Olympus Stylus-7040

Design & Appearance

We like the look of the Stylus-7040. Some may find it a little busy, with its three-tone design, but to our eyes that provides some style without looking too busy.

Size & Handling

The camera measures 3.7' x 2.2' x 1.0' (94.5mm x 55.5mm x 25.9mm), and weighs 5.1 oz. (144g); not the kind of ultraslim form factor you'll find on some premium cameras, but still pocket-friendly. The width feels just right in your hands, and none of the buttons or dials are positioned to be accidentally moved. The microphone is also far from roving fingers, not always the case in compact cameras.

The 1-inch depth gives you index finer a nice resting place on the top, and the right side is subtly sloped upward to create a bit of extra grip.

The small but not too-small body is easy to handle.

We particularly liked working with the combination four-way controller/spinning dial when accessing the quick menu system.. You press up or down on the control to highlight the menu item you want to change, then press the OK button. A fly-out menu appears, and you can then turn the dial to make a selection. And during image playback, being able to zip through your files imstead of repeatedly pressing right or left is very efficient.

The quick menu system is easy to learn and use.

Menu

The camera uses a two-tier menu system that's a significant improvement over previous Olympus compact cameras. As shown above, the quick menu puts all the key record settings at your fingertips, with good on-screen text explaining your options and without obscuring the view of your subject entirely.

The main menu presents the rest of your camera setting options in a tabbed arrangement, with clearly legible text and a reasonable organization scheme.

The main menu is easy to read and well organized.

Ease of Use

With clear on-screen prompts, controls that are clearly labeled and well positioned, and a built-in user manual in case you get stuck for an answer while traveling, we give the Stylus-7040 high marks for ease of use.