Olympus SP-320

Value
The Olympus SP-320 comes with a 1/1.8-inch, 7.1 megapixel CCD, a 2.5-inch LCD, a wealth of manual controls and 31 presets, and while these initial specifications may seem noteworthy, a second examination will find flaws within most of these. For example, while not overly large, a 2.5-inch LCD is quite respectable within this price range, but with a mere 115,000 pixels, the quality of image is compromised too much to properly gauge focus, even with an enlarged frame utilized.

The manual controls are scattered and buried within a multitude of nearly impenetrable menu structures. The control over aperture and shutter speed is simple, but exposure compensation is turned off when the camera is set to full manual mode, and throughout the entire camera structure odd little inconsistencies and circuitous paths plagued navigation. For the more experienced manual controller on a budget this camera will seem like a great option, and for the user who will never leave auto mode the camera is fine, but anyone in between will most likely regard the SP-320 with confusion and frustration.

With an initial MSRP of $299 (USD), this camera is certainly reasonable for the sheer number of features, but it’s up to the consumer to decide if the interface is acceptable to them or if the structure is too convoluted to make the low price a value.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - A complicated menu structure, extensive manual controls and other features make this camera an unlikely candidate for the point-and-shooter who’s looking for ease of use, internal simplicity and a small camera frame.

Budget Consumers - The budget consumer could perhaps find this camera compelling. It does have manual controls, RAW mode, a well designed exterior, movie and still modes along with 31 selectable shooting modes to cover nearly every shooting situation. With the number of features, the price of $299 will definitely make this camera, even with the problematic menu structure, a viable option.

Gadget Freaks - There aren’t features or controls on the Olympus SP-320 to make it a unique stand-out camera model for the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks - The SP-320 comes with a wide range of manual control options which cover shutter speed, aperture, focus, white balance with live view, white balance compensation, EV compensation and metering. While normally a list as complete as this will immediately prompt a stamp of approval, the need to constantly enter illogical and lengthy menus will leave the manual control user looking for their Canon.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - For the pro or serious hobbyist, the SP-320 just has too many problematic features to be a viable option: the incoherent menu structure, the digital focus control, slow AF reaction and inability to alter manual control settings with speed or logic are all major drawbacks.