Olympus FE-300 Digital Camera Review

by Karen M. Cheung
Published on November 05, 2007

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

Value (5.0)
This year marked the epoch of the 12-megapixel-ers, that is, point-and-shoots that reached the record-breaking resolution for non-SLRs. The market currently carries a batch of 12 MPs, but all 12-megapixel cameras are not alike. The Olympus FE-300 has a few things going for it, including face detection, a built-in shooting guide, Perfect Shot Preview, and a low price tag. At $299.99, the Olympus FE-300 is certainly on the less expensive side of the 12MP spectrum, that goes up to nearly $450, like the Canon SD950 IS. Consumers should note, however, that they can also get more advanced features like upgraded face detection, mechanical or optical image stabilization, wireless image transfer, HD output, and manual controls in a different camera for the same price.

Comparisons
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 – Priced at $399.99, the Casio Z1200 has a comparable 12.1-megapixel count. Both the Exilim and Olympus FE-camera have 3x optical zoom lenses, but the Casio camera features CCD-shifting image stabilization, while the Olympus camera simply carries digital image stabilization. Users of the Exilim camera will also gain Aperture and Shutter Priority and Manual modes, while the FE-300 lacks manual functions. The Casio Z1200 also has a larger 2.8-inch, 230,400-pixel LCD, compared to the 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel screen of the Olympus FE-300. Both have face detection systems. 

 

Fujifilm FinePix F50fd – The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is a strong rival to the Olympus FE-300. Carrying the same 12-megapixel count and affordable $299.95 price (for a camera of this resolution), the two cameras are natural competitors. Both cameras feature 3x optical zoom lenses, but the Fuji camera touts CCD-shifting mechanical image stabilization, while the Olympus point-and-shoot only carries digital image stabilization. Among other advanced features, the FinePix camera includes wireless image transfer, while the Olympus does not, and a faster 2 frames per second burst rate at full resolution for up to three images, which the FE-300 lacks. The Fuji camera is fitted with a larger 2.7-inch LCD versus the 2.5-inch FE screen of the same 230,000-pixel monitor resolution. Both cameras feature face detection. The Fuji second-generation face detection promises to recognize angled profile faces, while the Olympus Face Detect claims to detect smiling faces. Both the FinePix and FE camera reach ISO 1600 at full resolution, with options for 3200 and 6400 at reduced resolutions. The Fuji F50fd also has Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, while the FE-300 does not. 

Kodak EasyShare V1253 – At the same introductory price of $299.95, the Kodak V1253 shares the 12-megapixel title with the Olympus FE-300. Both carry 3x optical zoom lenses with digital image stabilization. Sensitivity ranges are comparable since both the EasyShare and FE camera can reach ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 3200 at reduced resolution. The Kodak V1253 has a noticeably large 3.1-inch LCD, compared to the 2.5-inch Olympus monitor. EasyShare V1253 users will also gain HD output for stills and videos, three types of metering systems, a built-in Panorama mode, and Color modes, whereas the Olympus FE-300 has limited options in these areas. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 – For about $100 more at $399.95, the Panasonic Lumix 100 carries a comparable 12.2-megapixel resolution. For those extra bucks, Lumix customers gain longer and wider zoom capabilities with its 3.6x optical zoom and wide 28mm lens with optical image stabilization, compared to the Olympus FE-300’s 3x optical zoom lens that reaches only 35mm with digital stabilization. Both cameras have equally-sized 2.5-inch LCD screens, but the Panasonic Lumix downgrades to 207,000 pixels versus the Olympus FE-300’s 230,000-pixel resolution. 

 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 – At a current $349.99 ($399 original price), the Sony W200 carries a comparable 12.1-megapixel resolution and equally-sized 2.5-inch LCD. Both the Olympus FE-300 and Cyber-shot W200 are fitted with 3x optical zoom lenses, but for about $50 more, users gain Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization. Sony customers of the W200 also gain HD output, which the FE-300 lacks, and a full resolution burst rate of 2 frames per second for 100 consecutive shots, while the Olympus camera is not capable of full resolution bursts. Other included W200 features include an optical viewfinder and Color modes the FE-camera does not include. Both are equipped with face detection systems. 


Who It's For?
Point and Shooters – The Olympus FE-300 is marketed toward beginner point-and-shooters. With mostly automatic settings and built-in help guides, the FE-300 is made for novice users as a first-time camera.

Budget Consumers – At nearly $300, the camera isn’t so much a budget camera when compared to other 3x optical zoom cameras. Compared to other 12-megapixel cameras, however, the Olympus FE-300 is certainly one of the least expensive of the bunch.

Gadget Freaks – Technophiles won’t be too impressed with the limited functions on the FE-300. The Olympus camera has basic specifications. The gadget-loving crowd would more likely get a rise from touch panel or wireless photo transfer cameras.

Manual Control Freaks – Shooters who want to flex their muscles in manual control wouldn’t give the FE-300 a second look. The entry-level point-and-shoot is strictly an automatic camera with little room to experiment photographically.

Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professional photographers won’t give the Olympus FE-300 the time of day, even as a backup vacation camera.