Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that has
a mix of fluorescent and incandescent light, but which is not
brightly lit. The camera's flash is used to add fill light.
The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5 ft) from the camera.
At the wide angle setting of the zoom, the C-8080 covers the equivalent
of a 28mm, an excellent wide angle for a compact digital camera. The pop-up
flash provides good illumination, and the comers of the frame show no serious
light falloff.
Photo
Information
Format:
TIFF
Aperture:
f2.4
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Speed:
1/30
Res.:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
On
Quality:
Uncompressed
ISO:
50
File Size:
22.9 MB
Focal Length:
28mm (35mm Eq.)
Both the wide angle and telephoto
shots of this still life were captured using the RAW mode. The
images were then converted to TIFF with Camedia Master, the software
included with the C-8080, using the "as shot" settings.
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent
is to test the sharpness of the image at the zoom's maximum
setting. The camera remains at the same distance as with the
preceding photo.
The C-8080 yields a sharp image with no visible noise at sensitivity settings
up to 100 ISO. With this image the detail captured by the 8 megapixel CCD
is obvious, as even the texture of the paper is visible.
As do a few other cameras, the C-8080 has two macro modes.
The standard macro mode allows the use of the zoom, and provides
a focusing range of 20 to 80 cm (7.8 to 31.2 inches). The Super
Macro mode locks the zoom at at 23.4 mm (equivalent to 92mm)
which allows the camera to focus on a subject 5 cm (1.95 inch)
from the front of the lens. At this distance the field of view
(horizontally) is then approximately 4.8 cm (1.9 inch).
If the flash is used to capture a
macro shot, the C-8080 provides better results when the standard macro
mode is used, as the camera can be moved back, and the zoom used
to prevent overexposing the subject.
With the Super Macro mode, aperture priority should be used, and
a small aperture should be selected so as to maximize the depth of field.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture
of the building, in particular the angled girders, immediately
show the presence of jaggies. The shadowed entrance can also
often reveal the quality of the exposure.
With this photo, the advantage of a very wide angle for some type of photography
is apparent. The C-8080's 28mm equivalent wide angle is able to capture
a feeling of space which is difficult to achieve with less than a 28mm.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4
Exposure:
Program Mode
Shutter Speed:
1/400
Resolution:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
Off
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
50
File Size:
3.53 MB
Focal Length:
28mm (35mm Eq.)
The wide angle of the C-8080 has
no serious distortion, and no chromatic aberration, resulting
in sharp and very detailed photos.
ZOOM PHOTO
At the maximum telephoto, the C-8080 benefits from a longer zoom than other
Olympus C-series (excluding the UZ cameras). The zoom captures an excellent
image, sufficiently sharp to make the little sign on the door (Please
use other door) legible when the photo is seen at 100%.
The telephoto end of the zoom has no obvious distortion, and its bright
f3.5 maximum aperture allows for handheld shots.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f3.5
Exposure:
Program Mode
Shutter Speed:
1/320
Resolution:
3264 x 2448
Flash:
Off
Quality:
SHQ
ISO:
50
File Size:
3.4 MB
Focal Length:
140mm (35mm Eq.)
NIGHT PHOTO
This camera is capable of long exposures, and a photo taken
at night is included to give an idea of its capabilities.
Aperture: f4.8; shutter
speed: 15 sec, 50 ISO.
The C-8080 is capable of exposures
as long as 16 seconds (marked as 15 seconds on the display),
and if set to Bulb mode in the Manual mode, exposures as long
as 8 minutes.
With a typical city night shot, a 15 second exposure, even at 50
ISO, is more than sufficient to capture a bright and interesting image.
The noise reduction system is efficient, and the wide angle is perfect
for such photos.
Interestingly, a very
long Bulb mode exposure can be made without necessarily using
the optional cable release. Holding the infrared remote control
shutter release down while pointing it in the general direction
of the camera's front works, albeit with one drawback: a shortened
life for the remote control's button battery.
In the photo above, a 181 second
exposure is made at f2.4 and 50 ISO with the camera roughly pointed
at the North Star. The resulting image shows star trails as the
earth rotates.
The cropped section shown below is, as usual, taken from the full 8 megapixel
image.
Compare Prices for Black Diamond 512MB xD Memory Card For Olympus C Series C-8080 Wide Zoom Digital Camera
Test Photos
