Olympus Cameras

Whether you want something fun and easy or a camera that is up to par with the other professional cameras on the market, there is an Olympus  model out there for you. Choose from the selection below to learn more about the different series available or take a look at our buying guides for point-and-shoots or digital SLR cameras. Note that the prices listed are usually the MSRP and are not always the lowest available price.

If you don't know a megapixel from an LCD, you should start with the basic guide to buying a digital camera.

FE Series: Fun and Easy

The FE series is good for people just starting to learn about digital photography. The newest cameras are the FE-170  ($150), FE-180  ($180), FE-190  ($200) and FE-200  ($250). Features of the series include: 6 megapixel resolution. 3x optical and 4x digital zoom (except for the FE-200, which has 5x optical and 4x digital). 2.5" LCD screen. 16 shooting modes, self-timer, digital image stabilization. xD memory. The differences between these four cameras are slight; they have different lens lengths, video resolution, internal memory, and battery options. They also vary slightly by size; the 190 is the smallest at 3.9 ounces, and the 200 is the largest at 5.4 ounces. The FE series also includes the FE-110  and FE-115  (5 megapixel); and FE-130  (pictured) and FE-140  (6 megapixel). These cameras have LCD viewscreens instead of viewfinders, approximately 3x optical zoom and run on AA batteries instead of battery packs. Only the 130 and 140 have image stabilization. All have a number of programmed shooting modes, but the number of these ranges from five in the 110 to 20 in the 130.

Stylus Series

The Stylus  series is Olympus' compact design and performance series. Cameras in this category represent Olympus' mid-range products. They have some advanced features that might confound novice users, but are still easy enough that you don't have to know too much to take great photos. They're also compact enough to be good travel companions.

All feature digital-image stabilization, all-weather usability and bright capture technology. Bright capture allows you to see how the photo will look before you take it, even in low light conditions. These are (waterproof not underwater) digital compact cameras that offer a massive 2.5" LCD screen, built-in help guides, lots of shooting modes,and 32 MB of internal memory. However, these cameras offer less than optimal optical zoom power.

Newer Stylus Models

The newer models in the Stylus lineup are the 1000,  750,  740  (pictured) and 730.  All are all-weather cameras and feature digital image stabilization, Bright Capture and the ability to take movies with sound. They each feature feature a 2.5" LCD screen, except the 730, which has a 3" screen. Each has at least 24 programmed shooting modes. All use a rechargeable Li-ion battery and xD cards. 1000  ($400): 10 megapixel resolution, 3X optical/5X digital zoom. 750  ($400): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 5X optical/5.6X digital zoom; slim profile. 740  ($350): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 5X optical/5.6X digital zoom. 730  ($400): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 3X optical/5X digital zoom.

Older Stylus Models

The older Stylus Models include the 600,  710,  720 SW,  800, and 810. All feature: 2.5" LCD screen; video recording; rechargeable Li-ion battery; 20 or more shooting modes; auto focus; 3x optical/5x digital zoom; use xD memory cards. 600  ($250): 6 megapixel resolution; no digital image stabilization. 710  ($300): 7.1 megapixel resolution; digital image stabilization. 720 SW  ($400, pictured): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 19.1 MB internal memory; Shockproof (5 ft. drops or less) and Waterproof (to 5 m). Look for new colors this autumn! 800  ($450): 8 megapixel resolution; no internal memory; no image stabilization; relatively heavy (6.4 ounces). 810  ($350): 8.0 megapixel resolution; 28 MB internal memory.

SP Series: Power and Versatility

The newest product is the SP-510 UZ  (pictured); the other five SP models available are the 310,  320,  350,  500 UZ  and 700.  All models use xD memory. The 700 is the odd one out, as it more closely resembles the Stylus series. All models in the series (except the 700) feature: manual and automatic controls for greater personalization of function; expandable, as you can add lenses, flashes and more; high-quality optics similar to those used in SLR cameras; optical viewfinder; 510 UZ : 7.1 megapixel resolution; 10x optical/5x digital zoom; uses AA batteries. 310  ($300): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 3x optical/5x digital zoom; runs on AA batteries. 320 ($300): 7.1 megapixel resolution; 2.5" LCD; 3x optical/5x digital zoom; image stabilization; Super Macro mode from 2cm; movie recording with sound; in-camera editing; runs on AA batteries. 350  ($350): 8.0 megapixel resolution; 3x optical/5x digital zoom; runs on AA batteries. 500 UZ  ($350): 6.0 megapixel resolution; 10x optical/5x digital zoom; Li-ion battery pack; relatively heavy at more than 10 ounces. 700  ($400): 6.0 megapixel resolution; 3x optical/4x digital zoom; Li-ion battery pack; no manual focus; 3" LCD screen; LCD preview only; relatively light at less than 5 ounces.

