Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Digital Camera Review

The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW is the latest addtion to the company's line of ruggedized cameras, which now includes five models, from the $250 Stylus 850 SW to the top-of-the-line 1030 SW, priced at $350. The 1050 SW ($300) doesn't match the level of indestructibility achieved by the brawny 1030 SW we reviewed earlier this year, which can survive underwater to a depth of 33 feet. This is more of a pool and ski slope companion, designed for up to 10-foot depths, 5-foot drops, and temperatures down to 14 degrees F (-10 degress C). It looks like it could also survive dousing with a martini that was shaken, not stirred and spilled in its direction – this is a handsome camera, with a slick drop-down lens cover and thin, sophisticated lines. Its basic photo specs are straightforward, with 10.1-megapixel resolution and a 3x zoom lens, but it doesn introduce one interesting technology in the form of a Tap Control. By tapping on the top, back and sides of the camera the user can control picture playback, shadow adjustment and flash mode, even if you're underwater or wearing gloves. We put our mittens on a few weeks early to carry the $299.99 camera into the labs and out into the rain for an extensive test drive.