Olympus Stylus 720SW

Value (6.5)
The Olympus Stylus 720SW joins a small niche of digital cameras with sturdy, waterproof housings: the normal Stylus line is weatherproof, but not waterproof, and the few waterproof Pentax Optio digital cameras don’t offer as much resolution on the image sensors. By combining a shockproof and waterproof body with 7.1 megapixels of resolution, the Stylus 720SW justifies its $399.99 retail price. While other waterproof cameras exist, as do others with similar resolution and pixel count, only the Stylus 720SW offers both.

Comparisons
Olympus Stylus 710 – This digital camera was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2006. Very similar to the 720SW, with 7.1 megapixels, the same 3x optical zoom lens, ISO range, and 15 fps movie mode, it also has identical shooting modes, function guide, and editing features. However, the 710 lacks the costlier shockproof and waterproof features of the 720SW. Part of the Stylus series and therefore "all-weather," the Stylus 710 can certainly handle a few raindrops, but isn’t guaranteed to survive a 5 foot drop or immersion in water. While the cameras are about the same size, the 710 model is quite a bit lighter because of its thinner housing. The body is plated in 24K gold and finished with a platinum alloy coat that casts a nice sheen and is supposedly scratch-proof. It retails for $349, fifty dollars less than the 720SW, and is a good bargain for less adventurous consumers on a budget.

Pentax Optio W10 – The Pentax digital camera has 6 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, a 3x optical zoom lens, and 10.5 MB of internal memory. 22 scene modes and some interesting editing features offer the user variety, as do similar frames and color filters to those featured in the Olympus. The calendar mode and resizing, trimming, and red-eye removal features are the same in both cameras. Although the Pentax Optio W10 can be immersed in water, it cannot take the same falls as a 720SW. Furthermore, the time and depth for which the W10’s been tested are half that of the Olympus 720SW: 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the W10 offers a far better movie mode, shooting video at 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 resolution at a selectable 30 or 15 frames per second. The W10 also uses the more common SD memory card and, although it has a smaller ISO range (64-400, going to 800 in candle scene mode) shoots its scene modes at full resolution. The Optio’s 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.9-inch body has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels of resolution and 100 percent coverage. With many of the same features as the 720SW, the Optio retails for $299.99, $100 less. For those who think they’ll take their cameras into less risky situations, the Optio may be a better and more affordable alternative.

Pentax Optio WPi – The WPi is also part of Pentax’s waterproof series of digital cameras, and has a classification that allows it to submerge to 5 feet underwater for 30 minutes. It has 6 megapixels in a 0.9-inch thick camera body, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2-inch LCD screen with 100,000 pixels. This model is equipped with automatic and scene modes, as well as a movie mode that shoots 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 at 30 or 15 frames per second. Pictures and video are recorded onto a SD card or the 10.5 MB of included internal memory. Introduced in August 2005, the Pentax Optio WPi initially sold at $349 but can be found for much less now.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This camera was designed for point-and-shooters who are a little klutzy. The Olympus Stylus 720SW has automatic modes and can take a few drops and swims without real incident.

Budget Consumers – At $399, this Stylus is at the high end of automatic digital cameras. Sure, it’s small and rugged, and its ability to be dropped and immersed is definitely unique, however, its image quality isn’t worth that much.

Gadget Freaks – The Olympus Stylus 720SW does have what it takes to attract this crowd. Even though many of the modes and controls are automatic, the words ‘waterproof’ and ‘shockproof’ are sure to attract the gadget-oriented users. These are the types of people who will drop-test the camera at the store to see if it really can survive a 5 foot fall.

Manual Control Freaks – Manual control freaks will be sorely disappointed in the lack of manual control on the 720SW. Users can select the ISO setting from a nice range, but other options are scarce.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – Professional photographers will snub their noses at the Stylus for its poor picture quality.