Editorial Review:Amazon.com Review:The D-490 Zoom is the latest model in the venerable D-400 series, starting with the D-400Z and continuing with the D-450Z and D-460Z. All of these cameras have been extremely popular, and we expect the D-490 Zoom to be as big a hit. In its latest incarnation, the camera boasts a 2.1-megapixel sensor, an uncompressed TIFF storage option, plus a QuickTime movie mode.
Turning the camera on is a snap--literally. Just slide the protective lens cover until it clicks to a stop, and the 3x zoom lens pops out, letting you start shooting. The controls are so intuitive and similar to those of a film camera that most users won't even need to look at the owner's manual.
Olympus cameras consistently produce some of the highest-quality images when compared to other cameras with the same resolution. This is partially the result of high-quality optics, but also because Olympus cameras use less JPEG compression than most cameras. These less-compressed images result in larger file sizes, but Olympus feels that the higher quality results justify the reduced number of images that will fit on a memory card.
The camera includes numerous, nice little touches, including viewfinder diopter adjustment (for eyeglass wearers), a continuous shooting rate of 1.3 frames per second, exposure compensation, a self-timer, and more.
Of course, no camera is perfect. The 490Z's biggest shortcoming is its lack of USB connectivity, a nearly unforgivable omission these days. Though its serial port is compatible with virtually every PC and beige Mac ever made, it's painfully slow and incompatible with the iMac and newer Macintosh systems. Even if your computer has a serial port, we strongly recommend purchasing a separate memory-card reader, an inexpensive accessory that will transform your image transfers from a slow and painful experience to a quick and simple one. In addition, the camera is designed to operate on either 4 AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-life disposable lithium batteries. It ships with the lithium batteries, which do have an impressive lifespan but can't be recharged and are more expensive than alkalines to replace. For long-term use, we recommend investing in a set of rechargeable batteries.
Other minor gripes: though the camera can record QuickTime movies, it has no microphone, so your film clips will be silent. Finally, the flash can be a bit frustrating. It needs to be popped up by hand before it's activated. This is probably something that becomes intuitive after you've owned the camera for a while, but we were repeatedly frustrated by having to retake low-light shots after forgetting to pop up the 'automatic' flash.
Overall, the Olympus is a great camera if you're switching over from a point-and-shoot. It produces great-looking prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches and features an easy-to-use, compact design. The lack of a USB connection is the biggest shortcoming in this otherwise excellent camera.
Pros: - Easy transition from a point-and-shoot film camera
- Great optics for clear prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches
- Excellent all-around performer
Cons: - No USB image transfer
- No sound in movie mode
- Flash needs to be popped up manually to be activated
- Plastic case feels less durable than some cameras'
Amazon.com Product Description:With its 2.1-megapixel CCD, the Olympus D-490 zoom produces 1,600 x 1,200 resolution images, enabling sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. Like its physically identical predecessors (The D-460 and D-450), the camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, SmartMedia storage, and the familiar look and feel of Olympus's traditional film cameras. Unlike its predecessors, the D-490 has an uncompressed TIFF mode for ultimate image clarity, as well as a QuickTime movie mode so you can take short silent film clips. The flip-up flash includes forced- flash, red-eye reduction, and slow synchronization modes. For flexibility in image composition, the camera has both an optical viewfinder and a 1.8-inch LCD display. The camera uses four AA batteries or a pair of Olympus long-life CR-V3 lithium batteries. Though the lithium batteries have an impressive life span, they're nonrechargeable, so we still recommend getting a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Stunning Photos
This camera takes amazing pictures. The quality of light captured in each frame is unforgettable. I have taken casual photos in different countries, and upon examining them have discovered what an amazing camera I have! It is a heavy camera, which is the only downside for traveling. This is the perfect camera for high quality prints, gallery quality images. I love this camera, Ill never replace it with anything smaller or lighter.
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great camera
I purchased this camera almost 4 years ago and love it. It sold me on the olympus name. My next camera, if i have to get one, will be another olympus.
Like the fact that it uses aa batteries b/c if i get in a predicament where i need batteries, i know i can go to the neighborhood store to get them instead of being limited to propriatary (sp?) battery units like the sony. I have 2 sets of rechargeable batteries that i use and also have the separate card reader to download at faster speeds.
This camera has taken thousands of excellent pictures for me. I'll probably buy a newer model in the next couple of years but, for now, this 2 megapixel beauty is everything i need.
Good luck.
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Don't buy it!
I have owned my camera for 2 years and had nothing but trouble with it. Once the warranty expired (of course), I had strange problems with the batteries! They would only operate if they were warm! Very odd. And, just as others have posted, the camera suddenly "died" on me about a month ago. Not worth the money to fix it, I just purchased a new camera. NOT an Olympus!
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Olympus D-490
The Olympus D490 is an awesome camera. I've used it for year, but someone recently dropped and broke it.
The Olympus takes great pictures. They have good color, except in flourescent lighting, which showed up as yellow. For fast moving objects, the flash is required to avoid blurring. For objects with bright light in the background and the foreground in shadow, the flash needs to be forced. In the dark, pictures will turn out with good color as long as nothing is moving while taking the picture. The camera takes longer to take the picture in poor lighting. Scenery pictures come out wonderful. I've even caught the glistening ice, mist rising from streams, and sunlight filtering through the forest.
The Olympus is easy to use with point and click, and autofocus. It also has panoramic and other options.
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Great starting digital camera
My D490 is still going strong after about 3 yrs. I do note the plastic door is wearing. The lens seems to be slowing as it moves in & out. The flash is no problem to use manually. I have used more basic 35mm camera and there are some things you need to do yourself- no big deal. There have been no problems as I too have gotten a card reader to facilitate faster downloads. The real problem is the shutter button is wearing out. This happened on a VHS C camcorder I owned too.I guess I am too hard on this part of a camera. I used to sell cameras for a big box store and Olympus is a good brand. It is a Ford or Chevy and dependable up to a point. As these cameras have evolved, they have sacrificed some good options and quality to go in new directions. In a way they now resemble the GM and Fords of the late 1970's. I don't doubt that Evolution in real life has had the same process and end results (Why is "Friends" in it's 20'th yr.) At any rate, I can't tell you the trips I've taken and gotten out my camera from my shorts to get a wonderful shot that when taped to my cubical makes my day: Sunsets, men shot out of cannons, Pandas at the Zoo, and waterfalls galore. Enjoy your camera and know they don't make em like they used to.
