Customer Reviews

Olympus C-2040 2.11MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just bought one of these. Finding one was a challenge in itself. When I told Amazon to email when the item was in stock, I received an email from Amazon that I never received before. I was told it would be a long time before they would be available. Why, because nobody beats this camera.
This camera sports the Super Bright 1.8 lense. This Olympus and the top of the line Olympus are the only two in the industry that have it. What it means is a larger opening, which lets in more light. Consequently, the auto shutter speed is faster, less chance to get a blurry shot. Also the background of the shot is brighter and more defined. I was in a camera store, the manager's personal camera was the C-2020, the predecessor to this one. He had shot a picture of a metal guitar, one with the 2040, and the other with the Nikon 950 (which is twice the money) He printed out a large 8"x11" glossy. Seeing them side by side, the definition in the shot was the same, I couldn't tell the difference, but the ivy leaves in the background surrounding the shot, were a lot brighter, instead of being dark and ill defined in the Nikon shot.
Consumer Reports rated the predecessor C-2020 Olympus as being the number one camera in printed picture results, knocking out even the 3 and 4 megapixel cameras quality. Imagine that, 2 megapixels, half the money, yet the best results. Sounds like an avalanche trying to get in the door on that one. Well CR just came out with the November 2001 issue, and guess what, the C-2040 did it again. Making the number one spot, and this time they gave it special mention, because the quality rivaled that of the 3's and 4's. Usually a print out at 5x7" size is what the 2 megapixel cameras are good for. Not this one, the crystal clear shot I saw was an 8 1/2 by 11.
Ok, on to the camera. Some reviews, including CR, state that the menu was a little confusing. I did not find that to be the case. Shooting, zooming, previewing, deleting, downloading, etc is a breeze. When I tackle some of the more challenging tasks of manual settings, instead of the complete autofocus etc., maybe then I will learn what they are talking about.
The picture clarity is unbelievable. I took a few shots of some metal objects, and thought something was strange, their was little dots on the metal. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was the little flecks of dust. They were so clear blown up on a 19" screen, something you would not see, little individual flecks of dust, bright and clear. The detail was phenomenal. The zoomed in upclose shot, looked like it was taken one inch away, and was larger than life. Like a real life microscope.
The panorama feature, which was previously a Canon exclusive is nice. You can take up to 10 pictures, across a landscape, or a room for example, and then the Camedia software which is included pastes them together, which creates a single panorama. If you sent this shot to a friend, they would receive one pic, that they could navigate around, to see the entire room.
One thing that really matters to me, is that this is also the best looking camera. It looks smart. Chrome body, with the larger black hub at one end was the style I was looking for before I learned of the C-2040. Many digital cameras have this metal early 50s look that I do not like. This camera is beautiful in its design.
When I first picked it up with its .6 of a pound weight, and relatively small size, I thought it was a toy camera. Then when I took the lense cap off, and turned the camera on, the zoom lense gently whirred when it came out, and it was an immediate feeling of, this is high tech. Oh by the way, having had a Nikon FE with 80-120 zoom, (I still do) I wanted a zoom that was more than 2x optical. That feature was available once again, on more expensive cameras. The C-2040 has a 3X optical. Zooming in, and filling the frame with your subject, makes for a interesting shot, and the 3x is very nice for that. The Olympus model that is directly above this one, has a 10x zoom, but it doesn't have the 1.8 lense. For those of us who were into the 35MM SLRs, know all to well that the cameras with the 1.5s were more expensive lenses, and the 1.2s made the lense look like it was all glass.
Also the 1.8" LCD on the back is large, and crystal clear. Easy to read menu functions, and nice picture views.
A few final notes, be careful buying one of these for a cheaper price, make sure the camera you buy has the US guarantee. Gray market cameras come without the guarantee. Digital camera repairs are running a couple of hundred dollars these days, so the warranty is nice.
This camera also takes short movies, but they never replace a digital camcorder in that regard.
The optional remote control is way better than a timer, which this also has, if you want to get into the shot. That way, your not stumbing over things to get into the shot, and you can wait until the ideal moment to take it. Also, you can fire away multiple shots once you are there.
You definitely will want to get a larger smart memory card than the 8 meg they supply with the camera. A 64 meg is nice, and the 128 gives you over 300 shots in standard resolution. The panorama feature only works with Olympus cards, so be sure an pick up at least a 32 meg in Olympus and preferably a 64. Then go out and pick up an aftermarket 128 at a bargain, for relatively unlimited regular shooting. More than one card is advisable. Although the smart cards are pretty robust, going on vacation and discovering a defective card would be disasterous. So multiple cards, covers that base.
Additionally the rechargeable batteries are nice. A fast charger with a 2 hour charge time is great. The lesser expensive chargers are overnight chargers. You will want to pick up an extra set of 4 batteries, in addition to the 4 that come with the charger. It is a good idea to keep the lithium batteries that come with the camera in your camera bag, because they will last a couple of years in storage, and always be there in case you get stuck without charged ones.
I bought two bags. One which is smaller, but large enough to hold the camera, batteries, and your smart cards, but not large enough to hold the charger, and your lunch. :-) I like that for local shoots and being small, it doesn't look like you were the hired photographer. The other one which is larger, for getaway weekends, is designed to hold your digital camera, with enough room for all of your gear, and even an SLR. Quantaray makes a nice black leather one for that. You may want to visit your local camera store, to actually see the style that most appeals to you, then come back to Amazon to take advantage of the prices.
Their is an available AC adapter, but I chose to buy a stand alone Smart Card reader, that reads and writes. You park it on your desk, leave it plugged into the computer. Saves you from wearing out the electronics on the camera, and batteries don't become an issue. The one I bought is 10 dollars more but it reads and writes, that way I can download pictures from the computer also into the card, and then show them at my destination using the combined slide show feature, and the included cord to hook it up to any TV. Great for presentations.
I guess I am getting kind of windy. I am just in love with this camera. Having had a 1 megapixel Sound Vision 209 Mini Cam with a fixed telephoto range, and limited capabilities for indoor shots, this camera is a quantum leap. The super bright lense, gives you great low light picture taking ability. Coupling that with an adjustable "ISA" setting of 100, 200, or 400, makes it all the more effective for different conditions. I had heard a professional photographer complaining of having only an equivalent of ASA 100 fixed setting on his Canon Digital elph, he obviously wasn't introduce to the C-2040.
Using the camera with your PC is a breeze. You plug in the USB cable, or use the smart card reader I just mentioned, then just go into my computer, and you will see a new drive called removable drive. You click on it, and instantly see the file names of all of your pics. You can copy and paste the whole bunch into a new folder, they copy real quick, then just edit-select all, hit delete, and they are wiped from the cameras memory. A true Windows intuitive interface.
Store managers personal use camera, Consumer Reports number one pick in the 2 megapixel category, and they are just plain back ordered at most places, shows you that this camera is the one to get.
These features and quality at this price is a winner, considering that you will be picking up 150 to 250 dollars of extras no matter what model you buy. So it makes this one a nice comfortable price point. I know with the money I saved over buying a 4, is enough that I can probably pick one of those up in a year or two for the difference. Although I don't know why I would want one, considering the amazing quality of the C-2040.
I'm in love with the camera, did I already say that? Find one and check it out. You will see what I mean.