EVolt Series: Digital SLR

This is the series for the professional and SLR enthusiast. These are rugged cameras with the most manual features available. The E1  was the first, but the E330  is the latest. Multiple lenses are available for all models. These lenses are specifically designed for use with digital cameras and have their own internal CPUs. This allows them to communicate with the camera for the best images you can get. The dust reduction system mentioned below works by sending a vibration through the camera to shake off any dust or debris that has gathered on the lens. This is a scratch-free way of cleaning it, plus you will be guaranteed spotless photos every time. E-330  7.5-megapixel MOS Imager. Live View 2.5" LCD as well as optical viewfinder. LCD screen pops out and tilts for viewing at any angle; this innovation has won two awards. Multiple media supported including xD, CompactFlash I and II and Microdrives. Specialized powered dust reduction system. E-500  8-megapixel resolution. 2.5" LCD monitor. Interchangeable lens capability. Dual media slots for CompactFlash and xD. E-1  (Does not include lens) The magnesium alloy body is weatherproof and lightweight. Only 5.5 megapixel resolution, but plenty of AF and AE settings plus manual priority control. Versatile recording capability supports various formats. The expandable ISO goes up to 1600/3200. This professional-grade camera is for serious photographers only. To learn more about it, read this page.

Discontinued Cameras

Many of Olympus' discontinued cameras are still available from some retailers.

FE Series

The FE series also includes the FE-100  (4 megapixels) and FE-120  (6 megapixels). These cameras have LCD viewscreens instead of viewfinders, approximately 3x optical zoom, and run on AA batteries instead of battery packs.

IR Series

The IR-300 and IR-500 cameras have 19 shooting modes, a 3x optical zoom, and Olympus Image Link compatibility for printing without having to connect to a PC. Both cameras in this series have been discontinued. 300 : You get a 5 megapixel, 12x total zoom digital camera with an anti-glare 2" LCD display. For the money it's a good value and will serve most users adequately for taking portrait shots and travel pictures. 500:  The main feature on this IR model is the ability to flip the 2.5" LCD flexi-screen, which makes for interesting shooting. Otherwise, for around $200 you get 4 megapixels, a 30x total zoom.

The D Series

The entire D series (except for the 555) has been discontinued. Here are a few of the more popular models.

D-425  and D-435  Light and compact. 4-megapixel resolution and 4X digital zoom; no optical zoom. 1.5" LCD monitors.	D-535  and D-545  Both weigh in at about 5oz. Both have a 3x optical zoom, and 1.5" LCD screens. The 545 has more shooting modes, a higher resolution (4 megapixel vs. 3.2), and has more options for movie playback.	D-595  This is about the same quality as the 555, but it comes without the printer. What makes this model stand out is its manual override capabilities and its 19 shooting scene modes.	D-600  Extremely simple interface; few buttons on the body, so everything needs to be adjusted through the menu. Slim and sleek with a 2" LCD and no viewfinder. 5-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, 14 MB of internal memory. Only 2 shooting modes.

The Verve

The Verve  is one of the coolest-looking ultra-compact digitals out there. Has an interesting horizontal mode dial that beats standard dials as far as comfort goes. It only has a 4-megapixel resolution and a lousy 2x zoom. Great for an amateur camera that looks hot and easily fits in a pocket, purse, or shirt pocket. Did I mention that it comes in flashy colors such as copper, blue, black, or white?

C Series

This ultra zoom line happens to be very lightweight. Their design was well thought out as you can see from the button placement. They all include optical viewfinders, customizable modes, and manual exposure settings. They start at around $250 and go up to $500. 5500  Specially catered to sports photography with a 5x optical sports zoom and a 5MP resolution. Pop-up flash, two easy-to-use dials for setting priority, plus four quick buttons to the right of the 2" LCD. Plenty of manual and automatic priority controls, high-speed shooting (1.2fps), and it includes 15 shooting modes, quick time compatibility, and a very useful anti-shake processor. PictBridge compatible. Fast 2.0 USB port for PC connectivity. Also comes with a red-eye fix feature. 7070  27 mm wide zoom lens. Flip and switch, average-sized 1.8" LCD. It supports both XD and compact flash memory chips. 7000  Elegant, very small. 7 megapixel. Menu is easy to use. Mode dial for changing aperture setting. Priority modes. The only drawback to these cameras is that Olympus only supports SD card chips. The problem with that is with high megapixel cameras, SD cards can only hold a limited number of pictures.

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