Olympus FE-230
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc. Part number: 225935
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you really want a camera that does the thinking for you, this is a good choice. Otherwise, look for faster, more reliable models.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Olympus FE-230 price range: $189.99
- Reviewed by: Will Greenwald
- Reviewed on: 03/21/2007
The good: Excellent indoor white balance; simple to use
The bad: Sluggish performance; soft images
The bottom line: If you really want a camera that does the thinking for you, this is a good choice. Otherwise, look for faster, more reliable models.
Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Better yet, ask me no questions, and I won't have to think too much about how to take pictures. That's the philosophy behind Olympus' FE-series of cameras. Rather than offering manual settings and complicated exposure options, the FE-cameras almost completely automate their shots, making them literal point-and-shoot cameras. Square in the middle of these cameras is the FE-230, a nondescript camera with a tiny form and few options.
The compact FE-230 weighs a mere 4.3 ounces with card and battery, making it the lightest member of the FE-series. Its slim, metal body fits easily in most pockets and feels comfortable in your hand. Despite its small form, the camera's controls are quite large and responsive; even large thumbs can easily manipulate its mode dial and control pad.
The camera's small size is its biggest attribute; unlike the high-resolution FE-250 or the 5x optical zoom-equipped FE-240, the FE-230 is a more cookie-cutter point-and-shoot with a 7-megapixel resolution, a 38mm to 114mm-equivalent 3x zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. Besides its automatic mode, the FE-230 has 18 shooting modes, including a 30 frames per second (fps) VGA movie mode. It also comes with 20MB of built-in memory so you can take a small handful of shots without using an xD memory card. Of course, 20MB isn't a lot of space, so we recommend getting a memory card anyway.
As with all Olympus FE-series cameras, the FE-240 almost completely lacks any manual settings. Besides flash and macro shooting, preset scene modes, and exposure compensation, users can't make any image adjustments. The camera completely automates white balance, ISO sensitivity, and other settings, giving a very literal sense to the phrase "point and shoot." This isn't necessarily a bad thing; automation can be beneficial as long as the images look good in the end.
The FE-230 performed poorly in our tests, taking an irritatingly long amount of time between shots. After a 2.5-second start-up time, the camera took a shot once every 2.4 seconds. With the flash enabled, that time increased to 3.2 seconds. The shutter also performed sluggishly, lagging 0.9 seconds with our high contrast target and 1.6 seconds with our low-contrast target. In fairness, the FE-230's shot-to-shot time was better than the other FE-series cameras we've tested; the higher-end FE-240 and FE-250 respectively take 5.1 and 4.8 seconds between shots. Like nearly all FE-series cameras, the FE-230 lacks a burst mode.
The camera's images excelled in some areas but disappointed in others. On one hand, the FE-230's automatic white balance reproduced accurate colors even under incandescent lighting (a feat difficult for most automatic white balance settings). The photos enjoyed relatively low noise, and most grain remained unobtrusive and subtle. On the other hand, softness obscured many fine details and made text difficult to read. Also, because the camera sets ISO settings automatically, it's almost impossible to know just how much noise and grain will show up when you shoot in low light.
The Olympus FE-230 is an extremely simple, relatively decent point-and-shoot camera. It doesn't have any significant manual settings to fiddle with, but its automatic mode is pleasantly reliable, even in indoor light. Unfortunately, its sluggish performance and soft pictures leave the camera somewhat lacking. If you really want a camera that won't ask you any questions, the FE-230 can be a decent choice. Otherwise, a more manual-oriented budget camera such as the Kodak EasyShare C875 or the Canon PowerShot A550 offer overall better image quality and stronger performance for about the same price.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance.)
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Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Time to first shot | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
User reviews
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The images taken under any light conditions have been less than moderate. One word: NOISE
by vespa55 on March 18, 2007
Pros: Very compact. Metal body. The digital image stabilizer can be helpful at times
Cons: Lots of noise-filled pictures taken under any lighting conditions. The DIS just boosts the ISO and shutter speed, resulting in more NOISE
Summary: If you are big on sticking with particular brands (in this case, Olympus) - I would spend the extra dollar to buy an Olympus point-and-shoot with DUAL Image Stabilization. I ...
