Olympus FE-230

Comparisons

Fujifilm Finepix A800 – This camera, while not slender, provides a number of control features not found on the Olympus FE-230. This camera comes with a 8.3 megapixel 1/1.6-inch CCD and manual controls over ISO and exposure compensation, an aperture range that will perform well in a variety of light levels, an adequate list of White Balance Preset modes, and a host of flash options that will suit most users' needs. Features similar between the two models include a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels, a Digital Image Stabilization mode and automatic shutter, aperture, and photometry settings. It isn’t all roses with the A800, however, with features like the Movie mode and the Scene modes falling short of the offerings found with the FE-230. The FinePix A800 has an initial retail price identical to the FE-230, but can now be found online for less.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 – The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 is available in four colors, including standard silver and black as well as light blue and pink. The DSC-W55 is available for $199.95 on the Sony website. This 7.2-megapixel camera is suited for the beginner who wants a point-and-shoot camera that allows them more control as they improve their skills. The DSC-W55 improves upon the offerings of the FE-230 by providing 56MB of internal memory, a Burst mode, In-camera Color modes, Preset White Balance settings, manual control over ISO, control over Auto Focus parameters, and a larger maximum aperture. Comparable components include the 3x optical zoom lens, in-camera guide menus, 2.5-inch LCD with 115,000 pixels, and manual control over exposure compensation. Shortcomings found with this Cyber-shot model include the lack of Digital Stabilization mode, no full resolution Movie mode when capturing to internal memory, fewer Scene modes, and proprietary media formats.

Canon PowerShot A560 – With a pronounced right hand grip and larger body, the Canon PowerShot A560 is definitely easier to handle than the FE-230. The retail price slightly exceeds that of the Olympus FE-230, but can now be found online for around the same price. This 7.1-megapixel model comes with a plethora of manual control options that should be quite appealing to the more advanced user looking to expand their shooting abilities. Users can control ISO, exposure compensation, metering and white balance in addition to a large list of flash settings, a Burst mode, and a handful of preset Scene modes. This camera also has a larger maximum aperture of f/2.6 and comes with a 4x optical zoom, a 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD and a real-image optical zoom viewfinder. Other features that outdo the Olympus FE-230 are found in the settings of the A560's Movie mode. The Movie mode allows users to shoot anywhere from 640 x 480 at 30 fps to a reduced resolution of 320 x 240 at a brisk 60 fps. With these features the A560 provides a strong counter-argument to the FE-230’s major claims of portability and ease of use.

Panasonic DMC-FX10 – This Panasonic model comes in three colors and features a smaller 6-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, and comparable 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD screen. The DMC-FX10 is available in blue, silver and pink for approximately the same retail price as the Olympus FE-230. The DMC-FX10 continues the trend of more manual control found with many of these comparison cameras, allowing users to adjust white balance, exposure compensation, and ISO settings from 100 to 3200. The DMC-FX10 also comes with optical image stabilization, multiple auto focus metering areas, video recording in 848 x 480 (16:9 aspect ratio, although technically not true 16:9), backlight compensation, 27MB of built-in memory, unlimited consecutive shooting, and a larger maximum aperture. This low-slung model, while sleek and cleanly designed, isn’t going to fit into the back pocket of your tightest jeans. Again, in terms of portability the FE-230 has the advantage over all comparison cameras in this price range. But considering the features and options these other models offer, it's important to put that one major benefit into perspective.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – If anyone is going to be interested in the Olympus FE-230 it will be this crowd. It's a good place to start if you just want to point and click, but if you're looking to advance your skills, look elsewhere.

Budget Consumers – Initially priced at $199.99, the Olympus FE-230 isn’t inexpensive. Sure it’s sleek and easy to carry, but the budget-conscious consumer will find many other models for the same price or less that allow for more manual control, more image adjustments, and more in-camera effects without breaking the bank.

Gadget Freaks – The gadget freak is unlikely to consider the Olympus FE-230 with its simple, straightforward point-and-shoot layout and lack of controls, features, and innovation.

Manual Control Freaks – As emphasized elsewhere in this review, the Olympus FE-230 is nearly devoid of manual controls, with users only able to make adjustments to exposure compensation and flash settings.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – There is no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to consider the Olympus FE-230 as an option.