Olympus FE-250

The Olympus FE-250, announced at the end of January, is the top offering in the company's line of entry-level point-and-shoots. The slim 8-megapixel FE-250 has a 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, Bright Capture technology, and a Digital Image Stabilization mode. This camera is light on manual controls, but its preset shooting modes and basic layout will appeal to users looking for simplicity. With an original MSRP of $299.95, the FE-250 can currently be found through the Olympus online store and other Internet retailers for less.

Physical Tour

Front (7.25)
The Olympus FE-250's lens barrel extends from the camera body when the FE-250 is powered on. The lens barrel and surrounding aesthetic details consume nearly two-thirds of the camera face. A small in-camera monaural microphone is positioned to the left of the bottom of the polished silver lens rings. A raised horizontal ridge, intended to aid in handling, is located on the left side of the camera body. This feature will likely be unused due to the small size of both it and the camera body. Above this silver ridge and to the left of the lens ring top is a small horizontal in-camera flash. A self-timer indication lamp is tucked away on the upper left corner to the left of the flash.

Back (7.75)
The Olympus FE-250's back is stripped down to the basics, a welcome relief for point-and-shooters. The sizeable 230,000-pixel, 2.5-inch LCD screen consumes nearly all of the back face. Above the upper-right corner of the LCD frame are two small, clearly-labeled buttons that access the Shooting and Playback modes. The Shooting mode icon is the universal camera symbol printed in red, while the Playback mode is represented by the standard play icon printed in green. Between these two buttons is a small lamp that indicates card access status.

The small, smooth mode dial is located in the upper right corner of the Olympus FE-250’s back. Beneath the mode dial is a large four-way interface for both in-menu navigation and adjustment to controls like flash, self-timer, and exposure. When the camera is set to the Auto shooting mode and not in-menu, the up arrow will open an onscreen display for adjusting the exposure compensation levels. When in Playback mode this control doubles as the print button. The print icon is printed in green just above the perimeter of this control interface. The right arrow opens the onscreen flash display and enables users to make adjustments to general flash settings like red-eye, fill in, or no flash. The down arrow opens a display for the FE-250’s Self-timer mode. And finally, the left arrow engages the Macro and Super Macro shooting modes. The OK/Func. button is located in the center of the four-way control. If this button is held down when shooting, a small function menu opens for access to ISO levels and Burst modes.

Left Side (7.0)
There are no features on the left side of the Olympus FE-250.

Right Side (6.0)
A slightly protruding eyelet for the optional wrist strap attachment is located in the center of the FE-250’s right side. Directly above this eyelet is a small port cover that is flipped open via the small tab located along its bottom edge. This cover opens easily enough, but closing it is a hassle due to the long rubber hinges that are somewhat difficult to maneuver back into place. This cover protects the camera’s USB/AV out port. At the bottom of the right side is a mystery cover; it opens to reveal nothing. Its a telltale sign the FE-250 has the same body as a more expensive model, only without some of the features.

Top (7.0)
The Olympus FE-250's raised shutter button is on the right corner of the camera's top. The shutter is placed and sized for easy access and engagement. The zoom ring surrounds the shutter button; it slides to the left to zoom out on subjects and to the right to zoom in. When the camera is in Playback mode the zoom ring is used to zoom in on images. The power button is located to the left of the shutter and zoom controls. It is set slightly into the camera body, lessening the risk it will be accidentally engaged.

Bottom (3.0)
The FE-250's battery port and memory card slot are "protected" by a terribly designed cover. It is flimsy and and unconvincing protective shield for these essential components. When open, the cover is tenuously connected to the camera body; it will easily snap off if handled roughly. The in-camera playback speaker is located to the right of the battery/memory card cover. Near the right edge of the camera body is a plastic tripod mount that will easily have its threads stripped if incorrectly mounted to a tripod head.