Olympus Mju 500
In summary
Featuring a weather resistant metal body, 5-megapixel CCD and large ‘HyerCrystal’ LCD monitor the Mju 500 is a third-generation model in Olympus’ premium point-and-shoot range. The lens tucks behind a snug-fitting circular barrier, leaving the camera’s front surface smooth and flat. The button controls are small but well positioned, with a low profile that doesn’t gather pocket lint or other undesirable detritus, yet in no way hampers ease of use. . . [more]
Full review
Rating (out of 10)
Build: 8.0
Ease of use: 8.0
Image quality: 8.5
Value for money: 8.5
Featuring a weather resistant metal body, 5-megapixel CCD and large ‘HyperCrystal’ LCD monitor, the Mju 500 is a third-generation model in Olympus’ premium point-and-shoot range. The lens tucks behind a snug-fitting circular barrier, leaving the camera’s front surface smooth and flat. The button controls are small but well positioned, with a low profile that doesn’t gather pocket lint or other undesirable detritus, yet in no way hampers ease of use.
An all-weather speaker and microphone allow users to caption still pictures and record monaural audio with Quicktime video clips (320×240 or 160×120 pixel sizes are supported). However, the resulting picture quality from the test camera was only just adequate for viewing on a computer screen, and the position of the microphone makes it highly susceptible to wind noise.
Though less ‘funky’ than the slightly cheaper Mju mini Digital S, which was released in April, it has a longer zoom range and focuses closer, which will suit some buyers. It also lacks a viewfinder, which may deter many, although the LCD screen provides above average visibility in bright outdoor light and automatically brightens up briefly in dim conditions to aid shot composition.
Test shots taken with the Mju 500 were sharp and detailed but the overall dynamic range in bright conditions was restricted. We detected a very low level of chromatic aberration with Imatest and colour saturation was at natural-looking levels. The flash was fairly weak and low light usage is limited to four seconds or less. However image noise was negligible at all ISO settings. The auto white balance performed quite well under fluorescent lighting and poorly with incandescent lights, but the manual pre-sets provided good correction with both types.
We measured an average capture lag of 0.6 seconds, which reduced to 0.3 seconds with pre-focusing. The burst mode captured four high-resolution images at 0.65 seconds intervals. Shot-to-shot times averaged 2.3 seconds without flash and 5.4 seconds with flash. Power consumption appeared to be conservative. We were able to take roughly 100 test shots without seeing a low battery warning. [23]
IMATEST RESULTS
Excellent image resolution figures suggest that this camera will produce image files that can be printed to A3+ size – although there is a slight potential for ‘jaggies’ at high magnifications.
Chromatic aberration is negligible.
Colour accuracy is well above average and saturation is close to normal, an excellent result for a compact digicam.
The above chart confirms excellent colour reproduction but suggests that image noise may be an issue at high ISO settings.
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.34 x 4.01mm CCD with 5,400,000 photosites (5.0 megapixels effective
Lens: 5.8-17.4mm f3.1-5.2 zoom (35-105mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, up to 4x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 99 x 55.5 x 31mm
Weight: 165g (without battery and card)
Image formats: Stills – JPEG (Exif 2.2); Movies – QuickTime Motion JPEG with sound (WAV); 320 x 240/160 x 120 pixels.
Shutter speed range: ½ to 1/1000 sec (to 4 sec in Night Scene mode)
Focus system/range: TTL contrast-detect AF; range 50cm to infinity; macro 20cm to infinity; super macro to 7cm
Exposure metering/control: Digital ESP and spot metering; Program AE plus 19 scene modes
White balance: Auto, tungsten, overcast, sunlight, fluorescent light (x3).
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, off; range 0.2-3.6m
ISO range: Auto (ISO 64-250); ISO 64, 100, 200, 400
Sequence shooting: 1.5 frames per second for up to 4 images in HQ mode.
Storage Media: 32 MB xD-Picture Card; holds 8 high-resolution images or up to 180 VGA shots
Viewfinder: n.a.
CD monitor: 2.5-inch Hyper Crystal TFT LCD (215,000 pixels)
Power supply: LI-12B rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
<
Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating