Olympus FE-300

Connectivity
Software (8.5)
The Olympus EF-300 comes with Olympus Master 2 software and a free trial version of Olympus muvee theatrePack. Master 2 is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems.

Installation of the Master 2 software takes about 10 minutes. Before you open the Master 2 software, the computer prompts you to choose what color skin you would like to view Master 2 in and how you would like to view your images, either in an album or with folders.

The Olympus Master 2 software is very easy to navigate. There are 12 large icons that make up the browser tool bar, including Transfer, Slideshow, Muvee Theatre, E-mail, Print, Edit, RAW, Panorama, Options, Update/Language, Quick Guide, and Help. The Update/Language button allows users to get the latest camera updates sent directly to the camera. Users are prompted with instructions on how to complete the procedure and what requirements they may need to execute it. Under Quick Guide, users are given step-by-step instructions on everything from how to transfer photos from your camera onto a computer to how to make a muvee.

There is no scarcity of tools when editing pictures on the Olympus Master 2 software. On the left is a drop-down menu that allows users to view and select pictures from an album, folder or by date, through a timeline and calendar option. Once you see your pictures in the middle of the screen, you just have to click on one image to edit, and the software automatically opens it for you in the Edit menu.

Other images from the selected Album/Folder appear on the bottom size-adjustable tool bar, with the selected image right above that can also be viewed in a large format. Users can choose to crop, resize, add text to photos, correct red-eye, adjust color balance, brightness/contrast, hue saturation, sharpness, and blur and distortion using tone curve and gamma. The original image and the image being edited appear in the center side-by-side, along with a histogram on the top left edit palette menu. This is a great way for users to review their work and to instantly see the effects of the editing tools.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (4.0)
The Olympus FE-300 has a single USB 2.0 jack that also doubles as A/V output, located on the right side of the camera and hidden under a plastic terminal cover. With the sole port, users can connect to computers, printers, and television sets for viewing.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
Users can directly print from the camera via PictBridge-compatible printers. In Playback mode, under the Print Order menu, users can select single images to be printed from 1 to 10 copies each. Users can also select all images with date and time information.

Battery (6.5)
The FE-300 uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (LI-42B) with an output of DC 3.7 volts. The camera box comes with an included charger (LI-40C). Olympus specifications state charging time takes 5 hours. We found battery life was relatively short compared to other point-and-shoots, with the battery lasting roughly less than two hours per charge.

Memory (4.0)
The Olympus FE-300 has 48 MB of built-in memory, enough space to store eight full-resolution images. The camera accepts xD media of up to 2 GB, made by Olympus, Fujifilm, and others. Users should note, though, that if they plan on using the Panorama mode on the FE-300, users must purchase an Olympus proprietary xD memory card. [Refer to Other Features section.]

Other Features (6.5)
Panorama - The Olympus FE-300 is also capable of wide panoramic shooting, but users should note there are a few conditions. Panorama only works with Olympus xD memory cards. That means not only do FE-300 users need to purchase xD memory cards, FE-300 customers who want to use the panoramic shooting have to buy Olympus-brand xD media. Accessed through the Camera menu, users can shoot up to 10 pictures, and open the included Olympus Master software to stitch the photos together into a composite. Some cameras offer built-in panorama stitch. The Olympus panorama process takes extra steps.

Perfect Shot Preview – The Perfect Shot Preview is a multiple-frame live preview. Users can see four items on the LCD screen at one time before applying effects such as exposure adjustments.

Shooting Guide – Aimed at beginner point-and-shooters, the Olympus FE-300 carries a dedicated text-based shooting help guide, located on the mode dial. The shooting guide is useful for users who are learning about photographic technical aspects, but some of the menu items are confusing, particularly the ISO menu that is labeled "Color Effects." Most other items are logically spelled out for the user.