Olympus FE-170

By Will Greenwald, CNET.com on 11/09/2006

More Olympus reviews , RRP: AU$199.00

Description:

With a small price tag and few features, the FE-170 is Olympus's low-end point-and-shoot.

Editors' rating:

5.6/10

Users' rating:

5/10

Olympus's new FE-model cameras share the same 6-megapixel sensor, but that doesn't mean they're created equal. Each same-resolution shooter has a different purpose in the FE product line. The Olympus FE-170 is the budget model with the lowest price tag among the company's current cameras.

The Olympus FE-170 is the chunkiest and simplest member of the current FE family, measuring 31mm thick and bearing extremely standard snapshot features, such as a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD. As an unexpected bonus to an otherwise nondescript point-and-shoot, the FE-170 features digital image stabilisation. This feature is standard on all Olympus cameras but is welcome in any sub-AU$200 camera.

With a low price and a compact but not stylish body, the Olympus FE-170 faces competition from budget cameras such as the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S600 and the HP Photosmart R817.

Consumers willing to spend a little more might want to consider the higher-end Olympus FE cameras instead, whose slightly higher price tags net additional features such as slimmer bodies, stronger lenses, and microphones for shooting movies with audio.

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Fra
26/04/2007, 12:23 AM

rating
3
/10

Not happy.

Cons: Washed out colours
Out of focus
grainy picture

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davjo
01/10/2006, 08:48 PM

rating
7
/10

Simplicity

For the beginner, this is a gem. If your expectation are not high and all you really want is to capture a quality shot or two of the grand kids (for instance), then this is a beauty.

Pros: This was bought for my elderly parents. I love the simplicity of this thing. For instance, each mode you choose, gives you a desciption of what it does. Similar to the flash, micro settings and others. It's exactly what i am looking for. Point and shoot at a budget price. My parents will love it!

Cons: Having to replace the AA batteries. Would prefer to see a lithium rechargable battery with this however for the price, one shouldn't complain.

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