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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.
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