Olympus Stylus 1030SW: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Review

beansbaxter · 04-04-2008, 10:52 PM

Lightning Review: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW

The Gadget: The Stylus 1030SW, Olympus' semi-indestructible 10.1MP point-and-shoot, is designed for fairly extreme conditions. Olympus claims the camera is shockproof (to 2 meters), waterproof (to 10 meters), freezeproof (to 14°F), and crushproof (to 220 lbs.) We've seen other cameras with features like this, but it's rare that they're all combined into one.

The Price: $400 retail, we've seen it as low as $340.

The Verdict: It's tougher than Glass Joe, but it's no Mike Tyson.

1030swreview: I tested the 1030SW under fairly rigorous conditions, and for the most part it stood up to the challenge. After dropping the camera to the ground from around six feet, it took pictures without any problem. Next was the underwater test. I didn't take it to the limit, but I did bring it with me in the tub. The camera works under water, and there are options designed for capturing images of sea life. The pictures didn't come out too well, but that could be my fault as it is likely designed to shoot fish in clear water and not sitting in a bathtub, taking pictures of my...er...feet.

Things got a little trickier during the freeze and crush tests. I left it in the freezer for about two hours, and when I took it out I had a "Battery Empty" message. Worried that I damaged the camera, I let it thaw and it came back to full power after 10-15 minutes. For the crush test, I placed all 170+ pounds of myself on top of the camera. At first I heard a little unnerving crunch, and when I picked it up, I saw what looked like a crack in the LCD screen. However, after about 15 seconds, it went away and I was left with the same crack-free screen I had when I started.

As for the pictures, they came out well for the most part. In optimal conditions, they looked great. When I was under water, or in a dimly lit room the snapshots left a little something to be desired. I was able to correct some of the shots with the various exposure options, but it's still a point-and-shoot.

If you are going on an outdoor adventure and looking for a light, easy camera to take, this is a good bet. I wouldn't recommend pushing it to the advertised limits, but it's definitely sturdier than other cameras in its price range.

Source: gizmodo

Motorcycle Man · 04-06-2008, 11:46 AM

A buddy has one, and they take pretty nice pics. And being all that kind of indestructible is amazing.

I want to get one.

eric · 04-06-2008, 11:38 PM

I don't like Olympus SLRs but I do like their P&S cameras. Might get something like this before my trip this winter.

04-04-2008, 10:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
beansbaxter Administrator Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 477 Blog Entries: 4 From: Seattle, WA My Camera: Nikon D300	Olympus Stylus 1030SW: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Review Lightning Review: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW The Gadget: The Stylus 1030SW, Olympus' semi-indestructible 10.1MP point-and-shoot, is designed for fairly extreme conditions. Olympus claims the camera is shockproof (to 2 meters), waterproof (to 10 meters), freezeproof (to 14°F), and crushproof (to 220 lbs.) We've seen other cameras with features like this, but it's rare that they're all combined into one. The Price: $400 retail, we've seen it as low as $340. The Verdict: It's tougher than Glass Joe, but it's no Mike Tyson. 1030swreview: I tested the 1030SW under fairly rigorous conditions, and for the most part it stood up to the challenge. After dropping the camera to the ground from around six feet, it took pictures without any problem. Next was the underwater test. I didn't take it to the limit, but I did bring it with me in the tub. The camera works under water, and there are options designed for capturing images of sea life. The pictures didn't come out too well, but that could be my fault as it is likely designed to shoot fish in clear water and not sitting in a bathtub, taking pictures of my...er...feet. Things got a little trickier during the freeze and crush tests. I left it in the freezer for about two hours, and when I took it out I had a "Battery Empty" message. Worried that I damaged the camera, I let it thaw and it came back to full power after 10-15 minutes. For the crush test, I placed all 170+ pounds of myself on top of the camera. At first I heard a little unnerving crunch, and when I picked it up, I saw what looked like a crack in the LCD screen. However, after about 15 seconds, it went away and I was left with the same crack-free screen I had when I started. As for the pictures, they came out well for the most part. In optimal conditions, they looked great. When I was under water, or in a dimly lit room the snapshots left a little something to be desired. I was able to correct some of the shots with the various exposure options, but it's still a point-and-shoot. If you are going on an outdoor adventure and looking for a light, easy camera to take, this is a good bet. I wouldn't recommend pushing it to the advertised limits, but it's definitely sturdier than other cameras in its price range. Source: gizmodo __________________ “The camera’s only job is to get out of the way of making photographs.” -- Ken Rockwell beansbaxter.com is my blog.

04-06-2008, 11:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Motorcycle Man Senior Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 104 From: ............... My Camera: Olympus Evolt E500	A buddy has one, and they take pretty nice pics. And being all that kind of indestructible is amazing. I want to get one. __________________ All images shot using Olympus E500 Evolt, 8mp, kit lenses.

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04-06-2008, 11:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
eric Senior Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 244 From: Seattle	I don't like Olympus SLRs but I do like their P&S cameras. Might get something like this before my trip this winter.