Digital Camera D-490ZOOM Operating Instructions • Before you use this camera, read this manual and then store it in a safe location where you can find it for future use. • We recommend that you spend some time taking test shots and experimenting with all of the features before you take important photographs.
Important Safety Instructions Thank you for purchasing this Olympus digital camera. Before you use your new camera, read these instructions carefully to enjoy optimum performance and a longer service life. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
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10 Grounding, Polarization — If this product can be used with an optional AC adapter, the adapter may be equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug, a plug with one blade wider than the other. This safety feature allows the plug to fit into the power outlet only one way.
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WARNING 1 If you use NiMH batteries, use only Olympus NiMH batteries and the recharging unit recommended for use with these batteries. 2 Never load batteries with their +/– terminals reversed. Never force batteries into the battery compartment.
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CAUTION 1 Olympus NiMH batteries are intended for use only with Olympus digital cameras. Never use these batteries with any other device. 2 Never subject batteries to strong shocks or continuous vibration. 3 Never mix batteries (old and new batteries, charged and uncharged batteries, batteries of different manufacture or capacity, etc.).
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• This camera can use four AA NiMH batteries, four AA Alkaline batteries, four AA lithium batteries, four AA NiCd batteries, or two CR- V3 lithium battery packs. Use of Olympus brand batteries is strongly recommended. • Alkaline battery performance is limited, especially at low temperatures.
Contents Main Features ...17 Using this Manual...18 Chapter 1 Getting Started ...20 Checking the Contents ...20 Names of Parts ...21 Attaching the Strap...25 Inserting the Batteries ...26 Using the AC Adapter (sold separately)...29 Inserting the SmartMedia Card...30 Setting the Date and Time ...31 Adjusting the Viewfinder...33 Chapter 2 Learning the Basics ...34...
• The 3x zoom lens together with the 2.5 digital telephoto mode offers an impressive 7.5x maximum zoom. • Olympus high-recording mode lens equals those found on single lens reflex cameras. • The removable SmartMedia card system gives you a hassle-free way to take as many photos as you want.
Using this Manual This manual is divided into eight chapters and one appendix which cover the main unit (hereafter called “the camera”). Chapter 1 Getting Started Details confirming the contents of the box, the names of all the parts of the camera and preparing the camera to be used for the first time are all explained in this chapter.
Chapter 1 Getting Started Checking the Contents Camera SmartMedia (8MB) Static-free case Strap SmartMedia Video cable instructions Standard RS-232C interface Write-protect adhesive seals D-SUB 9-pin connector (4 pieces) Index lables (2 pieces) Conversion connector for Macintosh CR-V3 Instructions / lithium battery Warranty pack (2 packs) agreement...
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C Viewfinder (p.58) D Flash mode button (p.63) / Erase button (p.56) E Self-timer (p.70) / Print button (p.117) F Macro / Digital telephoto button (p.68/69) Write-protect button (p.55) G Monitor button (p.31) H Menu button (p.31) I Arrow pad (p.31) J OK button (p.32) K Monitor (p.42) L Diopter adjustment dial (p.33)
Attach the strap to the camera. CAUTION • Attach the strap exactly as shown in the diagram. If the strap is attached incorrectly the camera may come loose and fall off. In this case, Olympus will not be responsible for any damage.
Inserting the Batteries This camera uses four AA (R6) alkaline, NiMH, lithium or NiCd batteries. It can also take two CR-V3 lithium battery packs (Olympus LB-01). Do not mix different types of batteries or insert the batteries facing in the wrong direction.
Contact your Olympus dealer or an authorized Olympus service center for assistance. • Do not use any adapter other than the Olympus adapter. Using a different adapter can damage the camera or the power source, or cause other malfunctions.
SmartMedia cards (sold separately) in the same manner. • Use 3V (3.3V) cards only. 5V cards cannot be used with this system. • Olympus brand cards are recommended, but non- Insert the Olympus brand cards may SmartMedia card also be used.
Setting the Date and Time (continued) Press the arrow pad to set the first number, then press • The indication moves to second date value. Repeat the process until the date and time are set. • The year 2000 is displayed as “00”.
Chapter 2 Learning the Basics Turning the Power On Slide the lens barrier open. Slide the lens barrier open until it clicks. • This turns the power on in shooting mode and extends the lens. • The information in the diagram on the left appears on the control panel.
