two CR-3V batteries (four AA batteries can also be used), a 16 MB SmartMedia card, strap, remote control, and software.

Olympus E-20 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom

You'd be hard-pressed to find a digital camera that captures better images than those from the Olympus E-20N. The camera pairs a 5-megapixel sensor with a high-quality custom-designed 4x zoom lens for photos with clarity that rivals film.

First, a note about naming conventions: this camera is also known as the E-20 and the E-20P. The N in E-20N signifies that this is an NTSC (North American) model. European versions are called E-20P because their video-out feature is designed to work with PAL televisions. The models are otherwise identical.

Design and Optics
The E-20N looks and feels like a high-quality professional film SLR. It's hefty, weighing in at 37 ounces, due both to the glass in the lens and the camera's cast-aluminum body. Unlike other digital cameras in its class, the lens on the E-20N is not removable, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. Digital SLRs from other manufacturers typically include just the camera body, and adding a quality lens is a substantial additional expense. Olympus asserts that having removable lenses exposes the sensor to dust, but digital SLRs from Nikon, Canon, and Fuji all use removable lenses, and dust isn't a widely reported problem with those models. Olympus also states that using a lens specifically designed for a digital camera produces sharper images than using a lens designed for a 35mm SLR. This makes sense, since the imaging sensor in a digital camera is smaller than a 35mm negative.

The lens on the E-20N contains aspheric elements, ED elements, and a Gauss-type lens group--features designed to maximize image quality, and typically found only on high-end lenses. In 35mm terms, the lens zooms from 35-140mm, with a maximum aperture of f2.0 to f2.4, depending on how much zoom is used. If you're looking for even more flexibility, add-on lenses ranging from 28mm to 420mm are available.

To compose your photos, either use the swivel-mounted 1.8-inch LCD on the back of the camera or look through the traditional-style ground-glass viewfinder. Most digital SLRs use a mirror to send light to either the viewfinder or the CCD sensor, but the Olympus uses a beam-splitter--basically a prism--to illuminate the viewfinder and the sensor simultaneously. The LCD monitor also sits on a hinge, letting you tilt it up 90 degrees, or down 20 degrees, so you can take pictures from unusual camera angles while still accurately framing the scene.

The 5-megapixel CCD sensor on the E-20N is one of the highest-resolution sensors currently available and captures images with filmlike detail. Like most CCDs, this unit retains a design limitation handed down from the device's origins in television cameras: it is an interlaced chip, which means the camera reads information from the CCD twice--once for all pixels in the sensor's even rows, and again for all the odd rows. The camera then merges these two sets of data into a single image. This technology limits the top shutter speed in 5-megapixel mode to 1/640th of a second--reasonably quick, but not fast enough for high-speed photography. To get around this limitation, Olympus has added a progressive-scan feature to the camera. In simple terms, this mode only reads information from half of the pixels on the sensor (and limits your photos to 2.5 megapixels), but increases your shutter speed to a screaming 1/18,000th of a second, increasing the camera's flexibility tremendously.

More Features
Shooting options on the E-20N include all of the typical modes you'd expect to see on a high-end consumer digital camera: program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual shooting modes. Other user-controlled settings include exposure compensation, metering mode, ISO setting, flash, white balance, and focus. Users can leave white balance on auto, select from a number of kelvin temperatures, or manually create a preset. The built-in flash features red-eye reduction, auto, fill-in, and off modes. External flashes can connect to the E-20N through the hot-shoe on top of the camera. Exposure compensation can be set from -3 to +3 EV in one-third EV increments. The ISO can be set to 80, 160, or 320. Also, an autobracketing feature takes three pictures, one over exposed and one under exposed, and allows you to set the exposure compensation up to one EV step in either direction, in one-third EV step increments. A histogram function lets you view exposure information after you capture an image, giving you instant feedback about how to improve your picture-taking skills. A large internal buffer allows the E-20N to take up to take up to four shots in sequence at three frames per second, even when set to record images as uncompressed TIFFs.

Power
The E-20N uses four AA or two CR-V3 lithium batteries--a set of the lithium batteries is included. These batteries have a long life, but they aren't rechargeable, so they're not a good long-term solution unless you're an extremely occasional photographer. We strongly recommend using a set of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Storage and Transfer
Unlike most other digital cameras, the E-20N uses both SmartMedia and CompactFlash (Type I and II, including the IBM Microdrive) for storage, and can use both simultaneously. The camera has slots for both types of cards, and a menu setting lets you toggle between the slots for storage. The included 32 MB SmartMedia card holds 11 pictures at full resolution with normal compression or two pictures in uncompressed TIFF mode. The card can be erased and reused over and over, but if you plan to take more than 11 photos on an outing, then you'll want a higher-capacity card--a 256 MB CompactFlash card, for example, holds around 80 photos at default settings.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The kit includes the camera, lens hood, lens cap, video, and USB cables, strap, lithium disposable batteries, wireless remote control, 32 MB SmartMedia card, basic manual, and software on CD, including Adobe PhotoShop Elements. Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but to make the most of your camera, we strongly recommend a higher-capacity memory card, rechargeable batteries, and a carrying case. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.

