Olympus Tough 1030SW

The Stylus 1030 SW is one tough camera. The Shockproof, Waterproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof design gives active people the confidence to take this camera anywhere and shoot in nearly any condition. Plus, the wide-angle lens lets users capture more of what they see. Great for divers, surfers, rafters, skiers and anyone with an active lifestyle. Fashioned for everyday punishment, the Tough 1030SW is the toughest camera on the market yet. Offering robust shockproof, waterproof, and pressure-resistant construction, the new sleek and stylish frame is not only ideal for capturing those perfect party moments but it takes outdoor use and underwater adventure to a new level with its new Underwater Movie mode.

Taking toughness to the next level

The µ[mju:] 1030 SW is shockproof to 2m, waterproof to 10m, freezeproof to -10°C and also crushproof to an astounding 100kg! No other camera is this tough. Even its metal exterior is scratchproof. Available in a choice of Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green, the µ[mju:] 1030 SW is always ready for action.

This model’s 3.6x wide optical zoom (equiv. to 28-102mm) uses an inner-folded optical path to protect the lens during high action shooting. A 10.1 Megapixel sensor delivers detailed images, while an extra large 2.7"/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD provides a wide viewing angle and a bright view - even in direct sunlight. Integrated Digital Image Stabilisation counters the effect of blur caused by shakes.

Face Detection Technology ensures human subjects are optimally exposed and in focus. Meanwhile, Shadow Adjustment Technology all but eradicates the problem of shadowy images. And significantly improving low light performance is BrightCapture Technology. Furthermore, integration of the TurePic III image processing engine enhances performance in terms of speed, colour reproduction and noise suppression to return more realistic images.

Operation is intuitive and with menus available in 38 languages the µ[mju:] 1030 SW is almost certain to speak your language. For shooting underwater beyond this camera’s native limit of 10m, the PT-043 underwater case is also available optionally which extends the maximum depth to 40m.

JM Parry Writes: WOW!

This camera completely exceeded my expectations. I have previously used Sony T series cameras (T3,T9,T200). Lost one, and the others broke, and kept having fault messages after six months of use. But the pictures I took were fantastic, and I thought they would be hard to beat, so when I saw this camera - drop proof, water proof and crush proof, well this had to be for me! I am a little clumsy at times and into outdoor pursuits, not a good mixture for delicate electronics!

I managed to pick one up else where (obviously a tad more expensive than here on Amazon) because I desperatly wanted to take one on holiday. The fact it is water proof is great, you can use it around the pool, for snorkeling on the beach, and as it is waterproof to 10 metres (I took it with us when my missus had her first try dive).

The camera itself is a good size to fit in your pocket, not bulky at all. When I first took it out of the box it really did feel solid and has a solid look to it as well.

The photos have come out really well. I am a total amateur when it come to photography, my ethos is snap away and hopefully there will be some werth keeping. There are 24 scene modes, auto and high ISO to choose from which seems a bit overwhelming, but worry not, the is a guide function which sets the camera up for you, just choose the options you want and it then puts the camera in the correct mode for the effect you want to achieve, or the conditions etc.

An excellent feature I liked was the panoramic feature, its brilliant! Basically you select the option in the menu, take the first picture then move the camera to the left or right (the camera automatically sensors which way you have gone), then a diamond appears on the screen and you move the diamond into the box it it automatically takes the next picture, do this again so you have total of three pictures and wait a couple of seconds and it joins them together to make a great panoramic picture, really impressive, and great if your into nice views. However you need the Olympus 'M' series XD memory card to use this funtion (and as I lernt the hard way you also need to format the card from new to use this function which is done in the settings), but they are only a few quid more than other brands.

In summary I have been really impressed with this camera.

Olympus 790SW

Worry-free, shockproof design Built with durable materials and shock-absorption technology that minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when dropped, the Stylus 790 SW offers superior durability in a point-and-shoot digital camera.

Takes pictures underwater By combining a light-weight, aluminum exterior with rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal the interior from the elements, Olympus delivers a slim body design that performs as well under water (down to 10 feet/3 meters below the surface) as it does on land. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 790 SW the perfect camera for the pool, waterpark, or snorkeling in the ocean. The Stylus 790 SW also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens, so you get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

Freezeproof for winter fun You can take the cold, so why shouldn’t your camera? Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras, the Stylus 790 SW still performs when the temperature dips below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so this camera is ready to hit the slopes.

