First-time digital camera users can now have the best of both worlds: ease of use and great results in virtually any setting with the 3.2-megapixel D-535 Zoomdigital camera from Olympus. The camera's wonderfully easy operation is due in part to its "One Touch" design with separate buttons for shooting, playing back and erasing digital images. While simple to use, the camera employs advanced technologies to deliver maximum performance in an affordable point-and-shoot model. Choosing options from the shooting and playback menus displayed on the LCD monitor is now simplified with a new help function that displays a brief description of each function and mode's purpose. Beginners will soon realize they are able to enjoy all - not just some - of this camera's features for the best digital experience possible. The D-535 Zoom features a 3.2-megapixel CCD imaging sensor for crisp, vivid images at a range of print sizes up to 8"x10" and larger. Olympus world-class high quality 3x Optical Zoom lens (38-114mm, equivalent in 35mm photography, f2.9 - f5.0), when combined with a 4x digital zoom, delivers a total seamless 12X zoom. With the super macro mode it is possible to capture the smallest details from asclose as 0.8 inch such as a tiny insect resting on a flower petal. In keeping with its "One Touch" design, the D-535 Zoom offers single button delete and view function. Its separate reset button also allows users to instantly return all set
The affordable, ergonomic Olympus D-535 digital camera makes it easy and fun to capture the memories of your life with its easy-to-use one-button, one-function operation. It features a 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, built-in pop-up flash, 12 MB internal memory and XD Picture Card compatibility, and a movie mode with sound that can capture as much video as your memory card can handle.
Optics and Resolution
The 1/2.7-inch CCD captures 3.2-megapixel images for printed enlargements up to 11 x 17 inches. Image resolutions include: 2048 x 1536 (3 MP), 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), and 640 x 480. The lens, which is seated in the top-right corner of the camera's front, has a 5.8-17.4mm focal range (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) with an f2.9 to f5.0 aperture range. The camera has a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for a total 12x zoom.
Movie Mode
The camera's QuickTime Movie Mode (at 15 frames per second, or fps) without sound can be used to make mini movies limited only by the amount of available memory (internally or externally). It features the following movie resolutions: 320 x 420 and 160 x 120.
More Features
- 1.5-inch TFT color LCD (approximately 130,000 pixels)
- Super macro mode as close as 2cm
- 4 scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Indoors, and Night Scene
- Exposure compensation: +/- 2 EV (exposure value) steps in 1/3 EV steps
- Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, and off
- Self timer of up to 12 seconds
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored either within the 12 MB internal memory or on optional XD memory cards. The XD card's small size, about the same as a postage stamp, helps to keep the camera size down. The internal 12 MB memory will store approximately 14 images at 2048 x 1536 pixels (at HQ, JPEG setting) without sound. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity.
Direct Printing
The D-535 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer (such as the Olympus P-10), without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong).
Power and Size
This camera is powered by 2 AA batteries (alkalines supplied; NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 3.4 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 4.9 ounces without battery or media card.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Olympus D-535 digital camera, 2 AA batteries, wrist strap, USB cable, A/V cable, CD-ROM with Camedia Master 1.0 software and PDF QuickStart guide, basic instruction manual, and reference manual.
1 An excellent 3.2MP camera at a very good price
What I liked about this camera:
* Very small size. I was looking for a small size camera, this camera is even slightly smaller than the Nikon Coolpixs. It only requires 2 AA batteries, which gives you a very good battery life without significantly increasing the weight of the camera.
* Priced right. There were not many good 3.2MP cameras with 3x optical zoom under $130 when I bought this camera.
* Fancy features. I was very impressed with the quality of the video you can take with this camera. I was also not a very big fan of using the digital zoom, but you can take decent close ups using its 12x digital zoom if you need to.
What I didn't like about it:
* No viewfinder. You'll have to rely on the digital screen for taking all your pictures.
* Requires XD memory. I don't believe the world needed yet another flash memory format, though I did like its small size. I recommend getting at least the 128 MB card, which will allow you to store about 180 pictures at a 1200 x 1600 pixels (at this resolution each picture requires about 600KB).
* Not the best for "semi-professional" pictures. Although this camera takes very good quality pictures, if you're willing to spend an extra $50 for a better camera with similar specs, I recommend the Canon Powershot A510.
2 Good starter camera
This is a good beginner camera. I would put it in a class with the old Kodak Instamatic film camera - more than a toy but certainly not professional.
Pros: The camera is small enough to slip in a coat pocket, easy to use, takes decent to good pictures.