Checking the Batteries When the power is turned on with the camera in shooting mode on (with the lens barrier open), the approximate remaining battery power is displayed on the control panel. lights and turns off automatically. Batteries are OK. You can shoot. blinks and other indicators on the control panel are displayed normally.
Holding the Camera Proper camera technique Hold the camera firmly with both hands, keeping your elbows at your sides. When holding the camera vertically, make sure the flash is on top. Horizontal grip Incorrect! Keep your fingers and the strap away from the lens and flash. NOTE •...
Taking Still Photos Taking Photos Using the Viewfinder Compose the photo inside the viewfinder. Press the shutter release button halfway down until the green lamp next to the viewfinder lights up (half-press). • The focus and exposure are automatically set. •...
NOTE • Depending on the record mode, it takes between 2 and 40 seconds to write the image to the card. • The time you have to wait and the number of storable pictures varies depending on the record mode. Taking Photos Using the Monitor Press the monitor button.
Enlarging Your Shots Use telephoto (T) to zoom in on a subject so it appears larger. Use wide angle (W) to capture a wider area. Push the zoom lever toward W (Wide angle) to shoot wide-angle shots. Pull the zoom lever toward T (Telephoto) to zoom in.
Checking Your Still Photos You can check any of the photos you have taken. With the camera in shooting mode (the lens barrier open), quickly press the monitor button twice. • The camera switches to playback mode and the monitor displays the most recent photo taken.
Chapter 3 Playing Images Back Getting Started Turning the Power On in the Playback Mode Make sure the lens barrier is closed. Press the monitor button. • The camera turns on in playback mode and the monitor displays the last image taken.
Displaying Images Frame by Frame To display one frame at a time on the monitor, follow the same steps as those for displaying still pictures (p.46). Press the monitor button with the lens barrier closed. • The power turns on in playback mode and the monitor displays the last image taken.
Displaying All Frames (continued) Press the arrow pad to select a frame displayed on-screen. : To select the frame to the left. : To select the frame to the right. Pull the zoom lever toward (Telephoto). • The monitor displays the full- sized version of the selected photo.
Connecting to a Television Set Connect the camera to a television set with the included video cable to view the picture on a large screen. Before connecting, make sure the camera and television power are off, and that the camera lens barrier is closed.
One-Frame Erase You may erase unwanted pictures to increase available storage space. One-frame erase cannot be used when a picture is protected, or a write-protect seal is on the card. To erase these pictures, you must cancel the protection feature or remove the write-protect seal from the card.
Chapter 4 Taking Better Pictures Points to Remember Viewfinder Discrepancies Depending on Distance The image as seen through the viewfinder does not always match up with the final picture depending on the distance between the subject and the camera. Viewfinder When shooting subjects 59 inches to , the viewfinder picture frame shows the area that can be shot.
When Not Able to Focus on a Subject While Shooting Focus on the Subject in Advance If your main subject is not centered inside the autofocus mark, use the focus lock feature explained below: Viewfinder Shutter Open the lens barrier. release •...
When Not Able to Focus on a Subject While Shooting Quick focus working range 8ft Quick focus Beyondf flash working range 2.8ft 4.3ft 5.9ft 8.2ft 13ft Quick focus Beyond flash working range 2.8ft 4.3ft 5.9ft 13ft Using the Flash (continued) Switching Between Flash Modes To use the flash feature, push up the flash housing (located at the upper right corner of the camera) (p.45).
The flash function will automatically return to auto-flash mode when the power is turned off. To maintain a current mode setting even after the power is turned off, go to the shooting menu and change the settings to HOLD (p.99). HELP •...
Slow Sync For taking pictures at night, especially night views. Control panel In this mode, the flash will fire automatically when the photo is taken. The shutter will stay open for 1/2 second. This setting is most appropriate for night view photography. The use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blurriness caused by camera movement.
Taking Close-up Pictures When using macro, you should maintain a distance of 8 to 31 inches from the subject. While it is possible to take macro photos from any distance, shots taken at less than 8 inches or farther than 31 inches are likely to be out of focus or poorly exposed.
Self-Timer For when the photographer wants to be in the picture. Using a tripod is highly recommended. Self-timer signal lamp Secure the camera on the tripod. Open the lens barrier. • The camera turns on in shooting mode. Press the self-timer button. •...
