Model Design / Appearance (7.5)
With its weatherproof silver-metallic casing, the shiny Olympus Stylus 410 is made for transportation free from fear of the elements. Definitely a true point-and-shoot model, the clean, rounded rectangular shell is reminiscent of a small Speed Stick deodorant. The camera switches on and off by sliding a front panel horizontally across the lens. This user-friendly power control is both efficient and engaging, enabling quick access to the camera. On the panel, etched and outlined in gold print, is “Olympus.” This is a bit tacky but still attention grabbing. The Stylus 410’s compact shell blends eye-catching appeal, portability, and practicality, offering a protective coating for the camera without sacrificing appearance.

Size / Portability (7.5)
The Stylus 410 will fit comfortably in a shirt pocket, snugly nested beside the protector. Although the camera only weighs 5.6 ounces, it does seem to have some substance to it. The Stylus 410 is long enough that it can be held with both hands when shooting if desired, but one hand is more than enough to stabilize it. The Stylus 410 disperses its weight evenly and is not awkward to hold like many tiny point-and-shoot cameras often are. At 3.9" x 2.2" x 1.3" the Stylus 410 is a nice mix of weight and size, resulting in a compact camera that is substantial but certainly not a burden.

Handling Ability (8.0)
The advantage to a camera that contains few options is that it is easy to learn and use. The Stylus 410 is a minimalist point-and-shoot model that offers the essentials inside a flashy frame. The sparse button selection contains everything you need to utilize the imager and playback features. The layout of the Stylus 410 is spacious and provides enough surface area to spread your hand comfortably around the frame without obstructing the lens or other essential functions. While the camera’s simplicity is not ideal for more advanced photographers, beginning users will find it encouraging, helping to familiarize them with essential camera functions.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (8.0)
The Olympus Stylus 410 is compact, yet sparse in its dispersal of controls. The Stylus 410 provides enough surface area to move about the buttons without feeling crammed. This is an exception to the current trend in point-and-shoot cameras, which follow cell phones and other pocket electronics in striving for the smallest possible frame without regard for function. This is a common flaw of many current electronic manufacturers and it is refreshing to know that Olympus is not caught up in it. The practical design on the Stylus 410 allows appropriate spacing of buttons and controls on a camera that still fits in a pocket.

There are limited controls on the Stylus 410, all adequately spaced along the back and top of the camera’s frame. The elongated shutter release button on top of the camera allows for easy accessibility for a variety of finger sizes. The zoom toggle button is positioned in the upper right corner of the back of the camera and is properly balanced with the shutter release. This provides comfortable hand positioning for shooting and, with automatic focus, enables the user to completely control shooting with just the right thumb and index finger. Below the zoom controls are four directional buttons. This is not a directional pad so each button is isolated and spaced apart from the others. There is enough space between the directional control buttons for the weight of the user’s thumb to stabilize while accessing the other buttons. Each directional control also doubles as another function, minimizing used space while offering full control. All in all, the Olympus Stylus 410 is well spaced and proportioned, offering an appropriate mix of space and control without sacrificing portability.

Menu (7.5)
The menu on the Olympus Stylus 410 is simplistic and easy to use. Friendly to even beginner users, the limited options available on the Stylus 410 ensure no user will get lost within the narrow menu. Complete with virtual rotating dial to select program modes, the Stylus 410’s menu is graphically reliant and fairly self-explanatory.

Menu mode is initially accessed by selecting the OK button below the directional controls. Along with exposure control, image quality options, and monitor on/off option, there is also the all encompassing Mode Menu option. Within the mode menu section are options for Camera, Picture, Card, and Setup. Using the up and down directional buttons, the subcategories can be scrolled through. All in all, the menu mode on the Olympus Stylus is limited but for a point-and-shoot camera, will cover all the essentials.

Ease of Use (8.0)
The Olympus Stylus 410 Digital is a remarkably easy camera to use. With its uncomplicated button layout, slimmed-down manual options, and easy-to-handle body, it will be a piece of cake for users of all skill levels, ages, and sizes. The one hiccup that I might foresee is carelessness with the sliding lens cover. The cover is fast and easy to open, but one needs to be extra careful not to slide it shut too quickly and damage the extended lens.