If you're new to the world of digital photography, the Olympus
D-580 offers just the right blend of easy-to-use features and high-quality optics that
delivers vivid pictures. The D-580 Zoom has a durable polycarbonate body with an
attractive metallic accent on its sliding protective clamshell lens barrier. It also
features a 4-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, movie mode with sound, a bright
LCD monitor to review images, and Olympus's new TruePic Turbo image processor, which
speeds up the camera's start-up, shutter lag, recording and playback time.
Optics and Resolution
The 4-megapixel D-580 captures 2288 x 1712 pixel images for prints up to 11 x 14
inches. It also has 1600 x 1200 (2MP) and 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution modes. It
features a 3x optical zoom that, when combined with a 4x digital zoom, delivers a
total seamless 12x zoom. The aspherical all-glass zoom lens is constructed of 7 lenses
in 6 groups and has a focal length of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm
photography) and an aperture range of f3.1-f5.2.
Movie Mode and Audio
In addition to capturing still images, you can also shoot short videos with sound (its
companion D-540 has no sound capabilities) at 15 frames per second (fps). The D-580
has two resolution modes: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120. The built-in microphone can also
capture short memos that can be appended to each message
More Features
The D-580 is one of the first Olympus models to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image
processor that sharpens image clarity, contrast, and color for life-like results. This
feature also makes the camera 30% faster in processing images and is combined with a
super-fast shutter release time.
The D-580 offers a menu architecture that's easy to navigate for fast access to the
right settings with just the press of arrow buttons. Seven preset shooting modes can
be accessed through the "Virtual Dial" (viewable through the LCD menu) to
provide fully automatic exposure adjustments; these include Program Auto, Portrait,
Portrait-Landscape, Landscape, Night Scene, Self Portrait, and Movie.
Other features include:
- 1.8-inch TFT color LCD monitor (approximately 85,000 pixels)
- Optical real-image viewfinder
- 1.5 frames per second burst up to 12 frames
- Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, and off modes
Direct Printing
The D-580 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your
digital camera to a compatible printer (such as the Olympus P-10), without a PC or
image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features:
camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in
case something goes wrong).
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on XD Picture Card memory cards. The card's small size, about the
same as a postage stamp, helps to keep the camera size down. The included 16 MB card
will store approximately 16 images at 2288 x 1712 pixels (at HQ, JPEG setting). Images
can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means the
camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98 Rev2Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or
later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by 2 AA batteries (alkalines included, NiMH rechargeable
recommended) or 1 CR-V3 battery. It measures 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches (W x H x D) and
weighs 5.8 ounces (excluding batteries and storage media).
What's in the Box
This package contains the Olympus D-580 digital camera, 16 MB XD Picture Card, USB
cable, 2 AA alkaline batteries, wrist strap, quick-start guide, and instruction
manual. The CD-ROM features Camedia Master software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Camera
Reference Manual.