The 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is now standard in this class. The camera has a fully integrated in the housing (it is therefore not extended) lens, that a wide range from wide angle to telephoto covers (21 corresponds to 105 mm focal length) In particular the wide angle end, it delivers an extraordinary performance from.
Olympus has now been adopted by its proprietary card system and uses standard SD cards. I have tested various cards (16/32 GB) of different ages and had no problems.
Caveat: Download the user manual available online and read through it. It is considerably more readable than the accompanying booklet, the booklet contains all the information and important information beyond. (For example, how attached the very sturdy wrist strap that you can not solve)
As with many modern cameras in this category, this device includes a mega-machine which automatically picks out the optimum of extensive automatic settings according to lighting conditions and the subject, so that the photographer has to worry about anything anymore. The processing is different here than in similar models very quickly.
Of course, they can really diverse machines also manually select. Unlike other cameras can be simply selected using the program selection Scene on the wheel and then on the navigation paddles. That's very cleverly done and very intuitive. Here also useful underwater settings are available. The number is chosen sense. My favorite setting is the Scene machine in which I select the theme setting and the camera for the scene-setting optimal.
Delivery
The camera (of course)
Charging cable (the separately serves as Überragungskabel the computer from the power supply.)
Hand strap (. Small detail that I find very important especially for small cameras) Very robust design: Absolutely for correct assembly consult the online manual.
Small manual (Very little manual)
The camera has a small dedicated memory, which allows you to save a handful of photos.
Optics / haptics
Very handy housing in black finish with orange accents. (I like the versions in all black or with white applications rather better)
Good accessible and intuitive controls
Very large display.
The USB connector is concealed behind a double-secured, waterproof rubber cover, behind which also the slot for the SD card hides.
The menus are logical and very intuitive. The user experience is really excellent succeeded. The easy to read display, there are always clues to which each setting is good.
Featured
The camera has two standard tripod socket (!); one for Standard Landscape, one for portrait orientation.
It handles SD cards. I am using a 16GB SD card, which can store more than 4,000 photos in the highest resolution.
Furthermore, a small flash is integrated, that rapidly available and can be adjusted directly via a button on the jog wheel. Overall, the flash is a bit limp. For portraits in the evening round of lightning was good enough. The camera, however, can also control other flashes.
Integrated are a small microphone and even a speaker for the possible HD video recording for recording and playback.
Image Quality
The quality of images is good in low light, the camera is weakening, however. The images then noise but pretty. In addition, the autofocus gets problems.
This is already the weak point of the camera. The autofocus is always looking for just one point in the center for focusing the subject. Other systems propose different fields depending on the scene to focus before and these vary with each new light pressure on the trigger.
Tools
The camera has a GPS receiver that takes a relatively long time, however, in my experience, until it receives the GPS signals after switching. An indicator on the display indicates. The receiver can be set so that it provides not only photos with a geotag, but continuously (for trips, for example) stores its position. We do not use this feature. The geotagging I find on the other hand very convenient
She also has a position sensor. This controls the display so that the displays are always readable and directed the photo correct.
Relatively new is the integrated WLAN. The camera can serve as a wireless transmitter and be remotely controlled by means of an APP. The connection is established for the first time while using a QR code. That's very cleverly done and works really well. I've tested with an iPhone 6. Using app, the camera then controlled remotely. Since it also is still very robust, it can be mounted, for example on a vehicle and are controlled from your smartphone. Photos can then be transferred directly to the camera. This is unfortunately only one frame and lasts a surprisingly long time.
In brief
+ 16 Megapixel
+ Good selection of programs and good explanation on the display
+ Sharp, low-noise photos in bright light
+ Next zoom range (21 105mm conventional) Especially good wide angle
+ Very good macro properties
+ Fast Flash
+ Very fast image processing
+ Klein & easy & handy
+ GPS!
+ 2 tripod mount (vertical and horizontal high)
+ 2 release (in addition a front for Selfies)
+ Very good menu
+ Programs very easily accessible
+ Waterproof (!)
+ Good underwater photos
+ In a swiveling axis, position-sensitive monitor (Also handy for Selfies)
- Operating toggle switches for the menu a little small and a little hard to use
- Weak flash
- Not optimal autofocus
Notes:
Download the really good online manual shut
Attach the wrist strap according to these instructions
Also, before you underwater use that the SD and terminal compartment is really closed twice.
Rinse the camera after each use underwater or dirt with clean fresh water thoroughly.
The manufacturer suggests to replace the seals once a year
Conclusion:
Maybe the menu seesaws over time are somewhat smoother. Overall, the camera for the intended use in the beach and sand holiday is ideal. She brings exactly the qualities that are particularly important for this. It's waterproof to 15m. That's enough for the Plumpser into the sea as well as for occasionally snorkel photos. Sand and small bumps make the camera as little. The excellent wide-angle properties are also ideal for vacation photos. The GPS receiver with its tracking capabilities supporting this concept further.
For us of travel camera with an amazing price for this functionality.
