Connectivity
Software (8.5)
The Olympus FE-250 comes with included software for both Windows and Macintosh computers. The camera comes with Olympus Master 2 and a trial version of the Olympus muvee theaterPack, which is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
The Olympus Master 2 software is surprisingly easy to use, with an interface that allows beginners to easily engage in image-editing features beyond crop and print. Users can scan current and previously imported photos in album or folder setups along the left side of the computer screen. The edit menu options are displayed along the right side of the screen. Editing options are displayed with icons and text labels for 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.
When an individual editing option is selected the display screen is split in half, and the original and edited images shown side by side allow users to see the effect the adjustments have on the image. The red-eye reduction editing option isn't the most exciting feature, but is probably the most useful. It really helps with a camera like the Olympus FE-250 that struggles to produce portraits without blazing red devil eyes.
Other image adjustments located horizontally along the top of the Olympus Master 2 interface are rotate 90 degrees clockwise and counter-clockwise. Other settings include Back, Save, Undo, Redo, Edit Palette, Slide Show, Print Menu, RAW, Panorama, Options, Quick Guide and Help.
The Print menu setup is an easy-to-use interface that allows users to select both the print layout and the photo order and size by double clicking thumbnails listed horizontally along the bottom of the Master 2 display window. Although direct printing is helpful when needing to transfer digital images to paper quickly, the editing options and layout choices provided in the Olympus software make a good argument for taking your photos a step further in post-production.
Jacks, ports, plugs (4.0)
There are two port covers on the body of the Olympus FE-250 although, only one of them actually covers ports. Both covers are located on the right side of the camera body. The cover located near the bottom edge of the camera isn't labeled, and when pried open will reveal absolutely nothing besides show the FE-250 is a lower quality version of another model by Olympus that does include ports in this area. Sure, it’s saving Olympus money by not having to manufacture different camera bodies for highly similar models, but this fake port cover could lead to water getting into the battery and memory card slots located directly underneath this area.
The only real ports and port cover are located near the top of the right side. This cover is opened by flipping a tab on its bottom edge. It conceals a dual purpose port that allows the user to connect the camera to a computer or printer via the USB cable or to a monitor with the included RCA cable.
Direct Print Options (6.0)
Direct printing with the Olympus FE-250 is a simple process that starts with the photographer selecting the appropriate image in Playback mode and plugging the camera into the USB port of a PictBridge-compliant printer. The user can then press the up arrow of the four-way control to initiate printing. Once the photograph is printed the user can switch to other photographs by pressing the left and right arrows of the four-way control.
There are a number of options to prepare images to be printed directly from the camera. Users can select which images to print, set the paper size, print order, and the number of prints for each image.
Battery (6.5)
The battery slot is positioned alongside the memory card slot on the bottom of the camera. It is masked by a low-quality cover. The Olympus FE-250 uses a slim Lithium Ion battery that has an approximate 300 shot capacity per charge.
Memory (3.75)
The Olympus FE-250 comes with an included 20MB of internal memory - enough to hold six full resolution images. In addition to this internal memory the user can purchase xD-Picture cards from 16MB to 2GB. Access both slots by slightly pressing on the cover and sliding it to the right. It should be noted again that the cover that “protects” both the memory card and the battery is flimsy and could easily snap off if mishandled.
Other Features (6.5)
Digital Image Stabilization – The Digital Image Stabilization mode is found on the mode dial on the back of the FE-250. This mode boosts the camera's sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and increases the shutter speed to lessen the effects of hand shake and moving subjects. The problem with making the image stabilization feature a separate mode from other shooting modes is that it can’t be used in tandem with the Scene or Auto modes. While digital stabilization is better than no stabilization, it will marginally compromise image quality and produce less impressive results when compared to an Optical Image Stabilization system.
Shooting Guide Mode – The Shooting Guide mode is an Olympus-specific feature that enables users to quickly scan 11 frequently asked questions and answers. This is presented in a quick in-camera format that eliminates the time-consuming process of searching manuals for the appropriate solution. The Shooting Guide mode is accessed by rotating the mode dial to the Guide setting.
Bright Capture Technology - Bright Capture is meant to improve low light shooting. It automatically brightens the LCD screen and the recorded image.
My Favorites - This feature allows the user to store up to nine images to the cameras internal memory.
Pixel Mapping - This feature is the camera's built-in checkup system. It reformats the pixels on the CCD with a touch of a button, a process usually performed by the manufacturer. Olympus recommends performing this process once a year.
