Optics and Resolution
This higher-resolution successor to the popular D-370 comes with a 2-megapixel sensor that captures enough detail for crisp 8-by-10-inch prints. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution, you'll probably also want more manual controls than the D-380 offers--consider the Olympus C-3020 instead.

The glass Olympus focus-free 4.5mm lens (equivalent to 35mm in film cameras) has an aperture range of f4 to f8. The camera features a 5x digital telephoto zoom, but remember that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.6-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

More Features
A sliding clamshell lens cover simultaneously protects the lens and provides a simple way to turn the camera on and off. While the D-370 is clearly designed for point-and-shooters and beginning photographers, there are several manual features for more adventurous photographers, including macro mode, adjustable white-balance settings, exposure compensation, and the ability to shoot black-and-white and sepia images.

Power
Power is provided by four AA batteries or two LB-01 disposable lithium batteries--a set of LB-01 batteries is included. These lithium packs are the size of two side-by-side AA batteries, and they have a surprisingly long lifespan. However, they aren't rechargeable, so when they finally die, they go into the trash. If you use the camera once a month or less, the lithium batteries are a logical idea, since they'll hold their charge for years when sitting in an unused camera. If you use the camera more often, then the lithium packs don't make economic or environmental sense--we recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips up to 60 seconds in length. The limited duration and resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The included 8 MB card holds approximately 16 images at the camera's default settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 16 images per outing (or plan to use the video feature frequently), then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB card will store well over 100 pictures. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
At 4.8 by 2.6 by 1.8 inches and 6.7 ounces, the D-370 is slim and compact enough to bring along in a purse or pocket

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, 8 MB SmartMedia card, two long-life LB-01 lithium batteries, USB cable, carrying strap, and software on CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity SmartMedia memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. --Shane Burnett

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, and easy to use
• Focus-free lens means fast startups and quick operation between shots

Cons:

• Movie mode lacks sound
• 8 MB card and disposable batteries are fine for occasional users, but more frequent use will require upgrades to these accessories

Upon opening the box, I was pleased to find an attractive, sturdily constructed camera. Though there's nothing cheap-looking about it (it's all classy looking metallic surfaces), it is very lightweight and comfortable in my hand. The lens cover slides with precision and covers the lens securely (many of the cameras in this price range don't have an integrated lens cover). The wrist strap attaches easily. The covers for the battery compartment, memory card, and USB and AC adapters are well designed and look as if they will last a long time. This camera is manufactured in Japan.

It took only about a minute, after scanning the "Quick Start" guide, to insert the included batteries and SmartMedia memory card and start taking pictures. The very first picture I took was a keeper; I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality. I handed the camera to my 6-year-old son, who snapped off a shot of my daughter and me, which I then printed on glossy photo paper. It looks so nice that I'm actually going to frame it and hang it on the wall. I have since taken pictures at all the different resolutions, and all look great when viewed on the computer. I have settled on the 1024 x 768 setting as my "standard", since it matches the resolution of my monitor, and makes for reasonable file sizes (around 180 KB per photo). 640 x 480 works great for e-mail, and 1600 x 1200 turns out beautiful results for printing, or those special occasion "keepsakes". Even the QuickTime movie mode does a decent job, certainly much better than those grainy webcam captures.

There is a 5X digital zoom (no optical). I detect a little graininess when using it, but for the money, it's fine and it's simple to use.

I am running Windows 2000 Pro, and setup for transferring files to the computer couldn't have been easier. Simply plug the USB cable into the camera, then into the computer. That's it! Open My Computer and you'll find a new removable storage drive. From there it's a simple matter of dragging and dropping files to wherever you want to store them. You can delete the files from the SmartMedia card from your computer, which is easier than doing it with the camera. The included Camedia software looked fun, but I haven't had a need to use it yet, so I can't comment on its functionality.

I received a free 32 MB Viking SmartMedia card from Amazon with this camera. Together with the 8 MB card in the box with the camera, this is enough storage for roughly 200 photos at 1024 x 768. The only thing I needed to buy to complete my setup was a carrying case.

I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking to enter the world of digital photography. It is stylish, extremely easy to use, very well constructed, takes excellent pictures, and is an unbeatable value!

I was a little dissapointed with the movie mode because it doesn't have sound, but I plan to one with it soon anyway. The batteries that came with mine, lasted me 1 full day, and they still hav'nt run out yet, I was using the LCD screen and everything. But it's true they do drain fast.

The paranorma feature, is best used for landscape shots, but it is cool, once you learn how it works. Some my outdoor shots came out a little dark when flash is not on. But the software that comes with it, changed that very quickly. All in all, I think this camera is a great why for someone to make the step into digital, I'm never going back.

Recommended: It does not come with a carrying case (what is that about!?!) so pick up on of those. Rechargeables are a must, unless you plan to use it just for an trip or something. And a bigger memory card would be nice to, go with a 64MB and your set. And if you are thinking about getting a 128MB card, I'd advise against it if you have frequent access to your computer, because you will just be wasting space.