Olympus FE-250 Digital Camera Review

by James Murray
Published on August 08, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Sample Photos	Photo Gallery
Specs / Ratings

Likes

- Small size means easy portability - Large, bright LCD screen - The Shooting Guide menu provides novice users with on-the-go help - Bright Capture technology

Dislikes

- A steep price tag without the features to back it up - Poor construction and low-quality materials - Split menu structure may confuse the novice - Lack of white balance presets - Red-eye in portrait photographs even with the Red-eye setting turned on

Conclusion
The Olympus FE-250 packs an 8-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and 230,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCD into a petite metal frame. The camera improves on the manual controls of lower-priced “FE” models by including control over ISO. It comes with a wealth of preset shooting modes and helpful features for the beginner such as the Shooting Guide. However, while an improvement within the Olympus line, the FE-250 falls short of other manufacturers' offerings in this price range. Cameras by Casio and Kodak either offer the same or more features at a lower price.

Noticeably absent from the FE-250 are white balance presets. The camera instead relies on its mediocre Auto White Balance setting, so what you see is what you get, odd colors and all. The FE-250 will suffice for the consumer looking for a point-and-shoot that looks slick and is easy to use. However, users seeking manual control, color accuracy, handling confidence, or a more durable design should consider another camera.