Product Reviews

A 2-megapixel sensor used to be considered adequate for an entry-level camera. At under £100, Olympus's Camedia C-180 certainly has an entry-level price, but with five megapixels behind its fixed lens, it records at a higher resolution than most. Its rounded plastic body feels solid and is comfortable to hold, although it doesn't take long for the silver finish to rub off and spoil the otherwise classy look.

A front-mounted slider turns the camera on and opens the sturdy lens cover. As there is no optical zoom, the lens doesn't protrude from the body. A zoom rocker on the back of the camera is of little practical use as it activates only the detail-reducing digital

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zoom. There's no viewfinder, so you have to rely on the cramped 1.5" screen to frame your shots.

A mode dial switches between auto and video mode, seven standard scene settings and Program, which is distinguished by the addition of exposure compensation. Macro, flash and timer settings are all adjusted using a direction pad, as is a camera reset function, which returns the C-180 to its default settings. Even if you're new to digital photography, you'll find the menu system clear and easy to use.

On the whole, the C-180 takes vivid, lively photos. The 2,592x1,944 resolution is high enough for prints up to 8x6". Its 5-megapixel sensor and lens capture a good level of detail for such an inexpensive camera, although photos lack the detail of those from 5-megapixel cameras with more substantial lenses. A slow flash charge time makes shooting in low light frustrating, but the final photos tend to be well balanced and detailed.

It's unfair to compare the C-180 to other 5-megapixel cameras when most others cost significantly more. A more appropriate comparison is with similarly priced cameras, and here the C-180 does well. If you want an inexpensive camera that you can rely on to take good photos, the C-180 definitely fits the bill.