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Olympus Stylus 1030SW Underwater Digital Camera

Olympus 1030SW

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Key Features of the Olympus 1030SW :
  • Underwater Ultra Compact camera with Full metal body which is Shockproof up to 6.6 ft and Waterproof up to 33 ft (10 meters)
  • 10.1 Effective Megapixel Resolution.
  • 3.6X Optical Zoom with Face detection.
  • Digital Image Stabilization Mode. Capture Crisp, Clear Pictures With High ISO Sensitivity And Fast Shutter Speed.
  • Large 2.7" Hypercrystal LCD Screen.
  • 28 Built in Shooting Modes.
 Scuba divers, mountain climbers and adventurers worldwide will love the 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, the toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world. This shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof model builds on the Olympus Stylus SW series’ reputation of delivering amazing images while enduring extreme expeditions and everyday adventures, including life with kids.

Even more durable than its predecessors -- it can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet -- the camera has also been pumping up its power with a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and digital imaging advances, including Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a TruePic III image processor to capture rich, vibrant detail with every shot.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW Highlights

Shockproof and crushproof design Afraid the mountain winds might sweep a camera out of your gloves? Never fear, the Stylus 1030 SW can withstand a 6.6-foot drop with its shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. In addition, the Stylus 1030 SW features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of crushing pressure.

Waterproof for underwater photos The Stylus 1030 SW performs as well underwater as it does on land because its lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can be fully submerged to capture beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were taken. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 1030 SW perfect for taking photos while snorkeling or scuba diving. Additionally, movies are simple thanks to an underwater movie mode. The camera also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

Freezeproof for icy action Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 1030 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to climb the mountain or hit the slopes when you are.

Dustproof for desert winds The rugged Stylus 1030 SW is an ideal companion for an expedition in the Sahara because its airtight construction is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. When the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off with your canteen.

Advanced HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 1030 SW boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD.

Wide optical zoom in ultra-slim body design The Stylus 1030 SW features a 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot -- perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body, so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Face Detection Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.

Digital Image Stabilization The Stylus 1030 SW features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to capture crisp, clear pictures. By boosting the camera’s ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and provides blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.

In-camera panorama In-camera panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image -- resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus Master 2 software to stitch up to 10 images together.

Shadow Adjustment Technology Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus 1030 SW addresses this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview The Stylus 1030 SW features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Perfect Fix in-camera editing The Stylus 1030 SW offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.

LED Illuminator An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting -- great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.

TruePic III image processor Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III image processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

New, powerful battery The Stylus 1030 SW includes the new LI-50B Li-Ion battery, which charges 2.5 times faster (two hours instead of five) than its predecessor. The new 925-mAh battery boasts a 25 percent increase in power.

Practical and Fashionable Accessories Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 1030 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers the PT-043 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly visible floating wrist strap frees users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera from scratches. Skins are available for the Stylus 1030 SW in a new stealth gray color.

Additionally, Olympus offers premium cases in a variety of colors, including a new cream plaid, a new gray plaid as well as camel and red leather. The premium cases are now also available in a new brown leather wallet-like design. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. The neoprene cases are available in black and a new olive color. Carabineers now come with the neoprene cases so they can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts.

Olympus Master 2 software Olympus Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.



Product Description
The Stylus 1030SW is designed for active people who want a tough camera that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyles. The Shockproof & Crushproof casing is a durable metal body that has an innovative shock-absorbing construction with a floating circuit board that can protect the Stylus 1030SW from drops up to 6.6 feet and withstand 220 lbs of pressure. If you ever wanted to take pictures of aquatic life now you can, the Stylus 1030SW has Waterproof seals and gaskets that keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 33 feet underwater. When you're skiing or snowboarding you will enjoy the Freezeproof and Digital Image Stabilization features that allows you to take perfect photos of fast moving subjects in cold climates up to -10c/14f. With the 10.1 MP setting you can capture high quality images and then easily view it on the 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD display at extra-wide viewing angles even in direct sunlight. Focus Range Normal mode - 0.5m - infinity, Macro Mode - 0.1M - infinity, Tele - 0.3m - infinity, Super Macro mode - 2cm - 50cm 1/1000 -1/2 sec. (up to 4 Sec. In Night Scene mode) Shutter Speed Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 ISO 14.7MB Internal Memory (additional memory recommended to store more photos and video) Media Card Slot - xD-Picture Card (1GB,2GB), microSD (MASD-1 is required) Built-in Flash with Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-in, Off Flash modes Flash Working Range - 1.0m - 4.1m @ ISO 800 Wide, 0.3m - 2.7m @ ISO 800 Tele USB Connector, Audio/Video Output, DC Input System Requirements - Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.3 or later, USB port Approximate Battery Life - 260 Shots Approximate Unit Dimensions - 3.7(W) x 2.4(H) x 0.84(D) Approximate Unit Weight - 6.3oz (without battery & media card)



Olympus 1030SW Photo Samples

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These are actual photos taken with Olympus 1030SW.
Photos courtesy of Flickr and belong to respective users. To view a larger image click on thumbnail.

