Olympus E450

Features

• 10 megapixels


• 2.7 inch display


• In body image stabilization


• Live View


• Auto Focus- pop art, pin hole and soft focus


• 3 art filters


• Around $400

Design

Those who can remember back a few years can recall the days when cameras, especially digital SLR cameras, were grip less in design. The Olympus E450, like some of its predecessors is a throwback to that time. 

However, with such a light camera it will not take long for novice users to get a handle on the situations. Of course, if you have very large hands or long fingers you may find this small camera difficult to use.

Do not let the small size fool you however; this is a well-made camera. Making good use of glass reinforced plastic Olympus delivers a solid feeling camera that you can carry around all day long!

Storage

You have two choices when it comes to saving your pictures. You can use the compact flash or XD- picture cards. Both of these may be installed at the same time, nevertheless, you may only save to one or the other instead of both at the same time.

Display

The LCD display is not quite as big as the monster cameras on the market, but the Olympus E450 with its 2.7-inch LCD screen is the next best thing. It offers you a wide viewing angle that works very well even in direct sunlight. Do remember to take off the vinyl protective cover before using outdoors though.

Pictures

All of these features are nice, but what about picture taking ability? With 10 megapixels, you are not getting top of the line but you are not paying several thousand dollars for the camera either. For the price range it is in, the Olympus E450 takes wonderful pictures.

You have a choice to use this camera as a point and click, like so many digital cameras on the market today or you can choose to refine your images by using some of the many advanced features. For instance Pixel Mapping, user-configurable mirror lock-up and spot metering are all some surprising features for such an entry level SLR digital camera.

Of course if you are like many people and would rather just point and shoot this camera can accommodate you very nicely, with built in face recognition, on screen auto focus and great viewing in all lights.

Bottom Line

For the money you really cannot beat the Olympus E450, the camera could have a slightly larger finder and perhaps more autofocus points, but overall it is a great price/quality offer. If you fancy yourself somewhat of an amateur photographer wanting bigger and better things, then this could be a great device to start with.