Conclusion
For serious 35mm SLR users considering a digital camera, the E-20N is a natural choice. The camera feels extremely solid, and controls are logically arranged. Thanks to the high-resolution sensor and fine lens, picture quality is excellent. Admittedly, there are still some areas where the E-20N can't keep up with a film camera, but unless you're a sports or news photographer who needs to blast through a roll of film in five seconds, or someone who requires an unusual lens, this Olympus should offer the features and performance you need. --Shane Burnett

Pros:

• 5-megapixel sensor captures filmlike detail
• Features, appearance, and performance are all similar to a 35mm SLR
• Dual memory card slots let you choose your format--or load both slots for more capacity

Cons:

• Though the lens is of extremely high quality, competitors' models feature detachable lenses
• Rechargeable batteries and more memory are necessities for long-term use

The E-20 breaks new ground as Olympus' foray into the 5-megapixel digital SLR market. The camera continues the tradition started by the E-10 by offering great pictures along with excellent features, but also expands upon these capabilities with some new technology and improved functions.The compact camera body provides a professional appearance and the durability needed in a high-end digital SLR. A lens designed to be digital results in great image quality in terms of both resolution and color. New innovations include the ability to shoot in both the interlaced and progressive scan modes, and enhancement to improve overall performance. Olympus' exclusive TruePic pixel smoothing technology ensures exceptionally sharp, continuous-tone color for smooth and true photographic images. Combined with many other advanced features aimed at ease of use - such as USB and dual card slots for SmartMedia and CompactFlash - the E-20 is sure to meet many, if not all, of your photographic needs.

Olympus Camedia D-40 4MP Digital Camera with 2.8x Optical Zoom

Until now, choosing a digital camera has meant a tradeoff between size and functionality. The feature-packed, high-resolution SLR replacements were too big to tuck in a pocket or purse, and the ultracompact models lacked the extensive manual controls many advanced photographers desire. With the D-40, Olympus has bridged the gap between portability and power--it's one of the smallest digital cameras on the market, yet it includes virtually all of the advanced features found on full-size models.

Compared to an ultracompact like the Canon Elph, the D-40 is the same width, about half an inch taller, and three-fourths of an inch thicker--still small enough to easily slip into a jacket pocket, and less than half the size of most compact models. Despite the tiny dimensions, Olympus packs a 4-megapixel sensor, 2.8x optical zoom lens, full manual controls, and a movie mode with audio into the camera's small plastic body. The trademark Olympus sliding clamshell cover turns the camera on and off, and also protects the lens, viewfinder, and flash when closed.

Images are stored on SmartMedia cards. A 16 MB card is included, which holds 16 images at default settings. If you want to take advantage of uncompressed mode and movie mode, or plan to take more than a handful of photos at a time, you'll want to get a 64 MB or 128 MB card. Like virtually all Olympus cameras, the D-40 has a flexible battery arrangement, accepting either a disposable lithium battery (one is included), or a pair of AA batteries (rechargeables strongly recommended).

This is a camera you won't quickly outgrow. If you're just getting started in photography, leave the camera in Auto. In this mode, taking pictures is as easy as sliding the lens cover open and pressing the button. As your photo skills progress, you can start taking advantage of the camera's advanced modes, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes, plus manual focus, slow-sync flash, spot metering, manually adjustable white balance, exposure compensation, and more. The D-40 also comes with a remote control, making it easy to include yourself in group shots and it allows you to keep the camera steady in low-light situations.

For a break from taking pictures, spin the control knob to movie mode and you're ready to shoot mini-videos with sound. Though they don't have the resolution of camcorder movies, these clips of up to 30 seconds are perfect as e-mail attachments.

When it's time to transfer the images to your computer, the D-40 is a breeze to use. Connect the included USB cable between the camera and your computer, and the operating system (Windows 98 or newer for PCs, OS 8.6 or newer for Macs) will automatically detect your camera as an external drive, making picture transfers drag-and-drop easy.

If you can't decide whether to grab a full-sized digital camera for its advanced features or a tiny point-and-shoot for its portability, consider the D-40--it offers the best of both worlds.

