1 A Tough Market
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Olympus has a long history of brilliant cameras and lenses.
It finds itself in a tough world as far as digital SLR cameras are concerned.
The other big names - Nikon and Canon, have a huge section of the market already. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Pentax ... Read review
The Opteka 650-2600mm high definition super telephoto zoom lens (650-1300mm&2x Multiplier) ... more
is perfect for the professional and amateur photographer alike. There is a built-in, rotating tripod mount for easily attaching to your tripod or monopod. It's a...
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The Opteka 650-2600mm high definition super telephoto zoom lens (650-1300mm&2x Multiplier) ... more
is perfect for the professional and amateur photographer alike. There is a built-in, rotating tripod mount for easily attaching to your tripod or monopod. It's a...
Postage & Packaging: £9.95 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Highly transparent display protection films for reliably protecting your display against ... more
scratches and dirt.Properties of the display protection film:- Maximum transparency and surface quality- Only 0.05 mm millimetres thick- Optimal adhesion but still removable without residue- Maximum dimensional stability- Cut to fit the specific display perfectly- Simple and fast installation without the use of fluids- Delivery includes detailed and easy-to-follow instructions in english... improve the resale value of your device!One package (set) contains:6 protection films to fit the displayService:- Free shipping- Delivery within 1-2 business days- 30-day return policy
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Point your camera one way and shoot the other with this right angle lens attachment. This ... more
lens will allow you to film directly to the right or left of where your camera appears to be pointing. Built-in rotating barrel to allow height adjustments. People will think you are shooting somewhere else. This lens can be a valuable asset when shooting video (or still pictures) at the beach, pool, and other public places. This lens provides bright, crisp, distortion free images. It is sized to accommodate all viewing distances from near wide-angle to full zoom.
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You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery. This Rechargeable Battery100% fits ... more
and is properly matching!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (originally packaged factory-new merchandise)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the original rechargeable battery included in delivery of the unit. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Features of this rechargeable battery:safety due to heat and overcharge protectionreal lithium-ion rechargeable battery, more power than the original rechargeable batteryno memory effect recharge your battery whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be used
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"The JJC JR Series Wireless Infrared Controller is a 3-in-1 remote control which can ... more
operate as a 80cm corded release or up to 8 metre wireless Infrared remote release, or 3 metre Infrared remote control (using the cameras IR receiver).In wireless mode you can release the shutter instantly or with a 2 second delay; in wired mode it supports bulb mode.The JR receiver simply attaches to a compatible camera's accessory shoe and connects to the camera's remote socket with the supplied cable. It is powered via 1 CR-2032 Lithium Coin battery."
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The JJC LR series of luxury compact remote switches help to prevent camera shake for super ... more
telephoto shots, macrophotography, and bulb exposures.It is handy for taking pictures of subjects that are difficult to approach, or to minimize vibration at low shutter speed for close-ups and timed exposure. Pressing the shutter button halfway enables focussing; pressing the shutter button all the way down means releases the shutter.The remote switch also supports taking pictures with time exposure and series-pictures.Interchangeable 80cm connector cables ensures compatibility with both RM-CB1 and RM-UC1 sockets
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Highly transparent display protection films for reliably protecting your display against ... more
scratches and dirt.Properties of the display protection film:- Maximum transparency and surface quality- Only 0.05 mm millimetres thick- Optimal adhesion but still removable without residue- Maximum dimensional stability- Cut to fit the specific display perfectly- Simple and fast installation without the use of fluids- Delivery includes detailed and easy-to-follow instructions in english... improve the resale value of your device!One package (set) contains:6 protection films to fit the displayService:- Free shipping- Delivery within 1-2 business days- 30-day return policy
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The JJC WR-100 is a dual function remote control which can operate as a 1 metre corded ... more
release or a 100 metre wireless RF remote release. In wireless mode the WR-100 has millions of communication codes allowing an interference free operation.The unit is powered via a built-in high capacity Lithium Ion battery and a mains charger to recharge the battery. The wireless function of the WR-100 works up to 100m in ideal conditions and is perfectly capable of working through obstructions at slightly shorter distances; line-of-sight is not required.Seperate activation buttons on the sender unit means that you are able to focus with one, while the second fires the shutter.
