The
Olympus D-510 (C-200 in Europe) improves on the clamshell
design of earlier models like the D-490
(C-990 in Europe), by smoothing out the design; and simplifies the menu
and options of the previous models.
Although the basic capabilities of the D-510Z remain generally the same
as the D-490Z, the design is more sober, simpler, and in a way more appealing.
Turning
on the camera is a two-step process. First the cover is slid back to its
first stop which pops-up the flash. Then it is slid past to the second
stop, which allows the lens to extend.
The shutter release and zoom control are the only two items on the top
of the camera. The zoom control is similar in design to those found on
previous models. Mounted at a 45° angle it moves the lens to the wide
angle position when pressed towards the front, and to telephoto when pulled
back. In the camera's Playback mode, the zoom control serves to show thumbnails
when pushed to the wide angle setting and magnify a photo displayed on
the LCD screen when pulled to telephoto.
The shutter release is 2-stage, autofocusing and setting the exposure
when pressed halfway.
The
back of the D-510 presents a simpler layout than previous D series
cameras from Olympus. Only three controls are used, but they support the
same functions as had been found these other models.
The 4-direction arrow pad not only ensures navigation in the camera
menus, but also serves to activate the macro mode, the flash modes and
the self-timer while recording.
Below,
the Menu button not only calls up the menu but serves to confirm a selection
made there. Further below the Screen button turns on or off the LCD screen.
This simplification of the controls that had been found on earlier Olympus
D series cameras makes the D-510 an extremely simple camera to operate.
