Olympus D-540

Model Design / Appearance (6.5)
The Olympus Camedia D-540 Zoom has a rectangular build, with a few diagonal lines cutting into features like the viewfinder, which stand slightly raised from the camera’s surface. The retractable lens opens and closes when powered on or off. The right side and the top of the camera both curve towards the back, allowing the right side to conform comfortably to the user's hands. The camera has a brushed silver-colored finish that covers everything except the light gray rubber port covers. The entire body is made of plastic except the metal lens in the front of the camera. The 1.8-inch LCD screen fills the back of the camera, and is neatly framed by a raised section.

Size / Portability (6.5)
Users can hold the D-540 comfortably when not using it. It’s surprisingly light, considering its size (4 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches) and its reliance upon two AA batteries for power. However, you may have to prepare for long-term use, as this camera will not easily fit into a pocket or even a small purse. A carrying case might be handy. Empty, the Camedia D-540 Zoom weighs one third of a pound.

Handling Ability (6.5)
The Camedia’s layout is well designed, with sufficient room provided between most of the camera’s features. However, as with so many digital cameras, the real image optical viewfinder seems like an afterthought, tacked awkwardly onto the back of the camera. The camera fits well in my large hands, but the grips on the right side of the camera body are so slight and smooth that their presence is moot. This forces the user to rely solely on the shape of the camera body for grip and control.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (6.0)
The controls on the Olympus Camedia D-540 Zoom allow the photographer comfortable access to essential functions without much risk of accidental engagement. The zoom toggle is a bit perplexing; its design suggests it should be turned, when it’s actually a lever to be pushed or pulled. The power switch is finicky, and the camera produces a worrisome noise when it’s quickly switched between modes. The controls are labeled neatly, either with symbols or full text.

Menu (7.0)
The Olympus Camedia D-540 Zoom has two separate menus. The virtual dial allows the user to spin through the following modes and settings: Program, Movie, Self Portrait, Night, Landscape, Landscape/Portrait, and Portrait. These can be selected by pressing the OK button. The second menu, located under the OK button, allows for the user to determine the White Balance, Mode Menu, Display Off, and Image Resolution/Size. These menus are intuitive to navigate, and the spinning dial is amusing; however, the responses are sensitive and at times, it's difficult to achieve precision. This occasionally makes movement through menus cumbersome.

Ease of Use (6.5)
Overall, the Olympus Camedia D-540 is fairly easy to use; however, the layout and design of the on-screen menus is cumbersome and may create unnecessary difficulty. The actual buttons and controls, by contrast, are easy to use and straightforward. There are few complications or diversions from initial and secondary functions. The actual design of the zoom toggle is odd, with its physical design unrelated to its actual function. While the camera does not require a degree or photographic mastery to operate, basic controls are needlessly convoluted for a point-and-shoot model.