Olympus FE-350 review and ratings
In the spring of 2008 a fair number of cameras with wide angle lenses were sprinkled among the new announcements. The Olympus FE-350 is one of these. Owing to the small nature of the sensor inside a digital camera and the small size of the camera and lens overall the sharpness of pictures taken with a camera with the lens zoomed right out has often struggled compared to other types of photograph. Manufacturers are now feeling increasingly confident that the quality of the optics used with these compact digital cameras is improving. Hence the introduction of more and more digital cameras with wide angle lenses.
Panasonic are probably a little ahead of the field in this market and they have a selection of cameras offering wide angle lenses. When it comes to picture quality one of their models I like is the Panasonic DMC FS20. This camera also rates highly for ease of use. Ease of use is also one of the strengths of the Olympus FE-350. I would go as far as to say this camera is not overburdened with features and Olympus have concentrated their efforts on delivering a camera that is straightforward. This has also help to keep the cost of the camera to a reasonable mark.
The FE-350 has 8 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom lens. Another feature worth noting is the large 3 inch LCD screen. The FE-350 is available in black and silver.
Rating: Below Average
Summary: Picture quality was a problem for me in all my tests. I thought the camera did not handle contrasting scenes very well and often there was a lack of clarity and definition in the photos.
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