Olympus Camedia C-4000 Zoom

Almost any type of photographer will find something to like about Olympus's affordable Camedia C-4000 Zoom. Easy to use in either automatic or semiautomatic modes, the camera features some nice touches that make operation quick and efficient, such as the ability to save up to four custom setting groups and two menu shortcuts. Its f/2.8, 3X zoom lens and 4-megapixel CCD work together to give you crisp prints up to 11x14. While the C-4000 won't tuck into a shirt pocket, it feels comfortable in the hand and light enough to tote far afield. Our only qualm is the camera's use of SmartMedia, a removable memory type with waning support and smaller capacities than competitors such as CompactFlash.Despite the C-4000's myriad complex features, the camera's many shortcuts and program modes will allow novices to master and enjoy its use. Like other models in Olympus's C series, the C-4000 has a silver-and-gray plastic body with a generous grip that makes single-handed shooting a breeze. Though hardly a compact camera, the C-4000 is sufficiently svelte to be tucked into a jacket pocket, and at a little less than a pound with batteries and media installed, it won't throw off your balance.