It used to be a case of whoever had the largest CCD was going to sell the most cameras.This may have held true when there was only a handful of digital still cameras on the market, but today it is a different story.We've seen cameras with lower-rated CCDs easily out-perform expensive, higher-rated ones in overall picture quality: truly, it's not what you've got, but how you use it. Olympus' new C-3020 uses a 3.2 megapixel CCD, allowing resolutions of up to 2,048 x 1,536. Using a F2.8, 3x optical zoom lens (6.5mm - 9.5mm) with 2.5x digital zoom - giving an overall 7.5x capability - the camera is practical and versatile enough for a wide range of users.

Along with sockets for a USB connection and AV out, the LCD screen (1.8-inch) is set into the rear of the unit along with nine function buttons, a modeselector dial plus the shutter button and zoom operations.

Users also get a pouch, carry strap, four AA batteries, Camedia software,documentation and a 16MB SmartMedia memory card.With just five options on the modeselector dial, the camera is easy on the grey matter, allowing most users to simply pick up and play.

Operating the zoom functions is equally easy, though the zoom capability wasn't quite as fast and powerful as I was expecting from Olympus. As far as actually using the camera in real-world situations goes, it manages very well. With a bulging grip section, holding the camera steady isn't too hard, and reaching all of the buttons poses no problem. There's a comprehensive auto image control system with through-the-lens (TTL) and intelligent electro selective pattern (iESP) autofocusing, although users can also opt for manual focus too.The camera has the usual extras, such as an electronic self-timer, several flash modes, and a calendar system for simplified sorting of images plus too many exposure preferences to mention. A nifty sequential shooting mode allows users to take up to five images in sequence at 1.7 frames per second, as well as sensitivity settings spanning ISO 100, 200 and 400. Along with four pre-set exposure modes, users can manually tweak the camera to use shutter speeds up to 16 seconds. As far as image quality goes, this camera offers remarkably good quality despite the midrange CCD pixel count, especially when using TIFF format in the higher resolutions.That said, the standard JPEG shots also offer surprisingly clean imaging. There's almost no trace of pixelisation, no ghosting and very little colour aberration. However, taking photos at full zoom and particularly under low light conditions can sometimes result in noticeable graininess and slight ghosting.That said, it didn't happen too often, so it's not something that should relegate the unit to bargain bin status.The Camedia Master software used to transfer data between the C-3020 and the host computer is very basic.

Nonetheless, it does the job and offers fast downloads. Using a GUI not unlike Windows Explorer, the folders and files are displayed in one frame, with the images'thumbnails in another. Double click to up/download and Bob's your uncle.
Taking into account the host of optional accessories, such as macro conversion and adaptor lenses, Olympus has delivered a very versatile and likeable product which still manages to be non-threatening to the new user.With very good image quality and a host of intuitive features, even the laziest of photographers will enjoy using the C-3020. It's a good example of a very competent product aimed at the trendy/professional market segment.

Olympus has managed to construct a quality digital camera without compromising ease-of-use and, at the sametime, keeping the price down.Who needs 4 megapixels anyway?

Feann Torr