This camera was a birthday gift. I had asked for a digital point-and-shoot but my husband, a photography instructor, thought better and bought a camera with manual modes. The camera is a joy to use and takes beautiful photos outdoors and in, with the default JPG format of 1200x1600 pixels. This is fine if the biggest you want to go is 5 x 7 (8 x 10 if you're not picky). If you're an amateur, like me, turn the blasted flash off and go with natural light, but remember to adjust the ISO "film" speed up accordingly (the default is 100). All compact flash units are a pain, though this does have an option for a separate flash. Yes, rechargable batteries and an AC adapter are must-haves. Leave the camera plugged into AC while the batteries recharge so you don't lose the date/time settings you've entered.

The parallax distortion in the viewfinder is different from what is described in the instructions -- if doing closeups, use the monitor to center the composition.

The nested menus to control the various functions are confusing, my only real complaint about this camera (other than the "lens cap of doom" that you MUST not leave on). You will live with the manual for a while. Laminate the flimsy paper covers, it gets dogeared fast.

The Camedia Master software is confusing -- you click on the "download pictures" menu and get a message that there's no communications with the camera! Obvious this feature must work with some other Olympus camera. Same message if you click on the little "my camera" icon. The software sees the camera up as a removable drive, and you have to drill down two levels to get to the pictures. Once there, you can just drag and drop the pix like any other file in Windows. For that matter, you can just drag and drop in Explorer, if you don't want to look at the thumbnails. A serious amateur will need to get better editing software, like Photoshop, to manipulate the captured images. Make sure you program the camera with date and time, otherwise all images are given a date of 01/01/00, very confusing, and the default names will overlap (default names include the date it was taken).

All in all, a very nice camera.

