Product Description

Featuring a 2.0-megapixel CCD, 3x optical/2.5x seamless digital zoom lens, and a host of innovative automatic features, the stylish and compact D-520 Zoom lets you take crisp, colorful pictures at the touch of a button. Even shooting a short movie is simple with QuickTime mode. And with USB Auto-Connect, the D-520 will be automatically recognized by almost any USB-equipped computer, so downloading files from the camera is virtually effortless. Nothing's impossible.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36775 in Camera & Photo
• Size: Olympus D-510 Digital Camera
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 520 Zoom
• Platforms: PowerMac, Windows NT 5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 3.5, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Mac OS X, Windows NT, Macintosh, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Mac OS 9 and below, Windows
• Dimensions: 4.13" h x 7.48" w x 7.17" l, 1.70 pounds
• Memory: 16MB
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital (7.5x total) autofocus zoom lens
• Included 16 MB Smartmedia card stores 16 images at default resolution
• Automatically connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses CR-V3 lithium battery or 2 AA batteries (alkalines included)

Amazon.com Product Description
Seeking a digital camera to replace your 35mm film point-and-shoot? A 3x optical zoom lens, 2-megapixel sensor, and familiar film camera style and operation make the Olympus D-520 a great all-around performer for your family snapshots and vacation memories.

Optics and Resolution
This successor to the bestselling D-510 comes with a 2-megapixel sensor that captures enough detail for crisp 8-by-10-inch prints. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution you'll probably also want more manual controls than the D-520 offers--consider the Olympus C-3020 instead.

The all-glass autofocus Olympus lens has a 3x zoom range that's equivalent to a 35-105mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera. For technophiles, it's an eight-element lens that includes an aspheric element, and the aperture ranges from f2.8 to f7.5 at its wide-angle setting. There's also a 2.5x 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 1.5-inch LCD display (which is 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 using 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
The D-520 is substantially smaller than its predecessor (the D-510), but its general design is still very similar. A sliding clamshell lens cover simultaneously protects the 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-520 is clearly designed 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 two AA batteries or one LB-01 disposable lithium battery--a pair of AA alkaline batteries is included. The LB-01 batteries essentially look like two attached AA batteries, and they have a surprisingly long lifespan. However, they aren't rechargeable, so when they finally die, they go into the trash. If you use the camera once a month or less, the lithium battery pack is a logical idea, since it will hold its charge for years when sitting in an unused camera. If you use the camera more often, then the lithium packs don't make economic or environmental sense--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 up to 320 x 240 pixels. 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 32 images at the camera's default settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 32 images per outing (or plan to use the video feature frequently), 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 take 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 4.4 by 2.4 by 1.4 inches and 6.3 ounces, the D-520 is extremely slim and compact, making it easy to bring along on outings.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, 16 MB SmartMedia card, two 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. --Shane Burnett

Pros:

• Familiar film point-and-shoot look and operation
• Smaller and lighter than its predecessor

Cons:

• Movie mode lacks sound

Customer Reviews

Good choice for beginners or web-based digital photography
I'm a working photographer, and Olympus has always had a good reputation among my fellow professionals for making high-quality, inexpensive point-and-shoot film cameras. I've known many folks who packed an Olympus Stylus in their pocket, in addition to their regular high-end camera gear, for quick grab shots and the like. It seems that for the most part, this high regard can be extended to Olympus's digital point-and-shoot cameras as well.

I'm planning some extended travels, and though I'll be using my film cameras for the majority of my photography, I also wanted to bring an inexpensive digital camera to email a few snapshots back home. I previously had used several other Olympus digital cameras, including the D-380, and had been pleased with all of them, so when I found a D-520 at a reasonable price I jumped on it.

And after a few weeks of general use, I'm happy with the performance of the D-520. Colors are rendered with good saturation and accuracy, especially in sunlight, and the images are sharper and clearer than I expected for a digital camera at this price, particularly at the higher resolutions. The various controls are fairly intuitive once you get used to them, and while I wish there were a few more manual options, there's a good set of control choices for an entry-level camera. Plus it's small - even smaller than the D-380, which doesn't have a zoom lens. It fits easily into my pants pocket or shirt pocket, which is great for travelling.