Chapter 5 Advanced Shooting Techniques Functions of the Shooting Menu The shooting menu allows you to adjust shooting conditions, change the record mode, vary the number of storable pictures etc. You also need to display the shooting menu to shoot movie pictures. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Using the Shooting Menu Slide the lens barrier open This is the first of two pages until it clicks. • This turns power on in 1 / 2 shooting mode. Press the Menu button. • The shooting menu will be AUTO displayed on the monitor.
Correcting Image Brightness (Exposure Compensation) In addition to automatic exposure, you can also adjust it manually by +/– 2 (approx. 1/3 stops). Adjust + to increase the exposure, and – to decrease the exposure. Confirm the settings by turning on the monitor. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Spot Metering (Placing Priority on Screen Center Brightness) If a shot is backlit, ordinary photometric settings (digital ESP metering) will make the subject appear too dark. To compensate for this, switch the camera over to the spot metering mode in the shooting menu. This feature is used to obtain the right exposure regardless of backlighting.
Photo Preferences: Picture Quality vs. Picture Quantity (Record Mode) This camera has five different record modes. Choosing higher resolution will produce higher quality files that can be printed or output at larger sizes, but the card can store relatively few of these photos. Forfeiting a certain degree of picture resolution will allow you to fit many more shots on a card (p.37).
White Balance (Adjusting the Tone) This camera uses auto white balance to shoot the subject in a natural- looking tone. However, it may sometimes be difficult to get satisfactory results automatically due to lighting or weather conditions. In such cases, change the white balance settings.
ISO Light Sensitivity Level (Setting ISO Sensitivity) This camera can automatically determine the ISO sensitivity level based on the brightness of the subject. However, for certain kinds of pictures it is better to set the ISO sensitivity level manually. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Taking Sequential Shots In sequence mode, the camera will continue to take a series of still shots of up to 45 pictures as long as the shutter release button is being pressed. Within the sequence series, there will surely be some shots that are just right.
Taking Movie Pictures (Shooting Movies) In addition to still pictures, this camera has the capacity to take movie pictures (15 frames/second). Take advantage of this feature to capture your subjects in motion. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Creating Panoramic Pictures (Card Function) Using standard Olympus SmartMedia cards also allows you to shoot panoramic shots easily. This function is not available with other brands of cards. With multiple images in which the edges of the subject can be overlapped, it is possible to use CAMEDIA Master 2.0 utility software...
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How to shoot panorama pictures: Designate the appropriate direction in which to link the photos using the arrow pad. : Connects the next image to the right. : Connects the next image to the left. : Connects the next image to the top.
Sharpness (Avoiding Sharp Silhouettes) Under ordinary shooting conditions, the subject's silhouette will be shot in a sharp, clearly-defined manner. Ordinarily, this is fine. However, when processing images on a computer, there may be times when a sharp silhouette on an image is not desirable. In such cases, change the sharpness setting to “SOFT”.
Changing How File Names are Assigned (File Naming) How files are put into memory can be selected. When left on “AUTO FILE” there will be no file name duplication for images processed on a computer. This setting remains in memory even after the power is turned off. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Turning Off Warning Sounds (Beep Sound) When shooting weddings or for wildlife shots, the camera warning sounds can be a liability. In such cases, the beep sound can be set to “OFF”. This setting value remains in memory even after the power is turned off. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Shooting Menu”...
Chapter 6 Advanced Playback Techniques Functions of the Playback Menu The playback menu allows you to play back automatically the images in the order, and adjust the monitor brightness according to the setting selected in the playback menu. You also need to display the playback menu to play back and edit movie pictures.
Using the Playback Menu With the lens barrier closed, push the monitor button. • The power turns on in playback mode and the monitor displays the last image taken. Press the Menu button. • The playback menu will be displayed on the monitor. Press the arrow pad to select [menu item ].
To Play Back Movie Pictures (Movie playback) When playing back movie pictures, before going to the playback menu, the images with the movie picture “ ” symbol that you would like to play back should first be displayed. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Playback Menu”...
To Play Back Still Images One by (Automatic Playback) The images are automatically played back in order. This is useful for reviewing images in sequence. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Playback Menu” (p.102). Item to select in the playback menu: 1 / 2 Go to (Automatic Playback)
To Edit Out Excess Frames from the Beginning or End of a Movie Picture (Function) When shooting movie pictures, in order to avoid errors it is often helpful to shoot a few extra frames at the beginning and end of a shot (p.90). These unneeded frames can be edited out.
