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Olympus FE-300

Digital Camera Review

Nov 05, 2007 - By Karen M. Cheung

1.7 The Olympus FE-300 represents an emerging class of digital cameras targeted at the beginner wooed by double-digit megapixels. At 12 megapixels, the FE-300 is one of several cameras that reach an all-time high resolution for point-and-shoots. When Olympus launched its 12-megapixel entry-level camera in August 2007, Olympus called it the slimmest in its class. At $299.99, the new FE-camera is also one of the least expensive 12-megapixel options. The FE-300 is equipped with a basic 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen, but adds a few features such as Perfect Shot Preview and Smile Shutter.

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FE-300 Prices

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Likes

-12-megapixel resolution -Low noise and high dynamic range at ISO 50 and 100 -Lightweight, portable design -Innovative Perfect Shot Preview for advanced point-and-shooters -Included Shooting Guide for beginners

Dislikes

-Poor color and white balance accuracy -High noise levels and poor dynamic range above ISO 100 -Painfully slow processing time -Blurring at the edges of the frame -Uneven flash -Uneasy handling and flash/shutter positioning -Scattered menu system -No Manual white balance -No optical zoom in Movie mode -No Burst mode at full resolution -Ineffective Smile Shot mode

Conclusion
2007 is the year manufacturers thrusted 12-megapixel resolutions into point-and-shoots. With hopes that the alluring high megapixel count would be enough to win over consumers, competing cameras came from every major manufacturer. But the 12-megapixel Olympus FE-300 entered the market with something more intriguing – its price. At $299.99, the entry-level camera is one of the least expensive of the 12 MP crop.

After putting the FE-300 to the test, we found the abundance of pixels does help image resolution. In turn, though, it yielded very high noise levels. The noise is so extreme at ISO 1600 that the camera applies severe smoothing, making photos look almost out of focus. The resolution performance has a qualifier; the images are only sharp at the centers. The fact that image quality is good at ISO 50 and 100 hardly makes up for the difficulty you will have at higher ISO speeds or when you want to display a large photo. Additionally, the FE-300 has no full resolution Burst mode and takes longer than four seconds to process one photo.

The FE-300 makes some solid strides with its lightweight design, Perfect Shot Preview, and shooting guide aimed at new shooters. Even with the sharp resolution and affordable price, however, there is a long laundry list of problems that cannot be overlooked. Customers should consider looking elsewhere.