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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Olympus Stylus 1050 SW
This review is organized into 15 pages
Next: Page 1
Physical Tour
Section The Good The Bad
Tour
Impressive metal-body construction
Easy to insert battery backwards or upside-down
Testing/Performance
Good video test scores
Mediocre results overall, awful white balance performance
Components
LCD handles bright daylight well; handy full-width lens barrier
Lacks hardware image stabilization
Design/Layout
Sophisticated appearance unusual for ruggedized camera
Tap control marginally useful - should have been customizable
Modes
Plethora of mostly useful scene modes
Slow full-res burst speed, non-adjustable self-timer
Control Options
On-screen preview of exposure comp and white balance adjustments
No manual exposure or focus control
Image Parameters
Broad range of resolutions; useful panoramic image utilities
Minimal in-camera editing
Connectivity/Extras
Decent supplied software
Proprietary cables
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.
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