Olympus Stylus 1030 SW
Digital Camera Review
Aug 08, 2008
- By Steve Morgenstern
1.9
The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is tough. The company claims it will shoot 33 feet underwater, withstand temperatures down to 14 degrees, survive a 6.6-foot drop and 220 pounds of pressure. But can it handle weddings and laughing children as well as snorkeling trips and snowboarding runs? To find out, why we put the dauntless 10.1-megapixel 1030 SW through our harrowing laboratory testing. And the result? Features and controls are limited, and you'll find roughly equivalent photo quality in less expensive cameras. If imperviousness to the elements is worth a premium price, though, the 1030SW can certainly shoot in comfy environments with reasonable, if not spectacular results. For details, read the complete review.
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Conclusion
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 would be a burden, and easy to handle quickly, even if you're wearing gloves (we tried) or warding off barracuda (we didn't, but we're confident nonetheless). And while image quality wasn't stellar, it was certainly acceptable for a compact camera.
It would have been so much better, though, if the 1030 SW incorporated a few features that are really standard on most modern digital cameras. Top of the list is image stabilization, especially for a camera designed for on-the-go shooting. The ability to set the shutter speed manually for fast-action shooting, or to close down the aperture to extend the focal distance for a scenic shot would have been worthwhile additions. Bottom line: recommended for adventure-loving amateur photographers, but with reservations.
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Likes
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- Rugged, hazard-defying construction
- Easy to handle
- Decent image quality
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Dislikes
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- No manual exposure controls
- No image stabilization
- No manual focus
- Poor white balance performance
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