Olympus FE-250

Value (5.5)
Initially priced at $299.99, the FE-250 is not an inexpensive camera. It has some impressive features that include an 8-megapixel CCD TruePic Turbo Image Processor, 3x optical zoom lens, a nice 230,000-pixel, 2.5-inch LCD, a simple external interface, and a slim design that ensures this camera will be able to travel just about anywhere in any pocket. Other features include 20MB of internal memory and 16 shooting modes. There are some problems with this camera, though. It has unimpressive construction, a lack of manual controls, a menu system that could confuse the beginner, struggles in low light, and has a persistent red-eye problem.

Comparisons
Panasonic DMC-TZ1S – This 5-megapixel model by Panasonic doesn’t skimp on the zoom. It has 10x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization for the same price as the FE-250. This camera isn’t going to beat out the FE-250 in terms of portability, but what it lacks in pocket-friendly design it makes up for in features and control. Users will find the paltry offerings of the FE-250 to pale in comparison to the manual controls found on the Panasonic that include exposure compensation, auto bracketing, ISO, metering, white balance in both presets and custom, comparable scene modes, and backlight compensation via the Simple mode. Other notable features include five Auto Focus shooting systems, four Color modes, three picture adjustment settings, and a long shutter speed of 60 seconds. Other unique features include a true 16:9 Still Image Capture mode and a pseudo 16:9 Movie mode. The DMC-TZ1S also comes with 13.4MB of built-in memory, the ability to record 10-second audio clips and real-time histograms. This model by Panasonic also has a lower LCD pixel count, but only by 13,000 pixels. For users disappointed with the FE-250's lack of control, the DMC-TZ1S is a welcome alternative.

Casio Exilim EX-S770 – This model by Casio is bound to give the FE-250 a run for its money. It has a sleek, slender profile and a smooth, seductive design in three colors. This camera has dropped dramatically from its initial MSRP of $379.95 since its release in late August 2006. It can now be found for slightly more or the same price as the FE-250. The S770 has a 7.2 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and a slightly larger 2.8-inch wide-view LCD screen. Surprisingly, this small camera provides manual control over settings like white balance, metering, exposure compensation, and manual focus. Other features include the ability to store data uploaded from a personal computer, such as documents or maps, for easy reference.



Canon PowerShot SD1000 - Announced this spring by Canon, the PowerShot SD1000 has an identical retail price to the Olympus FE-250 and boasts a clean and unfettered design, a 7.1 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen. This compact digital camera isn't as portable as the Olympus, but includes features like long shutter speeds and manual control over exposure compensation, metering, ISO, white balance presets, and Custom modes, as well as a host of flash settings. This camera comes with a number of preset shooting modes and in-camera digital color effects. The SD1000 also has video capture at 640 x 480 at 30 fps with audio recording.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T20 – Sony's T20 is available in four colors and had an initial MSRP of $329.99. This camera will definitely be a strong contender for consumers who prize portability in their digital products. It measures 7/8th of an inch thick and weighs in at a slightly heavier 4.8 ounces. While it doesn’t have as many manual controls as other cameras found in this comparison section, the DSC-T20 allows for control over white balance, ISO, and exposure compensation. Other benefits include control over auto focus areas, exposure bracketing, and Color modes. This camera has fewer Scene modes but includes a high-speed shutter and high sensitivity in its list of options. This camera, like the FE-250, comes with a Digital Image Stabilization system, Burst modes and a default multi-pattern metering setting. One surprising area where the Cyber-shot DSC-T20 fails to impress is the maximum aperture setting of f/3.5. It also relies on the proprietary media formats Sony is famous for.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The FE-250 may appeal to the point-and-shooter unconcerned with construction quality. It has an attractive slim body that performs best in well-lit situations. But don't be seduced by its looks. The FE-250's performance and design is sub-par and it has a surprisingly hefty price. It might be wise to choose a more practical alternative for half the price.

Budget Consumers – The budget consumer will have a number of lower-priced cameras with more control options and features than the Olympus FE-250. These cameras may be bigger and thus less pocket-friendly, but will hold up better to abuse and provide features and settings for customization as the novice user advances their skills.

Gadget Freaks – The Olympus FE-250 doesn’t have features, controls, or other options that would impress the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks – There is no reason for the consumer searching for manual controls to consider the Olympus FE-250.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – Like the manual control freak, the pro/serious hobbyists will have no reason to consider this camera.