Sand/dustproof for everyday durability The Stylus 790 SW is the perfect camera for a trip to the beach or the great outdoors. Its airtight construction makes the camera impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. Shoot without worry no matter how harsh the conditions; when the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off in the sink!

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

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 790 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 their naked eye.

Large, 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 790 SW boasts a large, high-resolution HyperCrystal LCD, which displays clear, high-contrast images. It increases the brightness of the LCD for better visibility in low-light and bright-light situations -- perfect for composing pictures underwater or in direct sunlight. Images are also viewable on the 2.5-inch LCD from 176-degrees, enabling photos to be composed from a wider range of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Bright Capture Technology for easy low-light photography Low-light photography has never been easier thanks to Olympus’ revolutionary Bright Capture Technology. A brightened preview on the LCD enables simple composition, and with specific scene modes for high sensitivity settings (up to ISO 1600) and rapid auto-focus, even fast-action photos can be captured under low levels of available light.

B Palmer of United States writes:

" am a pro photographer, shooting with a Nikon D2Xs. I was looking for a compact camera for my wife, when I saw this camera in the reviews, it seemed like a good choice. I did some research and found a SCUBA website that tested it to 64' deep, and although the depth gauge stops at 30 something feet, it performed fine event at over double the rated depth.

I was specifically concerned about the contrast these little point and shot cameras have, coming from the world of pro DSLRs... This isn't a $4500 D2Xs, but I was very surprised how good the picture is. The large screen is very sharp and bright. The integrated lens cover is metal, and seems like it would be sturdy.

I would recommend this camera as a high performance compact point-and-shoot. "

Another reviewer writes

"Pros
He's a tough little guy, he's not going to break if you bump him or spill on him
He's an attractive camera
He's small enough to go with you anywhere
He's easy to hold and handle, he comes with a safety strap too
He's easy to use, no steep learning curve, just point and shoot
He's plug-n-play style with Windows XP, no software install required

Cons
His battery doesn't recharge unless you pop it physically out of the camera and pop it into a separate charging tray

Additional Thoughts
It's a good-looking, tough, small camera -- perhaps more bulky than the pictures you see on the web reveal, but still small and comfortable in the hand. I didn't need the manual to start using it right away. I am enjoying new freedom from paranoia! I know that if I knock this camera around a bit it's not going to die on me. The toughness of the camera makes me brave about it, and that's why I bought it. As for picture quality, features, battery life... they all seem very good to me, pretty standard for your daily point-n-shoot. I've have the camera for a few weeks now and I use it constantly. Again, the big selling point is its hardiness. I am not shy about keeping it with me in a bag or pocket because it can handle being bounced around a little. I haven't found a thing about this little guy I don't like! :-) "

The Tough 770SW is the most rugged camera yet to be released by Olympus. Featuring waterproof to 10m, shockproof, crushproof, snowproof, shakeproof and nightproof - its no wonder the Tough 770SW is all the proof you need!

Thanks to reinforced sealing and a breakthrough in design, you can now take the Tough 770SW scuba diving with you to 10m under water. The built-in Manometer will even tell you how deep you are! The Tough 770SW is also the world's first digital camera to offer a built-in LED Macro Capture light, ensuring that underwater close up shots are clear and crisp every time.

For winter use, the Tough 770SW is a dependable companion even in freezing conditions down to -10 degrees Celcius. Use a Tough 770SW to capture your snowboarding or skiing moments with no worry of battery or functional issues!

With a crushproof body, the Tough 770SW withstands loads of up to 100kgs. Coupled with shockproof from a height of 1.5 metres, the Tough 770SW survives the unpredictable bumps and thumps of an active lifestyle.

Shakeproof Technology featured in the Tough 770SW, minimises picture blur caused by hand shake and subject movement. The result? Sharp and clear images in low-light situations, or when you or your subject is on the go.

The 770SW is the first Tough camera model to feature a Hypercrystal LCD screen, providing a bright and clear view for focusing composition and picture playback, with a wide-viewing angle.

Tough on the inside, yet sleek on the outside, the Tough 770SW is equally attractive at home, in the water, outdoors, or out on the town. In two stylish colours, you can certainly take the Olympus Tough 770SW anywhere with confidence.

