Connectivity
Software
Although there is a built-in red-eye correction feature in playback, further image editing options may be wanted. Included with the Sp-320 is Olympus Master software, which includes a panorama stitching feature and the other image parameter controls.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs
There are several ports on the body of the Olympus SP-320. Two ports, the USB / A/V out and DC in ports, are located beneath a well designed port cover on the right side and amply spaced from each other. Directly beneath this port is the xD-Picture Card slot, which has a cover constructed out of the same material as the camera body.
Located on the base of the camera is the final port, the home of the AA batteries. This port cover has a locking device to make sure that it doesn’t open accidentally.
Direct Print Options
The Olympus SP-320 is capable of direct printing, which can be done easily and efficiently by pressing the print button on the back of the camera. This button doubles as the AEL control when the camera is in shooting mode. The SP-320 is PictBridge compliant and will connect directly to PictBridge printers via a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. This is by far the simplest part of taking a photo with the SP-320.
Battery
The Olympus SP-320 is powered by two AA batteries, located underneath a cover on the right side of the camera base. The choice to use AA rather than rechargeable lithium batteries will result in a rapid power drain. Most cameras at this price level have at least 320 shots per battery, while the SP-320 is only able to capture 100-150 shots before running out of power. Olympus SP-320 users will always need to have extra batteries on hand, but hey, at least AAs are readily available.
Memory
The Olympus SP-320 comes with 25 MB of internal memory and an xD-Picture Card slot for additional memory cards of 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB or 1 GB of storage. The xD-Picture Card slot is located on the right side of the camera and hidden by a port cover. Additional memory will certainly be necessary if higher resolution still images or extended shooting periods are expected.

Other Features
Panorama Mode - The Olympus SP-320 comes with a panorama mode, which allows the user to capture up to 10 frames of still images and then stitch the images once the photos have been entered into the included Olympus Master software.
Digital Image Stabilization - While not as commendable as the optical image stabilization systems found throughout the Panasonic digital camera line, the inclusion of a digital image stabilizer feature will at least provide some help over hand-shake and other potentially image blurring factors.
Conversion Lenses - The Olympus SP-320 is equipped to handle two accessory lenses: a 1.7x telephoto lens that has a 196mm total focal length, as well as a wide angle lens with a 26.6mm view. Both lenses are offered for $99 through Olympus’ online store and will require the purchase of a $25 lens adapter tube.
Underwater Housing - Users can purchase a slightly more expensive underwater housing, doubtless to complement the three scene modes that pertain to underwater photography. The underwater housing, like the conversion lenses, can be found on Olympus’ website for the same price of the SP-320 at $299.
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Overall Impressions |
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