If you’re one of those consumers who are amazed that anyone would spend $300, $500, or more for a digital camera, but you still want to take good photos, the Olympus C-480/D-545 Zoom is aimed at you. With its 4-megapixel sensor, 3X zoom lens, numerous preprogrammed shooting modes, and compact design, it offers a lot for the money. On the downside, it won’t give you any advanced features, and its photo quality doesn’t rise above its budget class.
The camera’s image quality was mixed. Our test shots showed good color accuracy and saturation levels, as well as a broad dynamic range for shots from an entry-level camera, with ample detail in shadows and highlights. Focus accuracy, however, was uneven. As a result, some of our photos were softer than expected. In the end, you get what you pay for. If you’re interested in snapshots from an inexpensive, knockabout camera, the Olympus D-545 Zoom may fit your needs. But if you plan to make 8×10 or larger prints, consider spending an additional $50 to $100 for a more capable model.