| Likes |
|
- Small, light design that’s extremely pocketable
- Helpful Guide setting on the camera that provides good advice for taking pictures.
- 7 MP is pretty decent resolution in a camera this small
- New features such as Bright Capture Technology and Digital Image Stabilization Mode are intriguing and effective
|
| Dislikes |
|
- Resolution on LCD is too low
- Construction feels slightly flimsy
- Menus look dated and are sometimes confusing
- No manual white balance control
- Buttons way to small for large fingers
- Movie mode only captures video at 15 frames per second
|
Conclusion
The Stylus line has had a glorious history for Olympus. Beginning with the original Stylus film cameras to the more recent digital Stylus models with their unique all-weather bodies, this line has been an Olympus tradition for many years. While not exactly a misstep, the new Stylus 710 doesn’t seem much like a step forward either. Some new technologies such as Bright Capture and Digital Image Stabilization are potentially interesting additions, but are obviously not suited to all shooting situations. Is the Stylus 710 distinct enough to separate itself from a very crowded field of digital point-and-shoots? While the jury’s still officially out until actual testing on this model can take place, the only thing it has going for it so far is its light weight, and if this is all it offers, we suspect it could get lost in the shuffle.
