A review of the Olympus FE 170 digital camera
This award winning Olympus has got to be the most user friendly digital camera we have ever reviewed. The Olympus FE-170 is one in a long line of the FE series and we think Olympus named the series FE because the cameras are Fantastically Easy to use. With features a-plenty and a very nice and slinky appearance, the FE-170 has got to be worth a look for any newcomer to the digital world or even as a back-up digicam for the professionals out there. Design |
| Olympus have created three separate headings for their digital cameras to come under, Easy, Stylish or Creative and the FE-170 inevitably falls into the Easy category. It is not particularly stylish or creative but it is not so necessary for it to be. The front of the camera is quite simple with the lens dominating it with a nice shiny chrome finish, the flash it located just above the lens. On the right hand side there is a chunky grip to hold onto which does make the camera feel very solid and sturdy in your hand and with dimensions of 90mm (w) x 62.5mm (h) x 30.5mm (d) it is a very good size for any pocket. The weight without the battery is only 124g so although it feels chunky it is not too heavy to take around with you. On the top of the camera is simply the shutter release button and power button. On the bottom is the battery compartment which also holds the memory card and on the right side panel is a flap concealing the USB/AV adapter. Now onto the most exciting part of the Olympus FE-170, the back. There is a 2.5” LCD screen that hogs the space on the rear with a playback and camera mode button above it. Next to the screen is the zoom rocker with a function dial just below that it situated right on the edge of the camera so you can rotate it with your thumb quite easily. Underneath the dial is the d-panel with the OK button in the centre, which can be a bit difficult to press if you have big fingers, and just below that is a shortcut menu and delete button. Everything you need for simple a point and shoot camera is here with no complicated extras. |
| Features |
| Not a massive list of features for the Olympus FE-170 but it has 6 mega pixels and a 3x zoom so it will provide you with excellent detail and amazing true to life shots. There are 10 shooting modes ranging from, fireworks to sports to ensure you achieve optimum results from everyday scenes. The 2.5” LCD screen is one of a very high standard with 154,00 pixels the image is superb and compared to other digicams in this price range, or even higher, it outshines them and even in low light situations the screen remains clear and viewable. A very important feature, especially because of the lack of a viewfinder. The Super Macro mode was pretty impressive for a digital camera of this calibre as it will focus from as close as 5cm and the results we saw from this were outstanding and clear. There is a 10mb internal memory which is not brilliant , so you’ll need to get a large memory card to make up for it, as you won’t be spending too much on the camera itself you might as well go for big card. |
| Performance |
| With simplicity being key on the Olympus FE-170, the features are very straightforward and there is a real no-nonsense vibe with everything that this camera can do. Olympus take pride in stating that this camera has a ‘one button, one function’ design and it works really well. The menus are a doddle to use and after a few goes you could probably find your way around this camera with your eyes closed. For some of us, this is just what we need from a digital camera, but for others the simplicity maybe a bit off putting as it does make you question if the camera is capable of anything any good. The results we achieved were quite impressive, with real clarity and true colours, there were a few minor flaws, but these were all correctable through the on-screen menu. |
| What's In The Box? |
| Camera, Strap, Alkaline Batteries (2 pcs.), USB cable, Video cable, Instruction Manuals, Warranty card, Software CD-ROM (Olympus Master) |
| Overall Opinion |
| The beauty of the Olympus FE-170, is that not only is lovely to hold, it is very easy to use and has simple features. It is very reasonably priced at around £85-£90, so there are many good selling points for a great, but simple camera. We must also remember that this camera won 2 awards when compared to other digital cameras in the same price range, got to be worth a look! |
| By Hayley Malyon |
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Pros + Very User-friendly + 6 mega pixels + 2.5 “ LCD screen |
Cons |
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Picture Quality 8/10
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Battery Life 9/10
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Setup Simplicity 10/10
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Build Quality 8/10
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Ease of Use 10/10
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Overall Rating 
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24/11/2006
at 11:20:40am
Read Olympus Reviews
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Olympus FE-170 Review The Olympus FE170 is an inexpensive digital camera. Not surprisingly it has its limitations, but if you are prepared to accept these you will find the camera is priced about right. It also scores highly as easy to use... read | |||
cameras.co.uk
30/10/2006 1:20:00pm
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Olympus FE 170 Video Guide 3 minute video guide to the Olympus FE170. This is an entry level digital camera with six megapixels and a three time optical zoom lens... read | |||
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cameras.co.uk
12/2/2007 5:57:00pm
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