Olympus Stylus 1030 sw

[Keri]

Hmmm... reading this review is making me reconsider...

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/d...sp?newsID=3444

[str255]

If you are considering the 1030SW, you may also want to consider/wait-for the "new" model, the "STYLUS TOUGH-8000", which s/b available soon (Feb. in the US, anyways) ... more info at http://www.steves-digicams.com/pr/ol..._tough_pr.html.

I picked up a 1030sw in december specifically for its toughness and underwater abilities (for skiing, skating, waterpark events ... and of course some future in-tank shots) ... didn't want to worry about handling the camera with kiddie gloves in the elements.

I am happy with it's performance with respect to how I had planned to use it. Considering only picture quality and ergonomics, I've had a couple of compact Canons and I find them clearly better.

A couple of quick pro's/con's:
Cons
- easy to get your fingers in the picture
- weird video rec modes ... I think ... in one mode you cannot zoom but get sound; in another mode you get sound but cannot zoom; I don't think you can get sound and zoom together
Pros
- its toughness and underwater capability
- a macro mode using a built-in led light ... helps prevent over-exposure (e.g., if the flash was used instead)
- can use microSDHC cards

[Keri]

Thank you for all of the info!! I may wait for the newer model, if it produces a better picture as well.


I'm not going to be too rough (hopefully!) with the camera, but it's nice to have some security, I know my heart stops for a second if I fumble with the DSLR lol

[BlueAbyss]

This thread has some shots from this camera... http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...threadid=48911 I'm considering looking for someone to buy my Panasonic Lumix LZ8 so I can get one of these.

[mark]

Have a 770SW so a little bias but I think the camera is excellent for what it's made for. Sure there's better cameras but can they go from the beach, to the surf, then under it. They're fairly cheap, rugged and compact, don't need to worry about it in the rain and can left your kid go wild.

Check this post by Diana for some underwater shots with a 720SW.

[24storm]

These shots in my thread are done with a 720s. By the way i have no idea what i am doing when it comes to cameras so i thought this one would be perfect to just drop in the tank and shoot away.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=39015

Keith

[Keri]

Thanks for the examples!

I like this shot:

[kipsix]

I can't speak for the 1030, but I have the 790SW.

I'm truly surprised it's still going. Mine shows visible signs of abuse. I use it for snowboard/skiing, and regularly make a 'tripod' out of snow. I take it for ocean kayak training where it spends hours in and under the water, or dangling from my kayak attached to the deck rigging. I clip it to front rack of my ATV when we go offroading, and usually have to spend time cleaning mud out of it.

Mine has dents, scratches, nice scars, and I have yet to be disappointed in the pictures it takes.

That's just my experience abusing it though.