Olympus D-540

Value (7.0)
With the affordable price of around $154.95 (USD), this point-and-shoot camera by Olympus offers a glass 3x optical zoom lens with aspheric elements. There is also a 1/3.7-inch 3.2 MP CCD, and video recording capabilities included as well. The 1.8-inch LCD is set into the body of the camera and is fairly usable in most circumstances. It is possible to record video in two frame sizes at 15 fps, and captures footage in QuickTime format. It has three recording sizes for still images, however, there are no picture effects available, and minimal manual control. For those users who do not require anything other then basics, the D-540 offers a strong lens, relatively simplistic interface and ample image quality for $150 (USD). This is as cheap as it gets for a glass lens with optical zoom and over 3 megapixels of resolution, but even for these snapshooters, some limitations may be apparent.

Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix 2200 - The Nikon Coolpix 2200 normally sells online for slightly less than the Olympus D-540, at around $149.95 (USD). The 2200 has a slightly more expansive zoom, though only in the digital sense with 3x optical and 4x digital zoom available. The 1/3.2-inch CCD contains far less resolution with just 2.14 megapixels. The 2200 has three still image sizes and three movie sizes, which record at a rate of 15 fps. This camera has many more preset options and sub-sections to choose from, but, overall, manual and automatic control features are comparable to those on the Olympus D-540. The 2200 does offer 14.5MB of internal memory, while users of the D-540 will have to rely on media card storage.

HP Photosmart 435 - The Photosmart 435 by Hewlett-Packard sells online for around $119.95 (USD). The camera packs an impressive 1/2.7-inch 3.4 MP CCD, although it only has a 5x digital zoom, with no optical capabilities. The Photosmart 435 contains both video and still formats: two ratios for still and one for video, recording at a rate of 20 fps with audio recording capabilities. The Photosmart 435 stocks 16MB of internal memory, but cannot write to it when recording in burst mode. Visibility is reduced with the 435's 1.5-inch LCD screen, compared to the D-540's 1.8' display.

Kodak EasyShare CX7330 - The Kodak EasyShare CX7330 has a 3x optical and 3.3x digital zoom, and retails for nearly the same price as the Olympus D-540. It does not have audio recording options, although it does have movie mode in one resolution, which shoots at 15 fps. The CX7330 contains some manual control options, which are comparable to those included on the D-540. The CX7330 has a burst mode shooting at 3 fps for 3 seconds. There is also 16MB of internal memory and a 1.6-inch LCD monitor with a real image optical viewfinder included on the CX7330.

Fujifilm FinePix A340 - This camera currently sells for fifty dollars more than the Olympus D-540 online, and includes an ample 1/2.7-inch 4.0 MP CCD, with three still image settings. There is a video recording mode included on the FinePix A340, recording in two video settings at 10 fps, an incredibly slow frame rate considering the price, which also does not include any audio recording capabilities. Like the D-540, there is no built-in memory, but there is a burst shooting mode, and some preset image options along with a hefty selection of white balance modes. This camera by Fujifilm comes with a smaller 1.5-inch LCD screen.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera has a straightforward point-and-shoot layout without convoluted features and settings - ideal for snapshooters.

Budget Consumers - For the low price, the D-540 provides a nice sized CCD, the ability to record in video and still modes, and optical zoom, although there is no audio recording included and limited manual control options.

Gadget Freaks -With the lack of audio recording and extra features, gadget freaks are sure to be stricken with boredom by the simplified interface and minimalist design of the D-540.

Manual Control Freaks - The manual control enthusiast is sure to be disappointed by the extremely limited and lacking control features included on the D-540.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - There isn't any real reason that the Olympus Camedia D-540 would appeal to the professional user or serious hobbyist.