Tough 725SW

The Tough 725SW maintains the sleek, rectangular body design of the best selling Tough 720SW, so that tough and rugged construction does not mean a compromise in style. This makes the Tough 725SW equally at home at a party or formal event, as well as at the beach. The absence of a protruding lens makes it easy to carry, and to slide in and out of a pocket or purse.

Underwater Housings

CWPC-05 Snorkel Housing

The outdoor case CWPC-05 was specially developed for the new easy cameras from Olympus - FE-170. Completely waterproof up to a water pressure equivalent to 3 metres depth, it is ideal for outdoor activities and shooting under water. Moreover, it offers complete protection against dust, dirt, sand and moisture. Thus digital photography is also possible during water sport activities, mountain biking or while skiing. Even a heavy shower while on a tropical safari is no reason for switching off your FE-170. The outdoor case allows full operation of the camera and a clear view on the large 2.5" monitor.

Together with its stylish designed, transparent protective case, the Olympus FE-170 becomes the perfect leisure time companion. Ideal for on the go. Always there. Ready for action at all times.

PT-033 Housing

When the action moves from the beach to the water, your Olympus digital camera needn't be left behind. The PT-033 underwater case has been speciallycustomised to be taken to a depth of 40 metres.

This case is perfect for fascinating underwater photography or capturing the thrill of water sports and activities. With its durable, high quality polycarbonate construction, it protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.

The Olympus Mju 720, the camera that accompanies the PT-033 is also waterproof to 3m! If you are a beginner - you have the ability to snorkel, or if your are a little more advanced the PT-033 can taken you to a depth of 40m allowing to to capture the a facinating new world below. Why not take your photography to a new level, or to entire new depths with the PT-033.

PT-034 Housing

Under water Photography has never been easier with the Olympus PT-034 Housing
When the action moves from the beach to the water, your Olympus digital camera needn't be left behind. The PT-034 underwater case has been specially customised to be taken to a depth of 40 metres. This case is perfect for fascinating underwater photography or capturing the thrill of water sports and activities. With its durable, high quality polycarbonate construction, it protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.

The Olympus Mju 740 & Mju 750, are the cameras that can utalise the PT-034. If you are willing to broaden your photgraphic experience to capture the beautiful and facinating new world below take the plunge and bundle your Olympus camera with an underwater housing.

PT-035 Housing

Ever thought of broadening your photographic experiences? Ever considered experiencing the depths of the ocean? You could be swimming with dolphins or checking out beautiful coral displays on The Great Barrier Reef, you'll be able to capture all your memories thanks to the newest underwater housings, which allows you to shoot to depths of 40m to 60m.

The PT-035 housing has been specifically designed for the most popular hard-wearing camera, the Olympus Mju Tough 770SW. With the camera already built to take depths of ten metres, you can make your Mju 770SW even tougher by taking it down to up to 40 metres with the PT-035 underwater housing; the Mju Tough 770SW even has a special underwater photo mode making it even more user-friendly!
Take the challenge today and experience the beauty of the underwater worlds with Olympus quality products.

PT-037 Housing

Ever thought of broadening your photographic experiences? Ever considered experiencing the depths of the ocean? You could be swimming with dolphins or checking out beautiful coral displays on The Great Barrier Reef, you'll be able to capture all your memories thanks to the newest underwater housings, which allows you to shoot to depths of 40m to 60m.
Have you ever been frustrated with images that don't seem close enough? With the Introduction of the SP 550 with a phenomenal 18x Optical Zoom & PT-037 underwater photography has never been so easy!

The SP-550 is jam packed with features that will make underwater shooting a treat for beginners, intermediate & experiences underwater photographers. Not only is the SP-550 18x Optical Zoom it has 28mm wide angle lens, ensuring the quality is not lost Olympus have included an F2.8 bright lens. One of the other key benefits of the SP-550 is the ability to utilise manual exposure settings.

The PT-037 is made of high quality polycarbonate material; this construction gives your SP-550 more cushioning and protects it from everyday knocks and bumps. Take the challenge today and experience the beauty of the underwater worlds with Olympus quality products.

More details can be found at the Olympus website More>>

For tips on basic underwater photography Ikelite has some great information on lenses Here>>