Compare Olympus 1030SW with similar cameras
Name: Olympus 1030SW Canon SD790 Nikon S52c Panasonic DMC-TZ50
Megapixels: 10.1 10.0 9.0 10.1
Optical Zoom: 4 X 3 X 3 X 3 X
Max Res: 3648 x 2736 3648 x 2736 3456 x 2592 3648 x 2736
LCD Screen: 2.7 " 3.0 " 3.0 " 3.0 "
Digital zoom: Yes, up to 5x Yes, 4 x Yes, 4x Yes,
Image stabilizer: No Yes, Lens Yes, Lens Yes, Lens
Media Card: xD Picture Card + Internal SD/SDHC/MMC card SD/SDHC card, Internal SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Battery: Lithium-Ion (LI-50B) & charger Lithium-Ion NB-5L battery & charger Nikon EN-EL8 Lithium-Ion & charger Lithium-Ion rechargeable
Weight (with batteries): 203 g (7.2 oz) 195 g (6.9 oz) 175 g (6.2 oz) 265 g (9.3 oz)
Lowest Price: $299.00 $254.95 $229.95 $365.97
Details: - View details View details View details



Olympus 1030SW User Reviews

Avg. Rating
4.0
Out of 5
 This item is reviewed by 98 people so far.
Click here for complete reviews.

5
Out of 5
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-31 By: Ivy
I researched the heck out of this camera before buying it....it's purpose was for our Disney trip, specifically the water parks. I tried it out at home in the pool and just love this camera. People are amazed at the underwater videos I've taken, and the pictures come out great too. Not so good on maximum zoom in low light, but that's the only complaint. I got a 8gb microsd and came home from florida with 300 hundred photos and a TON of video, with a ton of memory to spare. This camera has given us video memories that NO OTHER little camera would do. My only suggestion is to keep an eye on the lens if you're using it in the water. Sometimes a droplet of water will stay on the lens and show up on subsequent pictures. I just blow on it to get rid of any water. No viewfinder is really no problem....I haven't used one since my first digi camera 10 years ago!!! I feel bad for those who have had trouble with this camera, because for me, it's been amazing.
1
Out of 5
Worked Only for a Few Days
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-27 By: William R. Heckman III
Appears to be a nice product, but if the LCD goes black then you have no view finder and no access to the functions. The camera only worked for a few days so I would not recommend it.
3
Out of 5
Defect in the Olympus Stylus 1030sw
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-27 By: G. Appell
The Olympus Stylus 1030SW has been shipping with a known defect by Olympus. In the video recording mode the sound track contains a popping sound. It is generated by any touching of the camera. Olympus is supposedly coming out with a firmware fix in September. The buyer should beware of this problem and perhaps wait to purchase until a fix is incorporated in the cameras.
5
Out of 5
TOTALLY AMAZING CAMERA
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-27 By: Nathan Holt
The Olympus Stylus 1030SW is the coolest camera I've ever seen!!! I just got back from the beach with my family and it worked great. We had a ball with it in the ocean and now have some great memories to boot!!! The picture quality couldn't be better (as long as you use good photography techniques, you cant fight physics). I took video of myself and family riding waves in the ocean and it looks amazing. This camera is a great product that I am recommending to all my friends and family. Also, as a creative arts director for a non-profit I will be recommending its purchase by all of our new recruits.

-Make sure you buy a huge memory card though...I have the 2gig and it allows almost 2 hrs of video.

-The floating wrist strap is a must if you intend to use the camera anywhere near moving water.


Great Job Olympus!!!!
2
Out of 5
Great Camera on Paper...
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-27 By: Khoa Ton
I really wanted to love this camera. It has everything I wanted: rugged, compact, waterproof, and takes great pictures. I currently have a Panasonic Lumix TZ-5, and a the Panasonic waterproof casing for it, and never used this combo with the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW around!

It was so easy to carry the Stylus 1030 SW around on the pool/beach and into the water. It starts up almost immediately upon pressing the power button so I never missed a shot. I loved that it was shock-proof so I didn't have to mentally treat it with kid gloves, and there are no protrusions on the camera to worry about breaking.

Now the bad news. After the first time going into the pool for about 3 feet underwater, the camera seems to be adversely affected. I was extra careful and followed the directions regarding checking the seals for foreign objects that may cause leaks, and they were properly closed.

I noticed that the videos taken (maybe from this point on, maybe always had this problem) had a smudge about the middle of the screen. This was not dirt on the outside of the lens where I can get at and clean. It would disappear under certain lighting conditions, but most underwater shots had it. My guess is that it's an internal reflective defect or dirt on the optics. Curiously, I don't notice it in my photos, just videos.

In addition to this, the lens would fog up during the night after some underwater excursions. The fog would cloud up the lens internally, so all photos and videos were foggy. Holding the camera in my hands would warm it up, causing the fog to get cloudier. As a work-around, I would air dry the camera each night with all its ports open, but this doesn't always work.

Another major drawback of this camera that was not publicized very well is that you MUST use the type M+ XD memory card to record VGA in 30 frames/sec. Using the included adapter my 4GB MicroSDHC card, you are limited to 10 seconds VGA 30 frames/sec videos. You can record lower resolution or VGA with 15 frames/sec videos without the M+ XD memory card, though.

Additionally, my videos would sometimes have strange regular very loud clicking sounds, about once click per second for certain stretches. This was very disconcerting.

I also noticed that the videos of bright lights indoors would sometimes have vertical glares above and below the light sources. I never noticed this phenomenon on my TZ-5 videos.

The final weird restriction that I found out only after using this camera was that it had two video modes: Underwater, and Non-underwater. In Underwater mode, you have no audio, but can use zoom. In Non-underwater mode, you can record audio, but cannot zoom. Perhaps the zooming caused horrible audio noises to be recorded so the engineers decided to never record audio while allowing zooming?

In conclusion, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW was everything I was looking for on paper and would have been a wonderful all purpose point-and-shoot photo and video camera for all occasions. Unfortunately, my particular unit seemed not be quite waterproof as advertised, and the model had some major design drawbacks in the areas of video recording.

I really cannot recommend this camera based on the unit I had.