The Olympus FE-230 is a 7.1 megapixel (CCD) compact digital camera with a 3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch (6.4cm) LCD display.

The Olympus FE-230 is just 16.5mm thick (or thin), features super macro mode (as close as 5cm), 18 scene modes, ISO of up to 1250 and internal memory of 20 megabytes.

Olympus FE-230 News Release

If there are three things that characterise the Olympus FE-230 they are style, ease of use and a great price. Measuring just 16.5 mm thick, this supermodel’s slim stainless metal body cuts a great figure wherever it’s taken. Its easy operation and 7.1 Megapixel CCD makes capturing first rate photos a cinch. A large and roomy 6.4cm LCD screen means that framing shots is effortless and viewing results an absolute pleasure.

The FE-230 makes a big impact thanks to a diminutive slim-line stainless metal body that’s just 16.5mm thick. Image quality is second to none thanks to the TruePic TURBO image processor and 7.1 Megapixel resolution. Proving that its beauty is more than skin deep, a 3x zoom lens and a big 6.4cm LCD screen allow users frame their shots with ease, and makes viewing results a joy too.

Handling the FE-230 is genuinely intuitive, with the camera incorporating a “one button, one function” design principle. A mode dial lets users conveniently choose between the camera’s eight different shooting programmes, which include High ISO Setting mode with ISO 1250, Super Macro and Movie recording with sound. Ideal for happy snappers, 18 preset scene modes are on board to make easy work of familiar photo situations. These include special Underwater modes which (when used with the optional Underwater Case PT-038) give the freedom to take fun shots up to 40m below the water’s surface.

An xD-Picture Card slot and the internal memory make for plenty of storage space, so the photo shoot can continue as long as you wish. And, the Olympus Master software included with the camera means that editing and archiving pictures on the computer is refreshingly uncomplicated. Expect to see the ultra-slim FE-230 in stores from February 2007, with an estimated High Street price of just £150.00

The Olympus FE-230 – main features:

• 7.1 Megapixels in a stainless metal body
• Only 16.5mm thin
• 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 38-114mm on a 35mm model), 1:3.1-5.9
• 6.4cm/2.5” LCD
• Super Macro mode from 5cm
• “One button, one function” design principle
• 18 scene modes (including Underwater Wide and Macro)
• High ISO Setting mode (ISO 1250)
• Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• Movie recording with sound up to card capacity
• TruePic TURBO
• Supplied with Olympus Master software + LI-42B lithium ion battery
• Multi-language menu with 25 languages
• Underwater case (40m) PT-038 optionally available

Get a Price on the Olympus Stylus FE-230

Olympus FE-230 Reviews

Steve's Digicams has a review of the Olympus FE-230 and writes, "While the FE-230 features a less powerful zoom range than the FE-240, it offers a better value with more exposure modes (19 over 16), a broader flash range (12.8 ft. over 11.8) as well as higher ISO capabilities (up to ISO 1250 over 1000). With this in mind along with better performance and a slightly slimmer body, I actually prefer this model over the other. Performance still isn't as robust as other models on the market, however like we said with the FE-240, Olympus has taken a step in the positive direction. We still feel that the performance would be much better if Olympus switched to the faster SD/SDHC type of memory cards; we'll continue to keep our fingers crossed. That said, with a street price of US$199 or less, I feel the FE-230 offers a good "bang for your buck" in the 7-megapixel ultra-compact category."

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Olympus FE-230 and writes, "The color reproduction was pleasing and the automatic white balance did a pretty good job. Details were sharp with just a touch of softness at the edge of the frame – nothing to worry about unless you’re really looking for it. Default exposure was also good. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) was well controlled, much better than the FE-210 that I just finished reviewing. There was some barrel distortion (straight lines bow away from the center), but it was not bad. At the telephoto end, pincushion distortion (straight lights bow toward the center) was very noticeable."

LaptopMag has a review of the Olympus FE-210 and writes, "Details in the shot of a flower arrangement appeared soft, with the edges a bit blurred. When we photographed a colleague, the results were better and had more accurate colors (but a bit yellow). Video recorded with the FE-210 looked pixelated and barely passes for online use. The camera took a few seconds to start up, which was acceptable, but waiting three to four seconds between shots was annoying."

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Olympus FE-230 and writes, "I have managed to take some decent photos with the FE-230. They are not perfect, but they are cleaner and clearer than I am used to seeing from Olympus cameras. ... If you really want a pocket sized digital camera and saving money is important too then the Olympus FE-230 is likely to be worth a look. At the lower end of the price scale you need to be realistic about what a camera can deliver and this one certainly offers fair value for money."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Olympus FE-230 and writes, "The camera’s real Achilles’ heel is its lens, which produces significant barrel distortion and corner blurring at wide angle, and at medium focal lengths produces very noticeable pincushion distortion, which is where the picture appears pinched in towards the middle of the frame. ... Although a big improvement on some earlier FE models, the Olympus FE-230 is still far from perfect. Build quality, design and handling are very good, and the all-automatic operation is extremely easy to use for the novice or technophobe. Image quality is also reasonably good under most conditions, but the poor quality lens, sluggish performance and limited low light ability mean that there are other cameras with similar specifications that are a better choice."

DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Olympus FE-230 and writes, "for almost every good there is a bad. While it is constructed of metal, the camera isn’t any sturdier or more ready for rugged use than its plastic counterparts. The body has poorly-designed seals and a pointless port cover that may allow water and dirt to enter the battery and memory card slots. With the exception of exposure compensation, the FE-230 lacks manual controls. This is a disappointment as its competitors certainly step it up in this area. Overall, it will suffice for the novice snapping the occasional outdoor vacation photo, but it won't do it for aspiring shutterbugs."