World-class digital photography with a strong sense of style. That's the D-40 Zoom. An Olympus all-glass zoom lens matched to the 4.0 megapixel (effective) CCD enables great-looking photographs, while the elegant and compact camera body design makes it a perfect fit for your life. A 10-mode Program Scene Dial helps you quickly and easily set proper exposure, white balance and color saturation for awesome images. And Auto-Connect USB lets you transfer those images from the D-40 Zoom to your USB-enabled computer with a simple drag and drop. The D-40 Zoom... it's small, it's stylish, it's simple.

Fujifilm FinePix 6800 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Fujifilm FinePix 6800 is a high-end digital camera that continues in the tradition of the FinePix 4700. Sporting a new body designed by Porsche, the 6800 is an eye-catching number. The 3.3-megapixel SuperCCD captures images at resolution of 6 megapixels (2,832 x 2,128). The 6-megapixel image is interpolated up from the original 3.3-megapixel CCD image data. Fujifilm's proprietary SuperCCD design uses octagonal pixels, as opposed to the normal square, providing more image data than conventional designs. In other words, an octagonal pixel is worth more than a square one. The lens is a quality Fujinon 3x optical zoom.

An assortment of shooting modes, including portrait, scene, auto, and manual, all help to make the 6800 a versatile photo tool. The FinePix is also capable of recording up to 160 seconds of 320 x 240 video at 10 frames per second. Also, a continuous-shooting mode lets you snap up to five frames per second with a maximum of five photos before you need to let the camera record the image data. Additionally, depending on your memory card size, you can record from 30 to 60 minutes of audio.

The FinePix 6800 comes with a USB docking cradle that remains connected to your computer--similar to a USB card reader. The cradle allows you to easily transfer your images and recharge your battery. The 6800 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 16 MB SmartMedia card, USB cable, video cable, hand strap, and assorted software.

Fujifilm FinePix S602 3.3MP Digital Camera w/ 6x Optical Zoom

Designed for great handling as well as performance, the stylish Fuji FinePix S602 echoes SLR design while remaining light and remarkably compact.

At the heart of the FinePix S602 lies a third-generation Super CCD sensor (3.1 megapixels), capable of delivering an amazing 6 million recorded pixels, thanks to its unique honeycomb design and advanced signal processing. The new generation of Super CCD boasts even better color reproduction, lower levels of noise, and ultrahigh sensitivity (up to 1,600 ISO in 1,280 x 960 mode) for richly detailed, high-resolution images. It also features Fuji's pixel-mixing technology, which can produce digital VGA-resolution movies at 30 fps.

From delicate skin tones to bright blue skies and noise-free shadows, the new sensor and signal processing system deliver picture-perfect results in every shooting situation.

Designed for the serious photographer, the FinePix S602 also offers a range of fully automatic modes for point-and-shoot ease of use. Simply switch to Auto and let the camera do all the hard work.

Features:

• 6x aspherical zoom with 4.4x digital zoom for 26.4x total zoom
• Built-in miniature LCD through-the-lens viewfinder and 2-inch color LCD playback monitor
• Full exposure override, shutter and aperture priority with manual focus
• Optional lens mounting ring for use with 55mm filters, 1.5x telephoto lens, or 0.79x wide-angle lens
• Continuous shooting mode--5 fps at full resolution for 5 pictures or 1.8 fps for 40 pictures at 1 megapixel mode (1,280 x 960)
• Voice recording modes with 30-second picture annotations
• Digital movie mode--QVGA (320 x 240) motion JPEG at 30 fps or VGA (640 x 480) motion JPEG at 30 fps with sound
• Dual media slots support SmartMedia, CompactFlash Type II, or IBM Microdrive

The FinePix S602 Zoom is the perfect all-in-one solution for the serious photographer looking for a no-com-promise, high-quality tool for digital photography. Incorporating Fujifilm's 3rd-Generation Super CCD technology and a significant number of new features and enhanced functions, this camera offers an unrivalled combination of flexible control, responsive handling, and superb image quality. Very simply, the FinePix S602 Zoom sets a new standard for "pro-sumer" digital cameras.At the heart of the FinePix S602 Zoom lies a third generation Super CCD sensor (3.1 million effective pixels), capable of delivering an amazing 6.0 million recorded pixels thanks to its unique honeycomb design and advanced signal processing. The new generation of Super CCD boasts even better color reproduction, even lower levels of noise and class-leading, ultra-high sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO) for the ultimate in richly detailed, high-resolution images. From delicate skin tones to bright blue skies and noise-free shadows the new sensor and signal processing system deliver picture-perfect results in every shooting situation. Despite the wealth of features and controls designed for the serious photographer the FinePix S602 Zoom also offers a range of fully automatic modes for point-and-shoot ease of use. Simply switch to Auto and let the camera do all the hard work. An all-new full color graphical user interface makes using the comprehensive controls easier than ever. Designed for perfect handling as well as performance, the stylish two-tone magnesium alloy casing echoes SLR design whilst remaining light and remarkably compact.