Summary: If you are big on sticking with particular brands (in this case, Olympus) - I would spend the extra dollar to buy an Olympus point-and-shoot with DUAL Image Stabilization. I was looking for a decent point-and-shoot camera because I was tired of lugging my DSLR around to casual occasions or non-photoshoot related. So I first bought Olympus's FE-230 with digital image stabilization only. The digital image stabilizer on the FE-230 just boosts the ISO (even when it's not necessary) and increases the shutter speed. I would have no problem with that had it not resulted in such grainy and noisy pictures. Even with fill-flash, the images came out grainy. Lots of post-processing was required to make some of the pictures I took look acceptable. After 2 days of giving this little camera a chance, I couldn't tolerate the poor performance this camera shelled out. I would've bought Canon's new Powershot SD800IS, but the price was near that of a DSLR body! So I returned the FE-230 and spent the extra $50 for an Olympus Stylus 760 which was weatherproof, had more focus options, and had DUAL image stabilizing. What a difference, there was less noise and remarkable pictures taken. I would pass up on Olympus's FE line and go for their Stylus line which has dual image stabilization. It DOES make a difference (a lot more effective than a camera with just digital image stabilizing). Just my 2 cents worth.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Picture quality not acceptable in 2007
by isjpa0 on March 14, 2007
Pros: Format and ease of use
Cons: Picture quality unacceptable - it is a camera isn´t it?
Summary: When you buy a camera there is one basic qualifier: It has to be able to produce good or at least acceptable picture quality. Olympus FE-230 is not even close ...
Summary: When you buy a camera there is one basic qualifier: It has to be able to produce good or at least acceptable picture quality. Olympus FE-230 is not even close to producing acceptable pictures. It does not matter if it is indoor or outdoor they all come out gray and flat. Feels like the lens reduces light sensititivy to much.
Olympus need to remove this camera and replace customers with an acceptable alternative.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very Nice Camera!!!
by windwalker1977 on February 25, 2007
Pros: Features, Compact, Li-on Battery, Video
Cons: Video quality at night and indoors.
Summary: I have gone through a lot of digital cameras and have had my hands on many different ones. This camera is great! It is very compact, so you can take ...
Summary: I have gone through a lot of digital cameras and have had my hands on many different ones. This camera is great! It is very compact, so you can take it anywere without hassel. The Li-on is great because I got tired of buying rechargable AA bateries and won't last for to long. This battery lasts for quite a long time without a recharge!
The interface it uses makes it very simple for everyone to use. A big plus for me is that it had a 16:9 mode so i can take pictures at that aspect ratio and use them as wallpaper on my widescreen laptop!
The build quality is great! is not cheep plastic that will wear and/or crack.
The video quality is the best that I have seen yet but gets rather grainy in low light situations but still is not the worst that I have seen.
The picture quality of this is rather good and is near the best that I have seen. If you operate the camera the right way for the situation, you would have no problems creating the near perfect picture.
I realy like the built in stabilization and the macro. you can get really close to objects or take pictures of very small object and look great!
In all, I do not regret purchasing this camera at all. Is great for traveling or capturing those quick moments that you want to last a lifetime.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice small camera for on the run
by dannyboyjake on December 8, 2008
Pros: Good quality pictures in a very small footprint. Very easy to use.
Cons: Slow focus.
Summary: Very good value.
Summary: Very good value.
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Great Camera
by miisztee on December 27, 2007
Pros: Good for teens
Cons: haven't found any yet
Summary: I received this camera as a gift and I absoultely love it!!! Its great for teens that want a camera thats thin and can fit in your pockets.
Summary: I received this camera as a gift and I absoultely love it!!! Its great for teens that want a camera thats thin and can fit in your pockets.
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worse than my 5 yr of fuji point and shoot
by xmcmillenx on December 24, 2007
Pros: easy to use (i guess?)
Cons: horrible auto focus, soft images,
Summary: I bought this camera when my fuji a303 3.2 megapixel camera from 2002 broke.
I bought it at best buy in 2007 at the advice of the sales person ...Summary: I bought this camera when my fuji a303 3.2 megapixel camera from 2002 broke.
I bought it at best buy in 2007 at the advice of the sales person and for the fact the it took the same media cards.
This camera is awful. My old Fuji took WAY better point and shoot photos. I wasnt really asking much out of this little camera as I also own a Digital SLR. I was just hoping for a smaller camer to carry around for candids and things without lugging around the digital SLR camera bag. I knew I would be sacrificing image quality and control and was willing to make the trade off for something I could fit in my pocket.
After 6 months of owning the camera and trying to find a setting that takes pictures that are acceptable in 2007, I am writing this review, which is my first on Cnet, to help people steer clear of this device. The auto-focus is horrible in almost every setting. I found this camera to take very pixelated images and the images were "soft" in almost every setting. Stepping up the exposure seemed to help in some cases but did not fix most of the focus issues. If you are loking at this camera, opt for something else. -
did not like the quality of the pictures, not worth the price I paid
by romjo on December 16, 2007
Pros: nice size, nice to be able to just throw in my purse
Cons: poor quality of pictures.printed grainy pictures, not clear at all
Summary: I contacted the company for advice. After emailing and 3 phone calls, I finally received an answer via email. Their response to my poor quality pictures was that I was ...
