Auto Mode (7.5)
Designed as a point-and-shoot camera, the Stylus Verve targets the automatic user. There is a selection of scene modes available, granting the user selective control over the image; however, when desired, the Olympus Stylus Verve will amply control exposure, ISO, focus, and metering. The user retains control over image quality and can make slight alterations to the shot through the ISO rating and exposure compensation features. The limited manual control included on the Verve should not discourage many of its more point-and-shoot oriented users who may opt to deal solely with the camera’s adequate two-button control setup: turn the power on, then press the shutter.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.5)
The Olympus Stylus Verve contains a burst mode capable of shooting 1.3 frames per second for up to seven consecutive images in the camera’s highest quality, SHQ setting. This is an adequate speed for most users; however, it does not compare to opposing stylistic point-and-shoot models, such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1, which is capable of recording subsequent images at roughly 1/3 of a second for up to 16 images. The 1.3 fps consecutive frame rate of Stylus Verve will provide the user with some ability to shoot rapidly but shows where the camera strays from the Cyber-shot line. The Verve is also currently selling for $100 less then the T1.

Playback Mode (8.0)
Playback mode on the Stylus Verve spans the basic options, including zoom capabilities, a multiple thumbnail view, slide show option, DPOF printing features, and the ability to rotate images to their desired orientation. The included zoom range magnifies images up to 4x their original size, in six half-step increments (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x, 3.5x, and 4x). Images can be seen individually or on a multiple thumbnail page layout, with the number of images determined by the user; 4, 9, or 16 images can be viewed in playback mode at any given time. Also in playback mode, the user has the opportunity to add audio clips to images for up to 4 seconds in duration.

While these typical Playback features are necessary inclusions, they can be expected on most digital cameras; however, the Stylus Verve goes beyond the conventional playback offerings and incorporates the option to apply postproduction digital images effects within the camera’s playback mode. The user can apply these effects to a color image to give it black & white and sepia tones as well as apply Fisheye and Soft Focus effects to the pre-recorded image. The ability for this variety of post-capture transformation within the camera is rare and a genuine advantage over many similar models, and it will probably be available in many ensuing models.

Movie Mode (5.5)
The Olympus Stylus Verve comes equipped with two video recording settings, recording motion video with audio in SQ and HQ modes. Movie mode functions similarly to still image capture with the shutter release controlling recording, although unfortunately, zoom toggle controls do not work in this mode. The shutter button can also be partially depressed in movie mode to set focus and exposure prior to recording. HQ or high quality recording will capture video at 15 frames per second at 320 x 240 resolution, while SQ video also records at 15 frames per second, capturing video at 160 x 120 pixels of resolution. With the packaged 16MB xD-Picture Card, the Olympus Stylus Verve can record roughly 41 seconds of QuickTime Movie in HQ video setting, while 150 seconds of video capture are possible when set in SQ mode. For prolonged video recording, a larger memory card will certainly be necessary.

The movie mode on the Stylus Verve is somewhat disappointing, primarily because of its minimal frame rate used to capture video. At 15 frames per second, the Verve will not be able to record rapidly moving objects with a natural flow, but rather the video will appear choppy and uneven. This separates the Stylus Verve from many competing models, as one current trend calls for eye-catching, fashionable frames, a large LCD monitor, and enhanced movie mode. Many of the Verve’s competition falls into this category; however, what the Verve lacks in its movie mode, it compensates for with additional, innovative preset options, strong resolution, and a far more affordable price.

Custom Image Presets (8.5)
Like most automatic point-and-shoot cameras, Olympus has included an abundance of preset and automatic scene modes on the Stylus Verve to grant the user some control over the image. There are 14 scene modes in total, designed to customize exposure and shooting settings for various scenarios. Included on the Verve are Program Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night Scene, Cuisine (yes, a specific mode for photographing food), Beach & Snow, Self Portrait & Self Timer, Behind Glass, Self Portrait, Indoor, Sunset, Candle, and Fireworks mode. Using these presets, the user can instantaneously set the camera’s sensitivity, exposure, and overall aesthetic for the general scene. These settings, like the white balance controls, can also be used as a creative tool when used in unintended situations. The user will have to play with the various preset options and determine how he or she likes to use each; however, the ability to instantly orient the camera for a specific shot or scene is invaluable to the true point-and-shooter and the 14 settings included on the Verve should cover most shooting situations.