For those who want the appearance of a high-end digital camera -- high resolution, several manual-setting features, and the ability to accept add-on components -- without the high price, the Olympus SP-350 is worth a strong look.

For less than $350, you'll have 8.0 megapixels of resolution, more than enough for photo-quality prints up to 16x20 inches. Also you'll have the option of adding external flashes, lenses, and underwater housing to this digital camera.

The SP-350 body is a little larger than many of today's popular ultra-thin digital cameras, but it's still small enough to fit in most pockets. Its rounded handgrip makes this model easy to hold and comfortable to use.

For added flexibility, the SP-350 can make use of many add-on lenses and external flashes, which is rare in a sub-$350 digital camera. However, the add-ons can be expensive, and they require some special consideration. For example, you cannot use the SP-350's built-in flash when using the add-on wide-angle lens.

The SP-350 lives up to its 8.0 megapixels of resolution, producing outstanding photos. If you choose to avoid the add-on lenses and stick with the SP-350's built-in 3X optical zoom lens, you'll be very happy with the results from an image quality standpoint.

Intermediate-level photographers will appreciate this digital camera's flexibility when shooting. You can manually customize preferences with My Mode, or you can use the SP-350 as a point-and-shoot digital camera. The SP-350 also includes 24 scene modes, allowing you to select the mode that most closely matches the lighting conditions of your shot.

You can use either the viewfinder or the 2.5-inch LCD to frame your photos. The LCD has above average brightness, and it's easy to see in almost any lighting conditions. It could be a little sharper, though.

One area where the SP-350 fails to match its high-end appearance is in its response times, which are below average for a digital camera in its price range, let alone for one with a high-end resolution. You can shoot your first photo 3-4 seconds after pressing the power button. Shot-to-shot delays range from 3-10 seconds, with longer delays when the flash is in use. Continuous-shot mode only allows three photos in about 3 seconds.

Finally, the Olympus SP-350's shutter lag is poor, occupying nearly a full second when using auto-focus, which means you're going to miss some action photos.


Pros: Image quality is excellent, high resolution for camera in this price point, add-ons provide flexibility
Cons: Response times are below average, add-on accessories can be pricey

Warranty
1 year