Olympus µ[MJU:] 1030 SW - Expert Reviews

Pros: Rugged, sealed body that's waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, and freezeproof ; solid build and design, onboard Guide for beginners ; live preview

Cons: Average image quality and performance

Verdict: Other cameras may deliver better image quality and performance, but none can survive the range of conditions that the Olympus 1030 SW was designed for.

Review summary: Olympus introduced its first waterproof and shockproof Stylus SW camera in 2006 (Olympus Stylus 720 SW Pro Review). The latest model, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW, has numerous upgrades, including a 10-megapixel sensor; a wider, longer zoom lens; a ...

Pros: Waterproof and nearly indestructible, Pocket-sized, Live histogram, 28mm, real wide-angle lens - yay!, Panoramic mode (requires Olympus xD card)

Cons: Too easy to get finger in front of lens, Image quality isn't what I'd expect of a 10-megapixel camera, No mechanical image stabilization, No optical viewfinder, xD memory cards only work with Olympus and Fujifilm compact digital cameras, Mode dial ...

Review summary: If the usual suspects don't suit, a bit of ruggedness from Olympus might be just the

Verdict: Old boots etc

Review summary: The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is one tough little camera. The company claims it will shoot 33 feet underwater, withstand temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, survive a 6.6-foot drop and 220 pounds of pressure. We didn't make it down quite that ...

Pros: - Rugged, hazard-defying construction - Easy to handle - Decent image quality

Cons: - No manual exposure controls - No image stabilization - No manual focus - Poor white balance performance

Verdict: The Olympus 1030 SW is both a treat and a disappointment. We love the idea of a camera we can mistreat in a wide range of difficult shooting situations without having to worry about babying our gear. It's small and portable enough to go where an SLR ...

Review summary: Through almost two months of testing, the rugged and waterproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW ($399 list) prevailed, despite sand and salt water from various Long Island beaches, multiple raucous pool parties, and a number of 90-degree-plus days with high ...

Verdict: Most of the controls are located on back of the camera, to the right of its 2.7-inch LCD. The main modes, such as Auto, Movie, and Playback, are controlled via dial, while several small buttons provide access to additional settings. Like the rest of ...