Olympus Camedia C-21 Digital Camera
The Olympus C-21 is a 2.11MP 1/2 inch compact camera — known for its 2.11MP 1/2-Inch Sensor and Five-Mode Built-In Flash. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus Camedia C-21 Digital Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus C-21
Key Features — Olympus C-21
2.11MP 1/2-Inch Sensor: Captures still images at up to 1600x1200 pixels, suitable for standard prints and web sharing.
Five-Mode Built-In Flash: Supports auto, red-eye reduction, fill, off, and slow sync modes for basic flash control in varied shooting situations.
Optical Tunnel Viewfinder: Provides a secondary framing option that remains usable in bright sunlight where the LCD can be harder to see.
1.8-Inch TFT LCD Display: 114,000-dot color screen allows image review and live framing directly on the camera back.
Dual Battery Compatibility: Accepts either 2x standard AA batteries or a single CR-V3 lithium pack, making power easy to source when traveling.
ISO 100–400 Range: Covers basic sensitivity settings for shooting in daylight and moderately low-light conditions.
Camera Specifications — Olympus C-21
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2 inch |
| Resolution | 2.11MP |
| ISO Range | 100 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | Single central point (focus lock via half-press) |
| Max Photo Resolution | 1600x1200 |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 1.8 inches TFT color LCD |
| Display Resolution | 114,000 dots |
| Viewfinder | Optical tunnel viewfinder |
Description — Olympus C-21
The Olympus Camedia C-21 is a point-and-shoot digital camera centered on a 2.11MP, 1/2-inch sensor, producing stills at up to 1600x1200 pixels in the sRGB color profile. With an ISO range of 100 to 400, it handles a range of daylight and moderately lit environments. The built-in flash covers five modes — auto, red-eye reduction, fill, off, and slow sync — adding practical flexibility for indoor and low-light shots.
Framing is supported by both an optical tunnel viewfinder and a 1.8-inch TFT color LCD with 114,000 dots of resolution. Autofocus uses contrast detection with a single central focus point, lockable via a half-press of the shutter. The plastic body measures 107 x 62 x 36 mm and weighs 190g, making it a genuinely compact carry.
Power is supplied by 2x AA or 1x CR-V3 lithium batteries. There is no image stabilization, no video recording capability, and no wireless connectivity documented in the specifications.
Pros — Olympus C-21
- ✓2.11MP sensor with 1600x1200 maximum resolution provides the core still-image capability the camera is built around
- ✓Built-in flash supports five modes (auto, red-eye, fill, off, slow sync), offering useful flexibility for a compact camera
- ✓Dual battery options — 2x AA or 1x CR-V3 lithium — provide flexibility when sourcing power
Cons — Olympus C-21
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital — per specifications
- ✗ISO range tops out at 400, limiting performance in low-light situations
- ✗No USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connectivity, making image transfer more cumbersome
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