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.
As noted, the software also serves
to open Olympus RAW format images that have an *.ORF extension.
RAW images can be processed one after the other or as a batch
using a special section of the software called RAW Development.
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.
The version of Olympus Master
supplied with the SP-350 can be upgraded online to the full
version of the software called Olympus Master Plus. The
upgrade adds tools which are not functional in the bundled version:
for instance, Video CD or DVD-ROM creation, which is accomplished
using Pixela's ImageMixer VCD DVD 2; the creation of
albums or index prints; or even the creation of slide shows
that include music.
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Interface & Software
:
controls the volume of the sounds produced by the camera
in the capture modes (Off, Low, High).
