Olympus SP-350

Reviewed October 2005

Interface & Software

Interface

The SP-350 has a large 2.5 inch (62mm) LCD screen, but while it may have a relatively low resolution, it has a good refresh rate which makes it pleasant to use. Camera settings are presented superimposed on the image, using large and well-contrasted characters that remain legible whatever the background image. While the camera does not respond very quickly, its external controls are simple and the Shortcut screens of the menus, one of which can be customized, allow accessing the most important functions quickly. The learning curve for the camera is further reduced by the fact that Help screens are available for all menu options when the DISP./GUIDE is pressed.

The menu system itself is typical of Olympus cameras. Options are displayed over a coloured background, or over an image under review. In its most complex version, the menu is composed of 4 sections, but the 2 last sections, Card and Setup, are common to all modes, although some options only appear in some modes. The list below compiles all the options offered in all modes:

Card is exclusively concerned with options for the memory:

• All Erase (shown only in Playback mode): to delete all images on the memory card or in the camera's internal memory.
• Format: to format the internal memory or the memory card.
• Backup: to copy images in internal memory onto a memory card.

The other menu section, Setup, contains options for the basic configuration of the camera:

• Reset: Yes or No. Decides whether or not settings are retained after the camera is turned off.
• Language sets the interface language with the following choices for the version of the camera reviewed here: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Moreover, it is possible to add other languages to the camera when it is connected to a computer running the supplied software, Olympus Master (see further).
• PW On Setup: decides whether or not an image is displayed (the Olympus logo, a captured image or nothing) and if a sound is played (two options or nothing) when the camera is powered on.
• PW Off Setup: as above but when the camera is turned off.
• Screen Setup: to select image(s) that will be part of the options for PW On Setup or PW Off Setup.
• Rec View: to choose whether or not an image is displayed on the monitor immediately post capture.
• : controls the volume of the sounds produced by the camera in the capture modes (Off, Low, High).
• Volume: controls the Playback volume over 5 levels.
• Beep: offers two different sounds for the operation sound, or none.
• Shutter Sound: offers two different sounds for the shutter release or none.
• My mode: allows saving settings into the 4 My Mode (My1 to My4) sets of preferences.
• File Name: Reset or Auto. Decides whether or not file names will increase sequentially or be reset when a new memory card is used, or the card is formatted.
• Pixel Mapping: allows the camera to check and adjust the CCD and image processing functions. This function is recommended for use approximately once a year.

• Monitor Brightness: allows adjusting the monitor back light over ± 6 brightness levels.
• Date and Time: sets the date and time on the SP-350.
• Dual Time Setup: allows setting a secondary time on the camera, useful while travelling.
• m/ft: selects whether meters or feet are used in the display of focus distances when Manual Focus is used.

• Video Out selects the A/V signal that will be output by the camera: NTSC or PAL.
• AF Illuminator: to control whether or not the AF assist light operates when the ambient light is insufficient to guarantee that the AF will operate reliably.
• Short cut: to modify 3 of the shortcuts that are shown when the camera is set to P, A, S, M or Scene.
• Histogram offers two ways to determine the brightness of the image:
  • Off, no histogram display.
  • On, a real-time histogram is shown superimposed on the lower part of the monitor image.
  • Direct: zones of the image that are potentially overexposed appear in red, while those that may be underexposed are shown in blue.
• Frame Assist: allows superimposing 2 different types of guides on the monitor to assist in composition.
• Custom Button: allows customizing the AEL button so it gives instant access to a function from the Camera or Picture sections of the capture menu.

Olympus supplies the SP-350 with a very comprehensive manual in PDF format. In addition a printed Basic manual is included, intended to quickly familiarize the user with the primary functions of the camera.

Software

One CDROM is included with the SP-350. Called Olympus Master 1.1., the program acts as a gateway to a number of functions:

• it can be used to transfer images between the camera and the computer via USB.
• it offers options to organize images using a calendar, key words, or albums.
• it can be used to process RAW format images, create panoramic images using photos captured with the panoramic mode, or edit movies.
• it can be used to update the camera's firmware after it has been downloaded, or add other interface languages to the SP-350.

Olympus Master's image browser window presents either the hard disk's folders, or the images organized by their capture date in a pane on the left. The centre pane shows the images contained in the current folder, presented as thumbnails at a variable size, and their shooting data can be displayed in yet another pane to the right of the thumbnails. The last pane, on the far right side, offers online services for printing, and accessories.

RAW images can be processed "as shot", applying the camera settings that were recorded at the time of capture, or processed one at a time. If processed independently, parameters such as white balance, grey point (not the white point), contrast, sharpness and saturation can be adjusted, and the resulting image saved in a more common format such as TIFF, TIFF exif, JPEG, or BMP. Regrettably, this section of the program is a bit too superficial, and as a result it can be difficult to make precise adjustments prior to saving the image in a another format.