Olympus Stylus 1030SW First Impressions Summary

Olympus has introduced another tough digital camera with its Stylus 1030SW. They claim it can handle a drop from 6.6 feet, a dunk in water 33 feet deep, temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and crushing weight of up to 220 pounds. The 10.1-megapixel 1030SW improves upon its predecessor, the 770SW, with increased shock absorption capabilities, more resolution, a slightly larger LCD screen, and a longer 3.6x optical zoom lens. It will retail for $399 when it goes to market in March or April.

We checked out the Stylus 1030SW on the trade show floor at the 2008 Photo Marketing Association show in Las Vegas. We couldn�t dunk it in a 33-foot tank or stick it in a 14-degree freezer on the show floor, but we did get to handle it and play with its features for a few hours. Read on to find out if this is the camera for your next trip to Everest.

Overall Impressions

Value
The Olympus Stylus 1030SW now sits as the flagship of the waterproof series and as such, is also the most expensive. Its $399 price tag puts it above the $349 770SW and $299 790SW and 850SW. The 1030SW is the most expensive waterproof on the market � the rival Pentax W30 sells for $299 � but it is the most versatile and can go the deepest, too. The Pentax W30 can go underwater to depths of 10 feet and isn�t shock, crush, or freezeproof. The 1030SW does have many of the same great features from the 770SW, but flaunts more resolution, a bigger LCD, and a slightly longer lens. Is it worth it? It depends on what matters to you. I wouldn�t buy the 1030SW for its resolution; the 770SW�s 7.1 megapixels is plenty. But the longer lens and bigger LCD might attract some consumers.

Who It�s For

• Point-and-Shooters � This camera will be great for point-and-shooters who are constantly on the move and venture into extreme conditions.
• Budget Consumers � The $399 price tag dashes any hopes for the budget consumer.
• Gadget Freaks � This isn�t the Holy Grail for gadgeteers, but is pretty close with its shockproof, waterproof, dustproof, crushproof, freezeproof status and perks like a flashlight and manometer.
• Manual Control Freaks � There aren�t many manual controls on this digital camera, so these consumers will look elsewhere.
• Pros/ Serious Hobbyists � Perhaps professional climbers or divers will look into this camera, but its imaging and performance capabilities have yet to be evaluated.

Summary
Likes

• Toughest camera ever
• 3.6x lens longer than its predecessor�s
• Skinny body
• Pre-capture movies
• Thorough Playback mode

Dislikes

• Slow Burst mode
• $399 price
• Weak flash
• Poor handling
• Confusing menus

The 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030SW now lets casual divers record higher resolution images of fish and underwater fauna. This digital camera is the toughest on the market � even tougher than the 770SW. It can be smashed, dunked, frozen, and dropped and the warranty will still be valid. You won�t get that from any other digital camera.

As far as the camera�s inner features go, the 1030SW is solid, but won�t satisfy you if you want manual control. It is brief with controls and instead opts for lots of automated features and a long list of Scene modes. Still, it�s an easy-to-use point-and-shoot.

We�ve been wowed before by Olympus� waterproof cameras, only to be disappointed by its poor performance in our imaging lab back at the office. We can�t judge this part of the Olympus Stylus 1030SW on the show floor; we have to wait until March or April to put it to the test. We hope it overcomes its predecessors� poor marks.

The Olympus 1030SW is so unique that it hardly has any competition with its sturdy body. If you need a sturdy, waterproof digital camera, this might be the one for you. If you want a standard point-and-shoot, the $399 price might be a too much. The real verdict will come when we get this camera into our imaging lab.