Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53395 in Camera & Photo
• Size: Medium Size
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 13166
• Released on: 2001-10-25
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Platforms: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Macintosh, Windows NT, PowerMac, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Server, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and below, Windows
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 4.30" w x 2.75" l, .66 pounds
• Memory: 16MB
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 3.3 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB SmartMedia card holds 40 images at default resolution
• Connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses 4 AA or 2 disposable lithium batteries (4 AA alkalines included)

Amazon.com Product Description
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.

Customer Reviews

Everyhting you wanted to know...
Hello,

Well, to cut short some of the remarks in those reviews, a few points:

- The USB is not slow. Transferring a full 16Mo card to my computers (Windows XP/2000 or Mac OSX) takes less than 10 seconds. The slow USB problem is mostly due to computers running W98OSR2 (I don't have the exact reason, but the slow USB is not due to the camera).

- Batteries: Olympus has the great idea to accept AA cells, adapted to rechargeable batteries (1.2V). You can buy two sets of nickel-metal batteries in any store for 20 bucks, with the charger. And even if you're in the middle of Continental India, you will find AA cells without problems, compared to lithium batteries. NiMh cells last longer than alkaline batteries, but make sure you always have a set of 4 batteries charged, especially if you use the LCD screen at all times.

Now the good points of the camera:
- a good optical system, with little deformation at wide angle, and a decent aperture. It can be used indoor without flash if the subject is static.
- good flash exposure, and many capabilities (slow mode to keep the ambiance, red eyes reduction, flash off...).
- Overall good light exposure. It is not op-perfect but the multi-zone measurement makes a good job in classic composition. For highly contrasted scenes, you can use the 'spot' measurement, which is maybe too wide to be really 'spot', but precise enough to expose one part of the picture perfectly.

- Fast processing, probably due to a lot of RAM in the system. A full-size picture is processed in about a second.

Bad points:

- Noise of the zoom: it sounds awefull, but like most other digital cameras... The system that prevents the optical system to come out when the lens cap is on is a little weird, but proven efficient (I have that camera for more than 3 monts... Tested and approved)

- Batteries run out quickly... BUY SOME RECHARGEABLE NI-MH. Those cameras are power hungry. The other solution is to wait 5 years, technology will be better and more power efficient!

- Size? it's not a compact camera, and it won't fit in your shirt pocket. Price to pay for a decent lens, and a large LCD screen. In the other hand, it handles very well, and proves to be a very nice fit in your hand.

- No sound in video mode: at that price point, I'm not really surprised. And to answer the question:"How much would it cost to olympus to add a microphone", I can answer: about 3 dollars (microphone+analog front end+D/A converter+processing power to encode sound!), and something more to add inside this already squeezed camera. If you want sound with the video, go to a better model - more expensive. The main purpose of a camera is... TO TAKE PICTURES!

Overall rating: I like this camera, that provides good colors and very good exposure without hassle. A lot of manual features are available, very good for someone who knows how to use a regular film camera. At that price point...you will not get any better. The resolution is very good (3.3MPS) and detailled, indor photography is possible. If you need an even faster lens, check the C3030 (F1.8 constant), but you will pay a nice premium for the upgrade. The cameras are similar otherwise.

Great picture quality, solid value.
I've had my c-3020z for about three weeks now and really like it. As a beginning digitial photographer I was interested in a reasonably-priced 3.x MP camera that could take great point-and-shoot photos, but also offered enough manual control to take advantage of as my experience grows. I was also interested in a camera I could purchase a reasonably priced underwater housing for to take diving. The 3020 delivered on all points. I've found the image quality excellent, with sharp detail and accurate color. I take quite a bit of macro animal shots and I've found the detail it captures impressive, even if I blow it up on my PC. The menus are pretty intuitive as well once you learn what is where. I'm still learning when and how to use the manual modes; there are a few to choose from and I'm still figuring out how to take advantage of all this control. Having had a digital camera before, I didn't mess around with alkalines or memory and bought some rechargable NiMh batteries and a 128mb card. I've been pleasantly surprised to find that this camera doesn't chew through batteries nearly as badly as my Kodak did, and a 128mb card is nicely capacious. I can't wait to take it diving.

I've had no problems per se, but to be fair, here's what I don't appreciate about this camera:

1. The manual that comes with it is pretty poor. I'm going to get a photograpy book to help learn more about the manual capabilities and how/when to use them.

2. Construction is ok, but the design, quality & feel pales compared to the nice metal Sonys. Plastic back and buttons are not too sexy.

3. Why can't Olympus get the [...] lens cap right!? Since the cap catches on the inside of the barrel, if you leave it on when you powerup, you will hear nasty gear sounds as the lens trys to push off the lens cap. People have criticized this design for quite a while in other Oly c-class reviews. Olympus--this is inexcusable.

4. Macro capability is ok, but limited to about 8". For really close up work, I'm going to probably have to get a macro lens kit.

Overall, this is a nice, powerful camera which takes fantastic pictures for a very reasonable price.

Exceeds expectations
Out of the box, the C-3020 works and does all the things it should very well. I have had mine for only a few weeks and continue to discover new things, but in the meantime you can use it as a 'point and shoot' camera as you learn. I was looking for a camera built by a camera company with good optics and an understanding of the needs of the beginner as well as the serious amateur. They have done a good job.

With 3.2 megapixels available, the quality of the finished photo can be excellent. I made a sharp 8 x 10 enlargement of our very hairy dog and every hair is sharply in focus and visible on the print. The built-in flash is surprisingly good. Exposures with available light are more than adequate. The almost overwhelming variety of controls will take a while to learn and require referral to the manual, but many will not be used reqularly anyway. The printed manual is inadequate, but the manual on the CD included is excellent.

The camera does not have 'video out' or sound, but if you don't feel you need those features, you can save $200 as compared to models which include them.

All in all, I could give this camera five stars, but nothing is perfect. First accessory needed, a battery charger and rechargeable batteries. Why doesn't the manufacturer include them? Olympus does include Adobe Photoshop Elements which is an excellent program and will cost nearly $100 if bought separately. If you buy a C-3020, I predict you will like it.