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Ex-Pro replacement Li-ion Battery. Can be used as a replacement or additional battery. Our ... more
cell's are manufactured to the highest standard meeting or exceeding the orginal manufacturers specification and supplied with a 2 year RTB guarantee. Ex-Pro batteries are fully tested and built with lithium-Ion technology to ensure maximum Power and battery life. 100% OEM Compatible with your original battery, save pounds on OEM manufactures replacement costs. Suitable for a wide range of Digital Camera's.
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The VikuitiTM Mobile Privacy Film completely protects your mobile phone display from ... more
sidelong glances. Your privacy is protected thanks to the uniquely 3M micro-louvre technology. Whether on the train or in a cafe: You may be writing business emails or reading private SMS messages - the people sitting close by will only see a black screen! Now you can safely utilise extended travel times or waiting periods for getting your work done on your mobile phone or PDA - without having to look over your shoulder.You decide, who gets to see what!Characteristics:Prevents sidelong glances onto your mobile phone or PDA displayClear view from the frontPrivacy protection starts at a 30° angleNo more uninvited views of your business emails, private SMS messages or imagesProtects your mobile phone display from finger print smudges and scratchesEasy application&removalUltra-thin, yet highly robustThe Privacy Film is easily removed and leaves no sticky residueSuitable also for mobile phones with touch displayOne package contains:1 Vikuiti Mobile Privacy Film. For devices with multiple displays, the package contains one film for each display.Service:- Free shipping- Delivery within 1-2 business days- 30-day return policyProcessing:- Cut to fit the specific display perfectly- Contour-precise shapes- Instructions included
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Advantages: Superb Quality Disadvantages: Expensive and big compared to the compacts
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Olympus has a long history of brilliant cameras and lenses.
It finds itself in a tough world as far as digital SLR cameras are concerned.
The other big names - Nikon and Canon, have a huge section of the market already. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Pentax are eager rivals, but Olympus is determined not to get left behind.
Their E series, and especially their latest models, are crossing new frontiers and making ... ...photographs you want to shoot. Olympus has 19 lenses just for its E series.!
A macro lens lets you get in close to small objects - you know those pictures of spiders in their webs, and such like.!
A telephoto lens lets you zoom in on some far away object, and fill the frame with the face of Big Ben from 2 miles away, or so!
Sports photographers and the paparazzi get in close with massive telephoto lenses.
Olympus has a long history of brilliant cameras and lenses. It finds itself in a tough world as far as digital SLR cameras are concerned. The other big names - Nikon and Canon, have a huge section of the market already. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Pentax are eager rivals, but Olympus is determined not to get left behind. Their E series, and especially their latest models, are crossing new frontiers and making ground against the other firms.
2 General Features xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Let's take a minute to note what the E-400 has in common with the other SLRs that you might contemplate.!
The benefit of a Single Lens Reflex camera has always been that what you see through the viewfinder, is what you are going to get in your photograph. A mirror reflects what is coming through the lens straight to your eyes, and as you click the shutter, that mirror clears out the way, and you get your shot.
The next advantage of any SLR is that you can get a range of lenses and swap one for another depending on the photographs you want to shoot. Olympus has 19 lenses just for its E series.! A macro lens lets you get in close to small objects - you know those pictures of spiders in their webs, and such like.! A telephoto lens lets you zoom in on some far away object, and fill the frame with the face of Big Ben from 2 miles away, or so! Sports photographers and the paparazzi get in close with massive telephoto lenses.
In general terms, the quality of lens in an SLR is a world apart from point and shoot cameras.
And the third main advantage of SLRs is that you can use a wide variety of settings, which allows a bit of creativity to shine through. You can get a flower in perfect focus, while the surrounding area is blurred and atmospheric.
Digital SLRs have managed to combine all of what an ordinary SLR can do, with the technology and wizardry of the digital age. So you have no film to buy; you store on to a memory card; you can edit and delete photos in the camera; you can transfer them to a computer, and then you can use the photo programmes to further enhance your photo before printing - eg remove the red eyes.
It has its own built in flash, and a shoe for using more complex flash arrangements.
It has an LCD screen to view your image once it's taken, and the same screen, 2.5", also allows you to see all the different settings available.
The Olympus e-400 shares all those general features with its rivals.
