With a few modifications, Olympus has created the C-3040 Zoom,
a revised version of the C-3030Z.
Aside from a lens trim that announces the camera's major modification
— a brighter lens— the body designs are identical.
However, while nearly identical on the outside, a lens is — to say
the least — a critical part of a camera. So, when it changes, there
are usually some other important differences where it counts: the image
quality.
The
ergonomics of the C-3040Z are the same as the C-3030Z's, starting with
a two-stage shutter release with AF lock at midcourse and the zoom control
fitted as a ring around it. Next to it, a Power/Mode Dial dominates the
large grip area made of a flecked finish plastic similar to the rest of
the body.
The Power/Mode Dial provides a quick access to the Recording modes (full
Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
and the Movie mode), along with Playback. The Off
position separates these two distinct functions.
Nearby,
a small LCD status screen echoes many of the settings of the camera, and
can be used to change some settings such as flash mode, macro, and spot
metering, without having to resort to the LCD screen. However, the status
screen does not show either the aperture, or the shutter speed.
Buttons are grouped
along the top and right side of the LCD screen, providing access to
various settings:
Flash
Modes: Auto, Forced Off, Forced on, Redeye Reduction.
Jog
Dial:
to make selections in the menus, change exposure compensation and
select apertures or shutter speeds according to the recording mode
in use.
The remaining camera
controls, on the right side of the screen, starting at the top, provide
the following functions:
OK/AEL:
one function of this button is a change from the C-3030Z. While the
main function of the OK button is still to confirm menus selections,
it now has a secondary function as an Auto Exposure Lock instead
of calling up the Manual Focus as it does on the C-3030Z. Otherwise,
in Playback the button's function remains unchanged, protecting an
image against accidental deletion.
LCD
Screen: On/Off.
Menu:
to display the camera menus.
The optical viewfinder
is equipped with a diopter correction on its left side, and centre crosshairs
which indicate the Autofocus area. Two LEDs, immediately on the right
of the exit pupil, serve to indicate AF/AE (green) and flash required,
charging, or ready (yellow).
A
small change from the design of the C-3030Z would have been welcomed:
a smoother trim to the viewfinder, or the addition of a rubber piece.
As it is, the edge of the trim is still quite rough and can scratch a
plastic eyeglass lens too easily.
The C-3040Z is a squarish and very compact camera with a nice finish.
Yet, its design means that finding a camera pouch to fit it is not easy,
and it is probably advisable to purchase the one that Olympus sells for
it as an option.