The downsides, though there are a few, are mostly minor. The flash pops out and sits there in a bit of an awkward spot, and there's no way to put it back in its slot while the camera's on, even if you've turned the flash off. Frankly, I can't see any good reason why they didn't just leave it embedded in the camera body like they did on most of this camera's cousins. The rubber flap over the USB and video ports seems a bit fiddly and prone to breaking off, but that's not a big deal to me. And the flash sometimes takes a while to charge up again after a photo, but since it runs off just 2 AA batteries I guess that was the trade-off Olympus made for smaller size and weight.

It's not a perfect camera, but it's probably one of the better options available in this price range. The Olympus D-520 is a good camera for a beginner, or for someone who won't miss having full manual controls and other creative options in their camera. Its 2-megapixel resolution is well more than adequate for email and the web (which is how I plan to use it) or for 4x6-size snapshots. Those who demand more control and more options, or who plan to print out 5x7, 8x10, or larger enlargements might want to seek out a model with higher resolution.

If you do get this camera, drop the extra $50 or so and spring for an accessory 128mb smartmedia card. The included 16mb card is too small for anything but short photo excursions, while the 128mb card will give you all the space you'll ever need - on the D-520 it holds well over 250 pictures, even at high resolution. You could save a few bucks and get a 64mb card instead, but in my opinion the extra cost is more than worth it to get twice as much storage space in return.

Great camera, great buy!!
I'd say I was pretty lucky to have found out about this Olympus D-520, which replaces the popular D-510. For about the same price, you'll get more with D-520. It's smaller and lighter. It comes with 16 MB card (instead of 8 MB card that comes with D-510). And, it only uses 2 AA batteries instead of 4, so you don't have to charge them too often (assuming you're using rechargeable batteries, because it's a MUST for digital cameras). The pop-up flash design is a little bit better in D-520, however, I wish that it pops down everytime the lens barrier is closed. The LCD screen is reduced to 1.5", but it doesn't really bother me, as long as the pictures are there :). The menu is easy to use, and the pictures are great. It's my first digital camera, and so far I'm really pleased with its performance. A great buy!!

The best digital camera on the market for under $300
1. First put in stores in April 2002. Great phot quality for a 2.0 Megapixel. I use it for sending photos on the web. It's great for that.

2. After lots of research, this is the best I could find for under [money]. Super buy.

3. You need a USB port on your computer.

4. Easy easy easy to use. If you have Windows XP on your computer, you plug the USB adaptor into the camera. XP recognizes the camera as a drive. (No software to install). You simply drag and drop the jpegs to your hard drive same as you would any files from any disk or drive. When you unplug the USB, the camera turns off. This probably works on Win98 as well, but you might want to check that out ahead of time.

5. Battery life is unmatched. I have used it all day (in the viewfinder mode) without seeing the battery power indicator move at all.

6. Sixe 4 1/2 X 2 1/2 inches.

7. Even close, the viewfinder does an excellent job of properly centering the photo. This saves battery life. You don't have to turn the screen on unless you want it.

8. Downfalls: You close the sliding lens cap to turn the camera off. If you push it too hard, the lens caps hits the lens and causes the pull-in-the-lens mechanism to jam. Can't review your photos on the rear screen unless you first turn the camera off. Pretty annoying if you want to show your shot to someone immediately.

9. Other things you will need. Get a cheap (non Olympus) NiCd batter charger. I found an Eveready set for [money]. It's much cheaper than the Olympus and works as well. Get a SmartMedia 128MB card to replace the one in the camera. You will have trouble filling it up before you download. ... You may want a vinyl case. It's not included.

10. Lots of other features I have never found the need to use, but they give a lot of added capability and depth to the camera.

11. Finally, the pop up flash does a great job with fill in ... like when you are taking a photo of people with a window behind them. The center weighted metering is not very good, so you will have to select flash instead of automatic.