Olympus FE-300 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: A number of digital camera manufacturers are offering 12-megapixel models, currently the highest resolution available for point-and-shoots. Olympus entered the 12-megapixel FE-300 into the megapixel race in August 2007. The entry-level Olympus FE-300, ...

Verdict: Stuffing extra megapixels into entry-level cameras is a tactic manufacturers use to lure consumers. However, more resolution doesn't necessarily mean sharper photos. Our resolution test shows the Olympus FE-300 takes images that are sharp in the ...

Review summary: A number of digital camera manufacturers are offering 12-megapixel models, currently the highest resolution available for point-and-shoots. Olympus entered the 12-megapixel FE-300 into the megapixel race in August 2007. The entry-level Olympus FE-300, ...

Verdict: The Olympus FE-300 has some things going for it, including its flat design, which lends to portability. Geared strictly toward beginners, the FE camera has a helpful built-in Shooting Guide and Perfect Shot Preview, which displays thumbnail previews ...

Review summary: The Olympus FE-300 is the current flagship of the entry level FE line of digital cameras from Olympus.

Pros: Solid metal body with nice styling ; Plenty of resolution in LCD ; Good battery life ; Easy to use

Cons: Average image quality ; No "fun" features that appeal to the target market, like color filters ; Noisy flash shots (especially when camera increases sensitivity to ISO800)

Verdict: The Olympus FE-300 provides a whopping 12 megapixels of resolution, but don't let the thought that "more is better" enter your mind when deciding about whether to buy this camera.  With this camera, all that 12 megapixels gets you is large files and ...

Review summary: The Olympus FE-300 represents an emerging class of digital cameras targeted at the beginner wooed by double-digit megapixels. At 12 megapixels, the FE-300 is one of several cameras that reach an all-time high resolution for point-and-shoots. When ...

Pros: -12-megapixel resolution -Low noise and high dynamic range at ISO 50 and 100 -Lightweight, portable design -Innovative Perfect Shot Preview for advanced point-and-shooters -Included Shooting Guide for beginners

Cons: -Poor color and white balance accuracy -High noise levels and poor dynamic range above ISO 100 -Painfully slow processing time -Blurring at the edges of the frame -Uneven flash -Uneasy handling and flash/shutter positioning -Scattered menu ...

Verdict: 2007 is the year manufacturers thrusted 12-megapixel resolutions into point-and-shoots. With hopes that the alluring high megapixel count would be enough to win over consumers, competing cameras came from every major manufacturer. But the 12-megapixel ...

Pros: Slim, light design ; Perfect Shot Preview is a handy feature

Cons: performance ; poor picture quality, especially at high ISOs

Verdict: The Olympus FE-300 stands out as a surprisingly small, inexpensive 12-megapixel shooter, though its pictures aren't as impressive as its price.