This is my third digital camera - and I absolutely LOVE it. I'm not going to go into how great it is, because you can read that anywhere... There's just one or two small things that I would like changed about this camera. The first is one I didn't read anywhere - the lens cap. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE IT OFF BEFORE SWITCHING THE CAMERA ON!!! Otherwise the lens will try to extend and not be able to, and it will make a horrible noise that sounds like the camera is being damaged - and for all I know, it might be. Also... it EATS batteries, and they don't tell you what its AC power consumption is so you HAVE to but their ($) AC adapter, instead of using one you probably already have. Also, it's difficult to find a suitable camera bag as it's an unusual size and shape. But despite all this - I still think it's a great camera - the best I've owned so far.

As I said, I would have stopped after giving it 5 stars but decided to write the review as well as to make sure you buy it. No, I do not work for Olympus!

You can take pictures with incredibly natural colors under incandescent, fluoroscent and cloudy-sky light conditions - WITHOUT a flash! Something many pros would have trouble with using a film camera and filters. I am also doubling my other reviewer friend's comment that 2.1 and 3.3 megapixel line up eye to eye except if you plan to PRINT larger than 8x10 inch or view full size on a 30 odd inch monitor. The other exception is that a 3.3 or better is useful if you plan to enlarge a relatively small portion of a shot. Otherwise, save your money. Do look at the C-700 though if zoom is a priority.

I really like this camera, which has very good optical elements (an F1.8 equivalent lens) which is not seen in many lower-end digital camera. The light-gathering power is very good... and I even snapped shots off of a screen showing slides (with flash turned off), and only held by hand; it worked!

The 2.1 megapixel image is plenty for the average user. This results in a shots that are about 405kb set on default settings (though you can change this), and images that are about 12" by 20" (can't remember exactly)... such that when they are printed the resolution is excellent (even to 8x10)! I saw 5 x 7 printed enlargements that I defy anyone to tell that they came from a digital camera.

The menu system on the back screen is a bit confusing, but one gets used to it fairly quickly. A remote control might have been nice, but the timer-delay feature sort of obviates the need.

My only real trouble was setting up the software/cable for downloading images (and ended up calling Olympus); the "Camedia" software is nearly worthless and I prefer to use PaintShopPro7 to edit shots (and any good graphic-editing program would work fine). Basically, you install a CD-ROM in your computer and it walks you through a procedure whereby you end up with a "removeable disk" entry in Windows Explorer (only when the camera is plugged in). The manual didn't clearly explain that. You simple open flap hatch on the side of the camera and plug in the cable (which you can leave attached to the USB port on your computer).

As an aside, be advised that most digital cameras have a optical view-finder that does not fully "agree" with digital one. Only looking at the digital image preview will truly tell you what you are about to shoot. Of course, one can edit their shots later on a computer (croping, etc.)

One MUST buy two additional things: 1) at least a 32mb SmartCard (the 8mb is good for about 16 shots) 2) a metal-halide battery pack and re-charger (and I'd only use the Olympus battery pack that came with it as a back-up set) 3) some sort of case (which the camera does NOT come with)... get one to also carry spare batteries and memory cards.

All and all, in a sea of competing digital cameras, I really like this one. A good compromise.

I have a C-2020, which is a slightly older version of this camera model. This has been a fantastic camera both in terms of quality, reliability and battery life. Between some friends and myself we have just about every model in this family (C-2000 through C-3040) and we all love our cameras.

Quality: I have taken hundreds of shots, mostly outdoor. I tend to shoot at the high-quality jpeg level so I bought a 64MB smart media card. Paired with my HP DeskJet 952 I regularly printout 4x6 prints on photo paper that are absolutely perfect. I have printed a few 8x10 pictures and they are fantastic. No one can believe they were taken with a digital camera. I have to zoom in quite a ways with my photo editing software before I can see any pixels. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish it had a better macro mode.

Reliability: It has been rained on, splashed by a wave, and dropped a short distance onto a rock. Despite all this it is still going strong a year and several hundred pictures later with no negative affects.

Batteries: I use the rechargeable batteries and during heavy use they last 2-3 weeks. During light use they last 3-6 months. Compare this to most Kodak or Nikon cameras that last a few days of heavy use.

A few comments on my accessories:

Forget the 16MB card that comes with it. I keep only mine as a back up. You will want a 64 MB smart media card.

I bought the Olympus T-CON14 tele-converter lens 1.45x (152mm equivalent) and I am very happy with it. It can retail up to $200 but I shopped around on-line (I went to cnet.com and looked under "Latest Prices - Camera Accessories - Lens") and found it for around $79. My next purchase is the wide-angle lens.

I bought the Olympus Accessory Kit (which is the same for C-2000 through C-3040 models), mostly for the UV filter, adapter tube and 43mm-55mm step-up ring, and AC adapter. I bought it for about $95, which is close to what all those things cost separate. The mini-tripod, software, and case that come in that kit are not overly impressive but I considered those `free'. The lens cleaning kit is handy.

