Olympus C-5500

Value (7.5)
This camera is packed with many more options than most cameras priced around $349.99, and the few cameras in this price range that do have similar functions do not have the 5x optical zoom lens to boot. With lots of manual and automatic settings, the Olympus C-5500 will satisfy beginning and intermediate users--even if they are tight with their money.

Comparisons
Olympus C-7000 Zoom — This model comes with the same 1/1.8-inch CCD with TruePic Turbo Image Processor, but with 7.1 megapixels. This aluminum-bodied digital camera has a similar 5x optical zoom lens and the same range of automatic to manual modes and controls. With a 2-inch LCD screen, the C-7000 sounds very similar to the C-5500. The biggest differences are the resolution and the RAW image format option available on the C-7000. The C-7000 comes with a larger price tag at $599.99.

Kodak EasyShare LS753 — This EasyShare packs a similar 5 megapixels, but onto a smaller 1/2.5-inch CCD. This camera has a similar rectangular and compact body design, but comes with a smaller 2.8x optical zoom lens. This $349.99 model has a 1.8-inch LCD screen, 32 MB of internal memory, and 13 scene modes. When we tested this camera’s color reproduction, it performed well but overdid the red tones. The LS753 has similar manual functions, but does not have a manual white balance option. This model has a faster burst mode that takes 4 pictures at a 0.36-second clip before resting and is known for its ease of use.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 — This camera has a smaller 3x optical zoom lens, but it is a Carl Zeiss. This is coupled with a more compact body that is pretty sleek and stylish. With 5.1 effective megapixels on its 1/1.8-inch CCD, the W5 offers a 30-frame-per-second movie mode with 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 resolutions. This Sony is outfitted with manual functions and six scene modes, as well as a large 2.5-inch LCD and 32 MB of internal memory.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters — Usually, this category of users is searching for a compact model with purely automatic features. While the Olympus C-5500 does have an automatic mode and several scene presets, it doesn’t meet the pocket-sized criteria. Plus the flash must be manually opened; it doesn’t open even in automatic mode.

Budget Consumers — This combination of longer optical zoom, 5 megapixels, image stabilization, and manual functionality cannot be found at a cheaper price.

Gadget Freaks — The pixel mapping option is the most technologically advanced feature on this digital camera, and the display histogram feature could keep gadget freaks busy for a few minutes. Other than that, this isn’t the best option for gadget freaks.

Manual Control Freaks — Depends on how freakish we’re talking. This camera has manual control over shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and ISO, among other things. However, if you’re looking for a manual ISO 800 setting, keep looking. If you want basic control over the exposure, this is a good buy.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists — Even with all the manual options, this camera wouldn’t be good for a serious hobbyist. The slow burst mode and unprofessional look, among other things, are enough to keep these people away.