Cons: Batteries - Yes, it eats through batteries fast (and by this I mean the batteries must be replaced somewhere between 12-24 pictures depending on whether flash is used). I did notice, however, that when the camera no longer likes the batteries, it doesn't mean they are truly dead. So don't just throw them out - try them in a flashlight first. In fact, if you let the camera rest awhile (off for a few hours or overnight) you may find that the battery indicator now seems ok.
Dark Pictures - indoor pictures do tend to look dark, even with flash, but you can fix that with the brightness/contrast edit in the software that comes with the camera. The downer is that you can't just print them as is right away without fixing the picture first.
Picture Delay - There is a delay between when you push the button to take the picture and when it actually snaps the picture. So, what this means is that you think you've snapped the shot but then you move the camera and find out that the real time it takes the picture is not when you press the button but a few seconds afterward. The result is blurred pictures, pictures of the floor or your feet or something else you didn't really want. So, you have to be very careful when taking a picture and hold the camera very steady in position a little while after pushing the button to make sure that you get the picture. Overall: I don't regret buying this camera. It is useful and handy since it's small. But I wish I would have purchased something a little better.
3 Nice little camera
It may be small but I have no problem with it. It takes great pictures for the price.. I purchased rechargeable batteries and they last quite a while. I don't use it every day. This is my first camera and I got this because the reviews were favorable especially for the picture quallity. I had some pictures printed from an online source and they were very nice, about as good as my 35 MM camera.
Very satisfied and would buy it again.
PS. It would be nice if they included a small case for it though.
4 Excellent close ups, easy to operate.
This is my second Olympus Camedia. The first one I bought 4 or 5 years ago. I wanted one that took better close-ups for online auction pictures and this one is great! I see some complaints about batteries, but this one is a lot better than the older model. I am very pleased with the quality and the price of this camera. My first one still works perfectly, just does not take good close-ups and really "eats" batteries. I also purchased the AC adapter for this camera and use it indoors to save batteries. I went through several Polaroid digital cameras before getting an Olympus. The only complaint that I have with this camera is that when taking pictures on Easter, the auto focus knob on the back accidentally got turned and the pictures were fuzzy. It is a little difficult for me to tell if the pictures are clear on the screen when shot. I have to upload them to my computer to verify their sharpness. Of course, my eyes aren't what they used to be. Overall, I would highly recommend this camera to anyone.
5 It's "almost" perfect!
This is the fifth or sixth or seventh digital camera I've bought, so I'm starting to consider myself something of a minor authority. While I adore my Fuji Finepix 2800Zoom, I wanted something smaller, stowable, and more "rough and ready" for a 3-week trip to Europe this year.
Olympus cameras are excellent quality and excellent durability; this 4.6 ounce beauty is a marvel! It goes in a purse or a pocket. While some may say it is "too small," my hands are small and I can hold the camera and take photos easily with one hand! The photo quality is excellent outdoors and in good light. The 3X optical zoom retracts and has an eyelid lens cover. I took over 100 photos the first day with and without flash, reviewing the photos, erasing some of them, all using the LCD screen, and the batteries held up very well. Note: this camera has no viewfinder. All photos must be taken with the LCD screen.
HOWEVER: I echo what the other reviewers said about the flash, it is very weak. Not "sorta okay," not "borderline," but unless the batteries are fresh, the camera has had adequate time to charge the flash, and your subject is close, the indoor photos are "poor". The reason for this is the same reason the camera is so little and light: only two AA batteries.
I still love the camera, I gave it 4 stars ****! It will be a wonderful travel camera. But I will have to work around it's limitations.
6 Perfect for a Beginner Like Me
I just got this camera 3 days ago but I have already mastered its features. It is extremely easy to use and there are no confusing buttons or gadgets. The instruction manual is well written and easy to understand. I love the software it comes with. I have already uploaded pics onto my computer, edited pictures, e-mailed them, and created my own photo albums online to share with friends and family members. Overall a great camera.
7 Easy to use, easy to download, WEAK flash
We've had this camera for 3 months now and we find it very easy to use and not too hard on the batteries. I find that the displays on the back of the camera are quite easy to manipulate. In fact, I played with one at a store before I bought it here at Amazon.com (saved $15!) and I picked this one because it is so easy to operate that I haven't even been forced to consult the manual!
There is a problem, though. The flash is seriously underpowered. If you plan on doing a lot of interior photography in dark environments, you will be disappointed.
8 Good choice
I just recently purchased this camera and I really enjoy it. Its small for a girl and it has really clear pictures except for when you are trying to take a motion picture. Most digital cameras that I have used before has an mode strictly for pictures in motion but this camera does not. When trying to take a picture of moving objects everything including the object appears in a blur of colors. The camera has night vision, self portrait and landmark mode.. all of which makes the camera good but not great because of the lack of the ability to shoot in motion. I would recommend this camera, just not for concerts!