I purchased the 2040 a few weeks ago and looked forward to taking it on vacation. Truthfully, the software [stinks]. Windows 98 didn't recognize the driver even though I followed every step to the letter. I still haven't figured out why the default file type is effjpg or something instead of a true jpg file. Then there is the 8 mg smart media card. Totally worthless unless you plan on carrying about 8 of them. I can't believe they waste money making those cards. I bought a 64 mg card which was very sufficient if used wisely. I knew I was going to take some web pictures so I took them on low quality. The pictures that I thought had potential, I took on high quality. And the lithium batteries!! Cool!!! I haven't worn them out yet but I did have to go purchase rechargeables and a charger for when they do. But, you aren't supposed to download pictures on the batteries so you have to go buy an AC adapter too. No they don't tell you what the voltage is but you can buy off brand adapters that are specifically made for Olympus cameras. I guess that's it unless you want a camera case. I am proud to say that of all the accessories that I purchased NONE were OEM Olympus. Now if you can get through all that [crud], the camera takes wonderful pictures. The menus can be a pain but after a week of use I can breeze right through them to change any settting. The main reason that I purchased the 2040 was because of the f1.8 lens and the 3.0 optical zoom. This camera takes great pictures in really low light. Sometimes it can be a problem though because a fringe evening shot can look a bit brighter than it really is. I would have given this camera five stars if the software worked right and rechargeable batteries/charger were included. I am very happy with the quality of the pictures.

I had been wanting a digital camera for a while and had my eye on the 2040. I take a lot of pictures just for fun and film processing cost and delay were killing me. I wish I had bought one of these sooner.
I've had mine for a week and I love it. I took a few test pics just using the default options and then connected the USB cable to my WinME PC. My PC then recognized the camera and then started my photo software. I was then able to manage the pictures on the camera as though it were a connected disk drive. I did not have to use the included software. The images look as good as the ones on my 35mm film camera.
I also bought the optional 64MB memory card which gives me 128 HQ or 306 SQ1 shots. That's plenty for a day's work!
The only downside is that lens cap. If it's on when you power up the camera balks as it tries to extend the lens. The AC adapter also seems a bit pricey but it looks like one of those have to have items.

This camera has been terrific thus far. I have owned it since February of this year, after it was first became available in the US. (It is my first digital camera)

The photo quality is great, and of course you can instantly re-take any pics that don't meet your standards. I find it very easy it use and the menu fairly easy to navigate. I have had a lot of success manually varying the shutter speed and opening settings when in low-light or fast-speed settings where the camera's auto-focus doesn't cut it.

I recently purchased a 64-MB smart media card to use for this camera. On the HQ setting (mid-quality = great for normal size photos, maybe not for blow-ups), I can take 128 photos with this camera. With the 8-MB card that comes with the camera, you can manage 16 HQ pics.

This camera is a great value for someone who wants the versatility and ease of a digital camera, as well as the quality you would expect with a higher-end model. This model has some great expansion capability too...

This is our first digital camera. (...)we researched a lot of cameras over the last 3 weeks and picked the 2040. It works as well as advertised, with picture quality as we expected. The picture quality was the deciding factor, and I think it can be attributed to the 'Super Bright' camera lens. Low-light pictures are excellent, in fact better than my SLR (this may say more about my photographic skills, but you get the idea). We also decided on sticking to cameras in the 2 megapixel range. For those who are new to digital camera, 2 megapixels will allow you to print photo quality pictures up to 8x10 inches. This is adequate for most people.

Pros:

* Super Bright lens works as advertised - low light and natural light pictures are excellent.
* Picture quality is superb - most of our pictures have been taken with the 3rd highest quality mode and look great. This allows for 128 photos on a 64mb memory card.
* Can be used as a point-and-shoot or fully manual camera.
* Flash has degrees of brightness you can manipulate.
* Photo transfer with USB port is quick and easy - the camera appears in My Computer as a Removable Drive, allowing you to look into the camera like any other folder, copy and paste the images and even delete them from the camera.

Cons:

* USB link has not worked as advertised in Windows 2000 but works like a dream with Windows 98. I went to the Olympus website, where there are NO troubleshooting recommendations for Windows 2000 - just Windows 98. So I emailed tech support, and he writes back with copies of the Windows 98 instructions I found, obviously not paying attention to the fact that I designated my OS as Windows 2000, had specific questions, AND that I had sent the link of the instructions I had found - the same information he emailed to me. I asked for further assistance, and that was a week ago (the first response took 2 days).
* Remote not included ... The timer can be used in the meantime.
* No 'sepia' mode. (You can tell we're trying to find faults...)

This camera is probably the best bang for the buck out there. ...All in all, an excellent first camera and a true value.