Olympus FE-230

Connectivity
Software (8.5)
The Olympus FE-230 comes with one complete software package compatible for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, with one trial program for Windows only. The Olympus Master 2 software system is both an organizational and editing system. Installation was simple and the program is intuitively laid out. Users can choose to import files either as albums or through a folder system on the left side of the interface, where users can open photos from the camera or different folders within the personal computer.

Listed along the top of the Master 2 display are the following navigational and control options; Back, Save, Undo, Redo, Edit Palette (On/Off), rotate +/–90 degrees, Slide Show, Print menu, RAW, Panorama, Options, Quick Guide, and Help. These options are displayed using large, clear text and icons that enable fast scanning and selection without hassle.

The Edit Palette option is a series of editing features that enable the user to alter photographs without having to load them into a third party editing program. The edit palette options for this software include; Resize, Crop, Insert Text, Brightness & Contrast, Color Balance, Tone Curve, Gamma, Auto Tone Correction, Hue & Saturation, Monochrome & Sepia, Sharpness & Blur, Distortion Correction and Red-Eye Reduction. All have a basic and logical interface, allowing the user to adjust settings manually and automatically for many of the options.

Although this camera includes the ability for direct printing from the camera itself, users may find the printing options included in the software to be advantageous. With the Print menu, users are able to select from a series of preset printing layouts, with anywhere from one to nine images placed on the page. Adding images to a layout is a simple process, done by double-clicking image thumbnails displayed along the bottom of the screen.

Where the FE-230 lacks in in-camera editing options, it makes up for in the software. There are a number of advanced editing options offered in a simple interface.
Summary paragraph

Jacks, ports, plugs (4.0)
All ports for the Olympus FE-230 can be located on the right side of the camera beneath a light gray rubber port cover. Like the more expensive FE-250, this camera has an odd non-port port cover that, when forced open, reveals the interior body of the camera and connects directly to the area that houses the memory card and battery. This design shortcut is obviously an attempt to save money by manufacturing one camera body for multiple models.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The FE-230 has two direct print options. Print orders can be sent directly to a PictBridge-compatible printer by attaching the camera to the printer with the included USB cord. The Direct Printing function allows users to select images and dictate the number of prints for each image while reviewing photographs on the camera’s LCD screen. The second option is an Easy Print setting that allows the user to print the currently displayed photograph with the default settings of the printer. Users can select other images with the Easy Print mode once the initial printing is complete by pressing the left and right arrows of the four-way control. The FE-230's print options are quick, and more importantly, hassle-free, a definite plus for its intended market.

Battery (6.5)
The Olympus FE-230 uses a slim lithium-ion battery inserted into a slot on the bottom of the camera underneath a weak-kneed cover. The battery has a reported charge length of approximately 300 minutes. The longevity of the battery is definitely a benefit over camera models that require AA batteries, which often last only a short period of time before needing to be replaced or recharged.


Memory
The Olympus FE-230 is equipped with 20MB internal memory, and users also have the option to use xD-Picture memory cards from 16MB to 2GB. The memory card slot is located beneath a flimsy sliding cover on the bottom of the camera. Open the cover by pressing down slightly and sliding to the right. Once open, users can easily insert and replace memory cards. The positioning of the tripod mount on the far left side of the camera bottom allows the photographer to replace both memory cards and batteries without having to remove the camera from the tripod head.

Other Features (7.0)
Shooting Guide Mode –

The Shooting Guide mode is an Olympus-specific feature that can be accessed by rotating the mode dial to the GUIDE setting. The Shooting Guide provides the photographer with 11 frequently asked questions on general shooting situations and their answers. The format is easy to interact with, and fast answers can be found without having to search through the user's manual.

DIS mode - This mode is accessed through the mode dial setting represented by a shaking hand icon. The Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) mode functions separately from other Shooting modes and cannot be used in tandem with other modes. It is intended to reduce operator-induced camera shake and the blur of moving subjects. Digital stabilization, while better than no stabilization, will still not provide the level of clarity found when shooting with an optical system like those found with the Panasonic line.

DIS Edit- The DIS Edit feature is an option listed within the Olympus FE-230’s Playback menu. The DIS Edit option allows the user to select an image and, if the photo is approved for processing, will make further image stabilization adjustments. The camera supposedly refuses images that are corrected or already stabilized and will cannot be further processed.

Bright Capture Technology - This feature automatically brightens the LCD and image captured in low light situations.

My Favorites - This setting allows the user to designate their favorite photos and store them to the FE-230's internal memory.

Pixel Mapping - This feature reformats the pixels on the CCD with the touch of a button, a process that usually requires the user to send the camera to the manufacturer. Olympus recommends performing this process once a year.

Underwater housing - The FE-230 has three Underwater scene modes: Under Water Wide 1, Under Water Wide 2, and Under Water Macro. Users will need to purchase the optional housing from Olympus to use them, as the FE-230 isn't waterproof. Its $169.99 retail price is close to that of the camera. If you have some extra cash, it might be a fun investment, but cameras such as the Pentax Optio W30 and the Olympus Stylus 720SW are waterproof without additional housing and retail for approximately $299.95 and $399.99, respectively.

Value (5.75)
With a 7.1-megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, and 19 preset shooting modes, the Olympus FE-230 makes a strong initial claim in the value market with a retail price of $199.99. The shortcomings of this camera are pronounced, however. Lacking manual controls beyond exposure compensation will definitely ostracize a large section of the consumer market, and with questionable construction quality and features like a false port cover that opens onto nothing, users may question just how well designed this product is.

Further downfalls include the FE-230's slow focus in low light situations. And with the flash turned off, the camera is forced to rely solely on long shutter speeds and high ISO due to the underwhelming f/3.1 maximum aperture. Sure, it’s easy to use, and snapshot photographs in perfect lighting will look pretty good. But with little room to learn and grow and such limited performance in poor lighting, the Olympus FE-230 turns in a mixed performance that brings the $199.99 price tag into question.