Summary: I contacted the company for advice. After emailing and 3 phone calls, I finally received an answer via email. Their response to my poor quality pictures was that I was not holding the button half way to allow it to focus! I have been taking pictures for at least 30 years! It just is not a good camera for the money.
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good camera
by kofix2utd on November 9, 2007
Pros: easy to use, good video and picture quality, battery life
Cons: slow shutter speed
Summary: Most people apparently are not satisfied with this camera. i am very satisfied with it! for the price range it is great! i was searching online for a good camera ...
Summary: Most people apparently are not satisfied with this camera. i am very satisfied with it! for the price range it is great! i was searching online for a good camera and i wanted to buy the canon sd 600 but i couldn't find it so i just decided to take this camera. i was really unhappy that they didn't have my camera but this olympus has performed great so far. battery life is really great! the videos i take on it are awesome as well. the main problem is the shutter speed~ it is just incredibly slow but not a problem with still pictures as long as u keep the camera steady. many times when more people take picture of the same thing my pictures come out the best! once i upload my pics onto my laptop they look great! i am happy with it and i've had it for about 8 months!
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Great little camera
by NeecieD on September 7, 2007
Pros: lots of options, including under water settings, small & compact, included is a cd-rom
Cons: little slow between taking pictures
Summary: I really like this camera because i switched from a very very basic fuji films and wanted something with a few more options all-the-while, not paying more than $200. This ...
Summary: I really like this camera because i switched from a very very basic fuji films and wanted something with a few more options all-the-while, not paying more than $200. This camera fits easily in my pocket, is easy to use and easy to get pictures off of since it includes all the cords you'd need. Also, a cool addition is the tv cables so you can see your pictures on the big screen before you print them off.
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Don't buy this camera. It takes shots that are inferior to those of inexpensive cell phone cameras.
by snap_photgrapher on September 7, 2007
Pros: Convenient size and wight, sturdy casing.
Cons: Grainy photos, no focus, hazy colours, flash does not have a compensate mode, no multipoint focus function.
Summary: My my fourth snapshot digital camera in 8 years and my first Olympus. I am unable to compare this 7.1 megapixel camera with anything that I had including a ...
Summary: My my fourth snapshot digital camera in 8 years and my first Olympus. I am unable to compare this 7.1 megapixel camera with anything that I had including a 1.1 megapixel camera bought in 1998 because the Olympus FE-230 lacks focus, white balance, and clolour fidelity. I bought this camera at an airport for $230.00 in July 2007. I flew to a country where I work. To my surprise, warranty was not global as stated by the vendor.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
- Part number: 225935
- Description: Pocket-sized perfection. How much technology can you possibly pour into a sleek, slim-bodied digital camera that's smaller than a deck of cards? How about Built-in Help Guides, One-Touch Operations, Preset Scene Modes, 3x optical zoom, and a 2.5" LCD? The super-slim FE-230 is absolutely packed with features that make it fun and easy to use.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.6 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 0.2 in
Main Features
- Resolution 7.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 7,400,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 7,100,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO auto (50-1250)
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Candle, Indoor, Sunset, Auction, Cuisine, Documents, Fireworks, Landscape, Sports mode, Behind glass, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Night portrait, Panorama assist, Underwater macro, Underwater wide 1, Underwater wide 2
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 4 sec
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Automatic
- Digital Video Format AVI
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480, AVI - 320 x 240
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 20 MB Flash - Integrated
- Integrated Memory 20 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 3072 x 2304, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 1920 x 1080
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 4 in - 13 ft
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6.3 mm - 18.9 mm - F/3.1-5.9
- Focal Length 6.3 mm - 18.9 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 38 - 114 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 23.6 in
- Macro Focus Range 5-60cm
- Lens Aperture F/3.1-5.9
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 5 group(s) / 6 element(s)
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 12 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Direct print, Auto power save, Resizing an image, PictBridge support, Built-in help guide, PRINT Image Matching, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, Digital noise reduction, Digital image stabilization, Automatic Pixel Mapping (APM)
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 115,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x xD-Picture Card
Software
- Software Olympus Master, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE, MS Windows Vista, Apple Mac OS 9.0 - 9.2, Apple Mac OS X 10.1 or later
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Olympus LI-42B
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 3.2
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 2.4
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.9
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 1.6
- CNET Labs Wake up time 2.5
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Olympus America Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Olympus America Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.olympusamerica.com/
- Address:
Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747 - Phone: 631-844-5000