3 The Specials xxxxxxxxxxxx
Olympus has marched ahead in terms of the resolution of its images. 10 mega pixels is more or less the top of the class for entry-level DSLRs, though that is now, in May 2007, - it will be a different story by October, no doubt. You can get higher - even 21MP in a Mamiya - but then you are talking professional cameras costing £8000.!
Olympus has also achieved the lightest camera in its class - and that is worth thinking about if you are likely to be holding it for long periods, getting those perfect shots lined up. It is also a very small package, fitting nicely in the hand. When it was launched last year it was the smallest and lightest DSLR - Nikon have now launched a smaller one, but it only has 5MP.
Olympus has pioneered its Super Sonic Wave Filter as a way of ensuring that dust and dirt do not get in the way of good pictures. A little blue light on the top of the camera illuminates when you switch it on, letting you know that cleaning is in progress. If you are concerned about any dust at any time, there is a cleaning programme which can carry out the task for you.
There are loads of settings you can choose from when customising how you shoot your pictures. For instance there are 32 different scene modes, even including underwater ones - though you do need a separate waterproof housing before you try them out ! However, if you are in a hurry, or just not that bothered, there is an auto setting, which will do the basic work for you. Just line up one of the three autofocus grids in the viewfinder with the thing you want in sharp focus, press the shutter button half way down, and a red light will shine, while the lens will automatically give you a sharp focus. Keep pressing, and you have a perfectly focussed shot.
As you look through the viewfinder, there is a little display which shows you what speed and shutter settings have been selected. You can also see whether or not the flash light has popped up, ready to work automatically. There are settings on the menu to make this happen or prevent it.
You can use other settings to affect the colour balance of your photographs, the way in which the flash will operate when in use, the speed of the photograph, and the depth of field.
You can save your pictures on either a Compact flash card or an xd card. With Compact flash cards going to 8gb at present, it is my preferred choice. They are high speed and they are pretty robust when loading them into a card reader, or PC.
4 The Results xxxxxxxxxxx
As this is a recent addition to my camera stock, I have not got a lot of examples to show, but will include some. Quite simply, the results are staggering. The Olympus lens produces sharpness that is a world apart from your average point and shoot cameras. Since you can shoot and save in RAW mode ( that is a camera setting, nothing to do with your state of dress or outside temperature ) , you can load your pictures on to your PC and alter just about anything. ! If you were a setting too over-exposed, RAW editing will perfectly adjust that for you. If you think the sky is underexposed but the field was overexposed, you can layer the shots and edit the different sections separately. The possibilities are endless.
5 Costs and Bits xxxxxxxxxxxxx
A year ago, a camera of this capability would have cost you £1000 or so. At present, it is available all over the place for around £500. What a sign that is of technology becoming ever more accessible. This particular model is about to be superseded again with a slightly higher spec. The result is that prices are heading down fast for a while. PCWorld is selling the camera body and lens at just £349. There is no case at that price, which is a bit mean, in my book. You will be told that cases are an individual preference, some folk preferring a bag that takes the camera body, plus lenses, plus flash gun, plus spare batteries, chargers, storage etc. Others prefer a quality leather case that attaches to the camera and protects the LCD display. Depending on your preference, that is an extra £30, roughly. There is no storage card supplied either. This is even more mean, in my estimation, since a basic card would add only a fiver to the costs, and let you use the camera right out of the box. The package I had did include an Olympus battery and charging unit, and since they add up to £70, you want to check that they are included in the price. The battery takes about 2 hours to charge fully; I will do an update when I have an accurate guide to the number of pictures that can be taken on a fully charged battery – it is a lot, I can tell you, if experience to date is anything to go by.
6 For You? xxxxxxxx
These cameras are not as neat and compact as the miniature offerings from all the camera manufacturers today. This does have functions on it that will never be used – or even understood – by the average photographer. It is not possible to see your photograph in the lcd screen as you make all your adjustments before snapping – you need to get your eye on the viewfinder. However, the plus side includes the quality of picture, the variety of types of shot, the ease of the auto programme, and the feel of a quality product.
...alledgedly hundreds of lenses available, i find it very difficult to find anywhere which sells them. The olympus software which comes with the camera is simple and easy to use. Because of its light and small body it is a great camera to carry around you all the time. ...
ashleymedler 31.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Olympus E-400
Advantages: Small, light and great image quality for a great price. Disadvantages: I personally dont think this camera has any bad points.
