Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Silver) by Olympus
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Digital camera reviews of Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Silver)
Digital camera Review: Great camera but lacks...
Summary: 4 Stars
We took this camera to Puerto Vallarta last August. It did really well with pictures taken on the outside. The underwater pictures were great too. The only problem I have with this camera is the fact that when in movie recording mode, you can't zoom.
This is the second Olympus camera I've owned and love the ease of use. But aside from this minor issue, I would say this is as good a product as my older Olympus.
Digital camera Review: Great camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
Took camera on a month long trip to Central and South America and it performed wonderfully. I used it many times under water and the pictures came out really good. I also "bumped" it a few times and since it is shock-proof, no harm done. Highly recommend it.Digital camera Review: Great little camera
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this camera for an upcoming trip to Costa Rica for 3 months. I wanted something lightweight and rugged - and this fit the bill. I normally use a Canon Powershot S2 IS - this is my first camera outside of the Cannon family, and I've had quite a few dating back to the Canon AE-1 SLR. I was sold by the Olympus 1030SW because of its underwater capabilities, and it's "crushproof"-ness. My Canon Elf traveled around in my pocket to all the college clubs and parties, and eventually the LCD screen broke. Since that, I have been more aware of how neglectful I can be of my electronics, so I was willing to pay the $$ to have a camera that is practically indestructible. I have yet to test the underwater capabilities.
I looked at the 790SW model, but was interested in greater underwater depth capability, and after checking them both out at my local retailer, I liked the feel of the 1030 - it just seemed to be more heavy duty.
I have been very impressed with the pictures I've taken so far. For a point and shoot, I really like the range of options I have. The macro function performs nicely, in both low and high lighting conditions. The "natural light" mode is by far my favorite, I personally dislike photos that look whitewashed by a flash when it's hardly necessary to the photo. On auto the pictures look good - your average point and shoot. The shutter speed is much better than my Cannon S2, and so far the battery life has been great as well. Many of the features I haven't had a chance to use in the month I've had the camera, but if I have any issues I'll be sure to update this review!
I'm giving it 4 stars because of the price. You pay a premium at this point because it was just released and for all the "shockproof/waterproof/etc" capabilities. If that's what you are looking for, then it's great. If you are looking for excellent quality photos, and don't care much about where the camera goes and what conditions it works in, then I'd shop around for a more affordable option.
I'll update this post CR with results from the trip...
Digital camera Review: Great little camera - leaked once
Summary: 4 Stars
Well, I have had this camera for a year now and just sent it in for warranty repair.
The camera is versatile and takes great pictures.
The built-in software is superb and easy to navigate.
I have snorkelled down to about 25' in Australia, Alaska (yes), Florida and the Caribbean with it and have gone Skiiing in North Carolina. Only once did it leak.
I dried it out and it has worked ever since.
However, due to the exposure to salt water, when it had leaked, the USB port began to give trouble connecting to the computer over a period of months until it finally failed. Thus it has gone in for warranty repair.
The Black trim on my camera did not last more than a few months before it began peeling off. So it you are planning to get one, get a silver model.
Also, it is a good idea to buy an extra battery to keep in rotation with the original. You never know when you may need it and face it, if you are out on an excursion, this doesn't take AAA batteries, so you can't just pop into a convenience store and solve your dead battery issues.
One hopes that in future models the leaking issue would be resolved. It only happened once to me, so I wouldn't call it a problem with all the units made. Maybe it was a lemon. However, I went with the model that could go to 30ft, because I can freedive that easily.
It may be a good idea to get a silicone skin. My view screen is scratched up.
Would I buy again? Probably. This is my second unit as an upgrade from the 10ft depth model
Digital camera Review: Have always LOVED this camera!
Summary: 4 Stars
The Olympus Stylus 1030SW is the BEST affordable waterproof camera ever. The problem with Olympus is they thought they could improve on it, so they discontinued it and came out with the 8010. Bad move Olympus. The 8010 is very slow, the sound and video quality is terrible and the way you can choose functions leaves a lot to be desired. Let me put it this way....by the time you get it turned on and your shooting function selected your target has moved on.
Sometimes leaving well enough alone is a good thing. If you notice when searching for a 1030SW you can hardly find one anywhere, "Maybe because it is discontinued you say...", well no. Even discontinued items can be in surplus on the internet if they weren't popular. Right now finding one and getting it is a struggle and you'll pay about $100 or more for it than the readily available 8010, and why is that???, because the 8010 well...is a poor purchase by comparison. I bought two of the 8010's hoping I just had a bad one the first go round, but alas...it was just a bad camera.
I had my original 1030 stolen and replacing it has been a nightmare. After several sites saying they had one and me placing an order, I got the email...well we don't have this in stock but we'll sell you something else. I said no and kept looking, eventually paying over $400 for one but its worth it!!!!!
The grass is not always greener Olympus!