The Olympus FE-250 is a camera that is bound to be popular with Olympus fans. It features an 8 megapixel CCD sensor, 3x Optical Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

This 16.7mm thick compact camera features 'Bright Capture' technology which increases ISO - up to 3200 at 8 megapixels and up to 10,000 (wow) at 3 megapixels - for low light situations. The Olympus FE-250 comes with Super Ma cro mode, 15 scene modes, internal memory of 20MB.

Olympus FE-250 News Release

The 8.0 Megapixel Olympus FE-250

London, 25 January 2007 – The Olympus FE-250 boasts an impressive 8.0 Megapixel CCD, bringing high resolution to entry-level photography. And, thanks to the slim metal body measuring just 16.7mm, users can carry this picture taking power with them at all times. For viewing and framing comfort, the FE-250 features a large 6.4cm LCD. It’s now even possible to take great photos in low-light conditions: The FE-250 is the first in its series to incorporate Olympus’ own BrightCapture Technology. And naturally, as with all cameras in the FE range, it is incredibly easy to use

With an 8.0 Megapixel CCD, the FE-250 produces crystal-clear pictures and delivers the power to print large, high-resolution photos. The 3x zoom lens gives photographers all the range they need to capture a wide variety of subjects from landscapes to portraits and close ups. Yet despite featuring a whopping 6.4cm LCD screen with 230,000 pixels, this stylish, metal-bodied camera is still small enough to be easily taken anywhere.

With its “one button, one function” design principle the FE-250 is remarkably easy to operate. Choices of 15 scene modes guarantee great results in many often experienced situations. This camera also features eight shooting programmes and a convenient mode dial makes choosing between them simplicity itself. Programmes include Movie recording with sound as well as Image Stabilisation, which employs BrightCapture Technology to avoid blurred photos by boosting the ISO value to 10,000*. By selecting modes such as Candle or Indoor, the special mood and atmosphere of night-time settings can by faithfully captured as the need to use the flash is also significantly reduced.

In addition to its internal memory, the camera features a memory card slot that accepts tiny xD-Picture Cards – available in up to 2GB capacity. The Olympus Master software included with the FE-250 rounds out this package, giving a fun way to edit, view and archive photos on a computer. The Olympus FE-250 will be available from camera shops in February 2007, with an estimated High Street price of £200.00.

The Olympus FE-250 – main features:

* 8.0 Megapixel CCD in a stylish metal body
* 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 35-105mm on a 35mm model), 1:2.8-4.7
* 6.4cm/2.5” LCD (with 230,000 pixels)
* BrightCapture Technology
* High ISO setting mode (up to ISO 3200 with full 8.0 Megapixels)
* ISO 6400 and 10,000 in 3MP mode
* “One button, one function” design principle
* Super Macro mode from 10cm
* TruePic TURBO
* 15 scene modes (e.g. Candle, Indoor or Sport)
* Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
* Movie recording with sound up to card capacity
* Supplied with Olympus Master software + LI-42B lithium ion battery
* Multi-language menu with 25 languages

* In 3.0 million pixel mode

Get a Price on the Olympus Stylus FE-250

Olympus FE-250 Reviews

Steve's Digicams has a review of the Olympus FE-250 and writes, "Holding the "top of the line" spot in Olympus' "FE" series for 2007, the FE-250 does offer some appealing features like 8-megapixels, 2.5-inch LCD, Digital Image Stabilization, etc. However, image quality and performance is not quite up to par with other consumer models in the US$250 - $300 price range. Therefore, I feel it only offers an "Ok value" for an ultra-compact in this category. If you like the features of this camera and don't mind loosing 1-megapixel of resolution, take a look at its 7-meagpixel little bother, the FE-230. It incudes almost all of the same features as the FE-250 for about $100 less."

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Olympus FE-250 and writes, "The FE-250 is the best performing model in the current FE lineup. While its image quality results are similar to the other models, it has the best overall operation speed. In particular, card access times are much better than its siblings. Otherwise, the FE-250 still has the slim, well-constructed metal body of the other FE cameras and all of the features that make it very usable for entry level users, like the built-in Guide system and plenty of on-screen help and descriptions."

Imaging Resource has a review of the Olympus FE-250 and writes, "If there's a single reason the Olympus FE-250 isn't a Dave's Pick, it's the price. I really liked the size, weight, control layout and most of the images I took with the FE-250. ... Images are very color-saturated and high contrast, as they are on most entry-level cameras. You probably won't be spending much time editing them anyway, though. I didn't. I liked the color and detail, especially of my close-ups. They were ready to print right out of the camera. All in all, a nice little camera, just a shade away from being a Dave's Pick, but capable of making very nice photos under a range of conditions."