This is probably the best SLR camera on the market for its very low price. This 10 mega pixel camera offers a great crystal clear photo quality and is great for amateur and professional photographers, with its manual settings. For photographers with less experience it has preset settings for when shooting different scenes for example portraits, landscapes, macro, night scenes, sports etc. This great camera includes a built in flash and a fairly large ... ...slots, one slot is for XD memory cards and the second slot is for a CF (Compact Flash Memory). You can change the lenses and put another lens on the camera for long distance shots and different scenes. Many people dont know but this SLR digital camera is the smallest and lightest SLR in the world, which means, easy to carry and great for long periods of taking pictures. ...
marcio_silva16 19.05.2008 (02.06.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Olympus E-400
Advantages: Small, light, excellent handling, superb image quality Disadvantages: E series AF not for sports shooters, lenses available to order
I have just sold £10,000 worth of Nikon gear to invest in the E-series on the basis of this camera. its a dream to use, the lenses are superb and the quality great (A3+ prints). The kit lenses are excellent with this camera as well and FAR better than Canon or Nikon's equivalent.
This is a classic 'OM-1' style body where the camera has no 'grip' and is supported by the LEFT hand. It works well, with longer lenses you support the lens body for balance. ... ...level Nikons and Canons, has depth of field preview and plenty of specif modes for new users. It will make an ideal travel, street or family camera, where you want quality but not have to lug round loads of gear.
The Zuiko Digital lenses are not widely in stock in the UK, but can easily be obtained online or by order ( I now have the 11-22mm f2.8-3.5, 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 and 50-200mm f2.8-3.5). ...
scuba.doct 30.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Olympus E-400
Picture Quality
Range & Quality of Feat...
Ease of Use
Durability
Value for Money
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Advantages: MP, good low noise sensor Disadvantages: high ISO NR too strong, poor kit lens, poor build quality
This is an OK camera, but
1. the kit lens is poor
2. the body quality id 'plasticky'
3. High ISO images look mush and plastic with loss of detail as the NR kicks in
4. Canon make some good pro cameras, but this isn't one!
5. Far too much use of menus needed
Pentax, Nikon and Olympus all offer better quality, especially at the amateur level. Yes Canon have some good lenses, but if you want a robust fully featured body and good glass you are going to have to spend 10X what this costs. don't kid yourself you're getting pro gear just because its a Canon.
Alternatives to look at are the Nikon D80, Pentax K10D and the OlympusE400, and don't get talked into it by the rep just because he has a lot to sell....... ...
scuba.doct 30.11.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Canon EOS 400D
Advantages: Fast, accurate, good capacity and Olympus extras Disadvantages: A little bit fiddlier than SD or CF
could squeeze over 1000 pictures on to this card, you can see why faster is better.! If absolute speed is important to you, you should check out H cards, which are faster still.
3 How are they used?
As with most digital cameras, there is a slot in the camera body into which the card slips quite easily. You simply open the proper 'door', push the card into its place, and start taking pictures.
Some card slots are in awkward places, and access may be partially blocked by batteries or other card slots, but increasingly camera manufacturers are avoiding that annoying process.
I am using mine on the OlympusE-400 that I have reviewed. It did not come as standard, but was purchased online for around £20. That price has not dropped much due to a bit of a memory shortage at the moment.
In this particular camera, it is possible to use either ...
1 x xD-Picture Card, 1 x CompactFlash Card - type I/II
1 x xD-Picture Card
Manufacturer's product description
This kit includes E-400 body, ED 14-42mm 1: 3.5-5.6 lens and ED 40-150mm 1: 4.0-5.6 lens.The ultra-compact dimensions and low weight of the E-400 gives users the freedom to take professional quality photos wherever they wish. This model features a newly-developed 10.0 million pixel CCD for incredible imaging performance and a large 2.5"/6.4cm LCD to view results easily.The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1: 3.5-5.6 (35mm equivalent focal length: 28-82mm) provides full 3x zoom performance.It is especially designed for the extremely compact E-400. It is a small, light and attractively-priced zoom lens with a range of use from medium wide angle to classical telephoto portrait.The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1: 4.0-5.6 (35mm equivalent focal length: 80-300mm) provides full 3.75x zoom performance.It is especially designed for the extremely compact E-400. It is a small, light and attractively-priced telephoto zoom lens perfect for portrait to sports scene.