9 A Review On a Great Item!!
If your going to buy a camera, the Olympus Camedia is the camera for you! It has great close-ups on it, and enough onboard memory. I was deciding which i should get, an Olympus Camedia, a piece of junk Hewlett-Packard, or a Sony. I went with the Olympus Camedia right away. It almost used up all my money, but it was worth it, totally! Also, if your gonna buy one of these, you might want to buy some rechargable batteries and a charger, it just uses the batteries right up! I already took a load of pictures, and it takes the pictures so nice and clear, it makes all the other digital cameras look bad! This is a great little device, it does not record sound, but on the program it comes with a special thing, so you can add sound to your movies, you took, with the microphone on your computer. Pete
10 This is a Great Little Camera!
The D535 is my first digital camera and I think it is a great camera for the price. The pictures are very sharp. The software is easy to load and use. The camera is easy to use. I have been taking close-ups for ebay auctions and other shots inside and outside. No complaints and nothing but priase for this little dude. Yes. It does suck up batteries but so does every other camera in this price range (I haven't looked at the more expensive ones). The flash is weak, but I looked at the reviews of about 20 others cameras priced $100-$200 and they all had that problem.
Yhe cover for the USB plug in looks a little mickey mouse but it is functional. For $140, it exceeded my expectations!
I often see wildly varying opinion on digital camera. I tend to think that some people expected too much for their money.
11 Lost my pix
Cute, nice display but apparently too easy to delete pix. 90 shots disappeared. I am no amateur. I have owned Casio, HP, (3) Sony Mavicas, Nikon 4300, and some cheapo that I threw away. Still use the Mavicas and Nikon. The tiny xD memory chip is small and difficult to handle, and it is in the battery case and you drop out batteries. Either the memory stick deleted itself or the delete sequence was initiated without my knowledge or realization. This is something I have never had happen before. Not happy camper.
12 I love this camera
This camera is extremely easy to use! It has everything most people need to take good pictures--zoom, landscape mode, portrait mode, close up mode, super close up mode, self timer, tripod mount(I had a Sony that didn't even have a tripod mount). Anyway, so far it has taken great pictures, but if you're going to buy this camera, be sure to also buy some rechargeable batteries. I just put in the batteries that came with it last night, and they were dead by this morning! Rechargeables will probably save a lot of money. This camera is also the perfect size. It's small and light. The only thing that it doesn't have is a viewfinder eyepiece, but that's no big deal to me because it has the viewfinder screen that is clear and sharp. It also doesn't record sound in movie mode, but it's still has everything else and it's a great camera!
13 A great camera!
I bought this for unknown reasons. I guess on a whim. But this is a dummy proof camera, it has a dial that you turn for all kinds of backrounds. I also have the Olympus 410 stylus. The photos are equal in quality only I feel this one to me is more durable. Takes 2 batteries and I put in a spare 32 memory card. I take the card out and use the HP Photosmart 375 and it prints fantastic photos! I notice there was another review downing the camera but for $140.00 I think it is a great deal. We just retired our first Olympus which I purchased years ago for $700. And it still takes great photos! I guess I will give it to my 8 year old. I am very pleased with this item, highly recommended. It's a basic camera and just a closing note there is no viewfinder you shoot through the monitor so you get what you see. I gave it to my 21 year old who is returning to new zealand in a month.
14 Misrepresented
Be aware that this camera is not the 'Stylus' model that it is claimed to be. It is a 'Camedia'. If I had known this, I would have purchased it in person because the person I am giving it to specifically asked for a 'Stylus'.
15 Good pictures but flash appears weak
I went to the store to buy the highly rated Nikon 2200, but then saw how good a value this camera was, and ended up by buying both. I later returned the Nikon.
The camera takes very good photos and the quality of LCD is excellent. I compared the photos with those taken by the similarly priced Nikon 2200, and photos from this camera had better color, more detail etc.
But one thing I am not impressed about is the flash. A lot of time, the flash leaves the image too dark. Sometimes though the image is perfect, so I am not sure if it is something I am doing.
The camera is light, but a little difficult to hold on to. Next shot delay is almost non-existent for non-flash photos. For flash photos, the dealy is about 5 seconds mainly due to the flash charging. But compared to the Nikon 2200, flash charging was faster.
The camera starts up quickly, and the zoom works well.The camera is small enough to carry in your pocket.
In all, a very good value for the money.
16 Great Image Quality, But Too Small
This camera is a great travel camera, but it's too small for taking close-ups or telephoto shots. I prefer the Olympus cameras with 4 AA batteries (rechargable). They're much easier to hold steady when photographing a flower or distant object.
There's such a thing as too small and this camera has surpassed my limit. If not yours, pick it up. Olympus cameras are the best.
