Flash Reviews

This is a great camera, however be aware that when you order, the camera does not come with batteries.

I recently purchased a 140DLX, and I just got my first set of pictures back. I have NO formal photographic training, but I was simply blown away by the quality of the photos I got back. To me, they looked similar to photos I've seen from really expensive, complicated cameras with all those removable lenses.

I wanted to buy an APS camera, because of the simplicity of loading film. If this is a concern of yours, buy this camera. It's ridiculously easy. APS film shots tend to look grainy, because the negative is smaller than 35mm, so there's another plus.

To me, the coolest feature was spot metering. You can get some really incredible color and life in your photos, and you can also simulate "focusing" on one object, while having other objects in the scene out of focus.

I suggest reading the entire manual, then blow a test roll (find a willing sibling, like I did) on the camera with different camera settings and lighting conditions so you can see what it will do when you really need it. And make SURE to try spot metering on things in the foreground and background so you get the concept. You'll be really impressed with this camera!

- Adam

Very easy to use and very user friendly. I do alot of outdoor photos and the and the weather proof feature alone is worth the price of the camera. Great photo's , all the features I use on my larger SLR, but it fits in my shirt pocket.

I gave this a 4 star rating in my earlier review (appended), but unlike a USB powered device which draws its electricity from your PC, this reader relies on internal, watch-style batteries to operate. I have used the card sparingly, but twice it has required new cells. That's a pretty serious flaw when compared to USB readers like the Viking or SanDisk brands.
****************************************************************This FlashPath adapter allows you to use your 3.5" floppy drive (usually the A: drive) to view images from your SmartMedia cards. It is of course lots easier than any USB cable, and probably better than most card readers. However....I find this adapter reads slower than my SanDisk for MultiMediaCards. In addition, as it is shipped from Olympus, it can only handle 64 meg cards, and requires a download to allow it to read a 128 (or larger) meg card.

For any photographer without access to a PCMIA card adapter or Lap-top will find this adapter to be a blessing, as it keeps the work load off your digital camera via USB ports etc......not to mention the speed at which downloads can be executed!!!

By using a flash bracket and cord (of course you'll need one!), you can move the flash up and away from the lens. This will create a more natural appearance in the shadows of your subject. I have always had problem with flash photography, your wife may roll their eyes when they see you with an E-10, Bracket and an FL-40 ... but it really will make a big difference in your flash pictures.

On the E-10, this flash is completely automatic. It adjusts appropriately throughout the zoom range. The light spread is also extremely even from edge to edge, and in the corners. The only reason I don't give it 5 starts is that is hasn't the recycle speed of many flashes in this price range. But, you can't beat the quality at any price. I also love the pivoting head. Plus, it also works in tandem with the built-in flash. A real advantage.

I love this thing.

The FL-40 flash is the ONLY flash that really works correctly with the C-3030Z camera. If you buy it however be sure and also get the FL-BK01 handle and FL-CB01 cable! Since the 3030 doesn't have a hot shoe like the C-2500 does. (they'll set you back another $90 or so!) This flash upgrades your digital camera for some serious photography, it is adjustable in 30 degree increments for 270 degree pointing (full right to straight back going counter clockwise). Vertically it has five steps, 0, 45, 60, 75, 90 degrees (straight up). Comes with a "wide angle" lens (more disperse flash). Recharge time is ok with 4 NiMh batteries but I was disappointed at the lack of an external power jack. For long setups it would be nice to run from wall power. The on-board sensor works with the camera's flash in a zillion ways, the display is easy to read and setup is pretty straight forward. With the handle and flash the camera gets to be a bit bulky.