To Initialize a Card (Formatting) Non-Olympus brand cards and cards formatted or used on a computer may have longer writing times or a reduced number of storable pictures. To solve this problem, reformat such cards with the camera. The use of pre-formatted Olympus brand cards is highly recommended.
To Initialize a Card (continued) Settings: (This is a separate function. For details, see p.110.) This initializes the card. BACK ENTER Starting and cancelling formatting Select “ ” in card setup, then press the OK button The follwing screen will be displayed: YES: Starts formatting Cancels formatting...
To Adjust Monitor Brightness (Monitor Adjustment) The brightness of the monitor can be adjusted. This setting remains in the camera memory even after the power is turned off. For details about how to use the menu, see “Using the Playback Menu”...
Using an Olympus Photo Printer for Olympus digital cameras (sold separately) Printing pictures is easy with an Olympus Photo Printer for Olympus digital cameras. Simply insert the card into the slot and you can print with the touch of a button (p.121).
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• Make sure the date and time are set correctly on the camera before using this feature. • This function does not work with the P-330N/P-330 Olympus digital camera photo printer. Use the dateprint function on the printer. • It takes some time to return to playback mode.
SmartMedia P-330N/P-330 NOTE • The Olympus P-330N/P-330 Photo Printer cannot be connected to the data input/output (I/O) terminal of the camera. • Connecting the P-330N/P-330 printer directly to the video output terminal of the camera will result in low quality prints.
• Using a computer to change image file names or move files to directories you have created may make such files unavailable for playback on the monitor. • Opening or saving image files on the computer in applications by manufacturers other than Olympus may make such files unavailable for playback on the monitor.
Connecting your Camera to a Computer with a Computer Cable Computer Operating Environment IBM PC/AT compatibles (As of June 2000) OS : Windows 98SE/98/95/NT 4.0/2000 professional CPU : Pentium or better Available hard disk space : at least 30MB Memory : at least 32MB Serial port : Standard RS-232C interface Type :...
Connecting your Camera to a Computer with a Computer Cable (continued) HELP • Make sure the camera is off before connecting to a computer. The camera may not work properly if you connect while the power is on. • When connected to the computer, some of the camera buttons will not operate.
Using CAMEDIA Master 2.0: Introduction This software can be used to download, process, and save load images. The instructions are located in the CAMEDIA Master folder on your computer. For details, see the CAMEDIA Master 2.0 online instructions. Making Dark Images Brighter Some images may come out darker than expected.
Appendix Answers to Frequently Asked Questions How long will the camera batteries last? You should be able to take as many as 100 frames when the flash is used in about half the shots, but this is only a rough estimate. Battery life is affected by many variables, such as how often you use the monitor, how often you use the flash, the type of batteries used and environmental conditions.
Refer to the error chart. The monitor shuts down Adjust the brightness. Block the sunlight or move to the Have it repaired at an authorized Olympus Remove the seal Connect the cable correctly. Open the lens barrier to turn the power on.
Picture Problems The picture is out of focus • The camera was jarred when the shutter release button was pressed. Hold the camera firmly and press the shutter release button smoothly. • The viewfinder autofocus mark was not positioned on the subject. Position the autofocus frame on the subject, or use the focus lock.
Error Codes The monitor displays error codes and indicators on the control panel blink to alert you to various problems. Warning Error Monitor Display There is no card in the camera, or the card is not inserted correctly. NO CARD The card is not being recognized.
Optional Items • Photo Printers For Olympus Digital Cameras • AC Adapter • Camera Case • Standard SmartMedia Card (8/16/32/64MB) • FlashPath Floppy Disk Adapter • PC Card Adapter • NiMH Batteries • NiMH Battery Charger • USB SmartMedia Reader/Writer...
Power supply: This camera uses either four AA (R6) alkaline, NiMH lithium or NiCd batteries. Two-battery CR- V3 lithium battery packs (Olympus model LB- 01) are also available. Do not use Zinc-carbon batteries in this camera. Exclusive AC adapter (optional)
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Telephoto ...44, 45, 69 Panorama (panoramic pictures) ...91 Photo Protection (protected images, write-protected, Protection)...55, 110, 111, 133 Warning Sound(s)...98 Playback Menu ...100 White Balance ... 82, 135 Playback Start ...104 Wide angle (wide-angle)...44, 45 Print Reserve ...119 Printing ...116 Printing the Date and Time...117 Zoom ...45, 69 Quick Focus ...61 Record mode...37, 80, 87, 89...