Olympus Stylus 1000

Like other Stylus cameras, the 1000 model comes with Olympus Master Software, which is compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. This camera comes with version 1.42 and requires the serial number on the CD-ROM's packaging to download to the computer. The software program doesn't automatically load pictures from the computer or camera; users have to find them and load them into the program; this is a pain! The main screen of the software looks similar to the blue menu screen in the camera: completely disorganized.

 

The following options are available from that initial screen: Transfer Images, Backup Images, Upgrade, Browse Images, Update Software, Update Camera, Create and Share, Print Images at Home, and Print Images Online.

Browsing images can be done through a calendar or traditional thumbnail-type format. The size of the thumbnails can be manipulated to fit anywhere from 6-50+ on the computer screen. Pictures can be viewed and simple editing effects applied: Rotate, Crop, Instant Fix, Red-eye, Color Balance, Auto Tone, and Art. The instant fix function seems to noticeably oversharpen images. Color balancing can be done with separate sliding adjustments for red, green, and blue channels. The auto tone function has one sliding adjustment, and the art function only works with an Olympus xD-Picture card's serial number.

The Olympus Stylus 1000 is geared toward point-and-shooters who most likely won't use the included software very much at all, which is good. The software is disorganized and not very intuitive. Pictures must be manually loaded and some of the software's functions are disabled unless a serial number is entered. Users who want to play with imaging software should invest in another software package or download something else online that has decent options or, at the very least, ease of use.

 

The right side of the camera hosts a tiny door that opens to reveal the multi-port. This single port accepts USB, AV-out (NTSC and PAL selectable), and DC-in cables. The first two cables are included, but the power adaptor is an optional accessory.

This Stylus can create print orders as long as there is a memory card in the camera; it cannot create orders with only the internal memory. It can connect to PictBridge compatible printers too.

 

The Stylus 1000 comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (LI-12B) that isn’t very powerful. The skinny power source can only get 175 shots per charge. It loads into the bottom of the camera body and is held in place by a tiny plastic switch. The camera comes with a charger that consists of a plastic chunk and a cable that connects the chunk to the wall. This two-piece system isn't as desirable as a wall-mount charger, but is better than nothing.

 

There is a little internal memory included on the Olympus Stylus 1000, but it isn’t enough to save many 10-megapixel shots at all. The camera has 28.5 MB of internal memory, but has a slot for an optional xD-Picture card. Olympus requires a branded card for the panorama function to work, and cards up to 2 GB can be accepted. A memory card is required to create print orders and sort pictures into albums too. With the high resolution, the camera takes a lot of processing time. The back of the camera has a red LED that blinks when writing to the memory; this will hurt your eyes and drive you crazy.

 

Alarm Clock – Made for globe-trotters, the Olympus Stylus 1000 has a fairly elaborate alarm clock available. The alarm can be set to go off once, or it can be set to go off at a preset time every day. Hours from 0-24 are available, but users cannot set the minutes. There is even a snooze button that can be turned on or off. Three alarm clock sounds can be chosen, although none of them will sound pleasant at 5 a.m.

 

Guide Mode – This has its own position on the main mode dial. It is an extensive tutorial-like mode that guides users from problems like “Brightening subjects” to options like boosting the ISO and adjusting the exposure compensation.

 

Automatic Pixel Mapping – This option, found in the setup menu, is recommended for use every 6 months or so as a routine checkup for the image sensor; the camera examines its sensor and keeps all its 10 million pixels alive and well.