Value (6.5)
At an initial asking price of $449.99, the Stylus 800 should be able to function at its maximum capabilities in all modes. If the camera could capture 8 megapixel images at ISO 800 and 1600 and continue in a burst at 4 frames per second, the camera would be a steal. But unfortunately, that is not the case. In reality, Stylus 800 users will be forced to constantly make selections and shooting decisions, which is typically what diverts consumers away from more intricate compact models and towards a point-and-shoot interface to begin with. The idea of providing snapshooters with a means to capture images that would otherwise be unattainable with a point-and-shoot camera is admirable, but it will come at a cost. For some users, this will suit their needs ideally, while others might be better served with one of many impressive and less expensive 7.2 megapixel cameras.
Comparisons
Fuji FinePix F10 - The 6.3 megapixel Fuji F10 offers an ISO range of up to 1600 at full resolution. There is no blur reduction however, but Fuji says that extended ISO range is a fair tradeoff. The F10 offers a 3x zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, like the Stylus 800, but there are no weatherproof capabilities. The F10 and the Stylus 800 had similar noise test results at ISOs below 200, though the F10 suppressed noise far more effectively at higher ISOs. Furthermore, the F10 is able to reach these extended sensitivity ratings while maintaining full resolution, producing much cleaner, more defined images. In testing, we found the F10 to turn on much quicker, while also containing much less shutter lag. The Stylus 800 has the potential for much faster burst rates, but again, resolution must be compromised to achieve the full speed potential. At 3.6 x 2.29 x 1.07 inches, the Fuji F10 is shorter and thinner and has a more balanced compact feel. Currently, the slightly older Fuji F10 can be found online for roughly $45 less than the Stylus 800.
Canon PowerShot SD550 – The recently released Canon SD550 offers 7.1 megapixels in a smaller, more compact frame. At $499.99, the smaller, more fashionable SD550 brings with it a more expensive price tag, without the benefit of blur control. Both cameras have 2.5-inch LCD screens, but the SD550 features a 4x optical zoom lens, offering a longer zoom range along with a wider perspective. The SD550 also contains an optical viewfinder, which the Stylus 800 omits, enabling shooting when the battery is low. The SD550 features the same DIGIC II image processor as the SD500, which speeds up functionality and enhances image quality. The SD500 tested to have a faster startup time than the Stylus 800 and was faster going from shot to shot, though its burst mode was slower than the Olympus (when resolution is reduced). The SD550 offers a high speed video capture mode and offers 30 frames per second 640 x 480 video, unlike the Stylus 800.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 - The Panasonic LX1 offers 8.4 megapixels of resolution along with a 4x optical zoom lens. The LX1 is quite a bit more expensive at nearly $700. Those extra dollars get you a Leica lens with optical image stabilization, while the Stylus 800 only offers digital blur reduction. The DMC-LX1 is reported to have almost no shutter lag at a lag time of 0.0008 seconds. Both cameras offer 2.5-inch LCD screens, although Panasonic manages to eke out ahead the Olympus with 230,000 pixels compared to 215,000. The Panasonic LX1 offers a slightly more compact frame with a much more aesthetically pleasing design, with choices of silver or black.
Sony Cyber-shot P200 - The 7.2 megapixel Sony P200 comes with a 3x zoom. For $399 you get a smaller, 2-inch LCD screen, but you also get Carl Zeiss optics. The Sony has a more limited ISO range of 100-400 and no manual white balance control. Other manual controls that are available on the Sony include shutter speed and aperture. The Sony ships with fairly limited software and doesn’t offer the panorama feature of the Stylus 800. The P200 however has a slimmer, more ergonomically pleasing design and feel and is available in a choice of red or silver.
Nikon Coolpix 7900 – At $449.95, the Coolpix 7900 is similarly priced to the Olympus and has several similar features: a 3x optical zoom lens, similar manual controls, and movie capture, although at a better 30 frames per second for 640 x 480 video. The Coolpix 7900 doesn’t offer the extended ISO range of the Olympus, instead limiting itself to 64-400. The 7900 does however have an auto focus assist light that also doubles as a guide for framing shots, which can be very useful in low light situations. The Nikon 7900 also has an optical viewfinder, which can come in handy when the batteries are too low to power the LCD screen. At 2 inches, the 7900 contains a smaller screen than the Olympus’. The Coolpix 7900 does have a more compact frame though, measuring in at 3.5 x 1.4 x 2.4 inches, and at 5.3 ounces it is a bit lighter.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Olympus Stylus 800 definitely functions well as a point-and-shoot camera. With the camera’s bright capture technology, snapshooters willing to sacrifice resolution and drop down to small 4 x 6-inch prints will have a bit more shooting versatility than most point-and-shoots provide. However, consumers looking for ease of use and simplicity may wish to look elsewhere.
Budget Consumers – At a suggested price of $449.99, the Stylus 800 is a fairly pricey camera. You do get high resolution and a host of features, but those looking for functionality on a dime may want to consider more affordable alternatives.
Gadget Freaks - With its weather proof design, graphic compliments, and inventive technology, the Olympus Stylus 800 has plenty to wet the appetite of any gadget freak. While the styling of the camera may be a little awkward, gadget freaks will find that what’s on the inside serves them well.
Manual Control Freaks - The Stylus 800 has several manual controls including aperture and shutter speed, but there is no manual focus, which a manual control freak may find essential. The lack of a customizable white balance option is even more of a blow. Manual control freaks may also express displeasure over the camera’s locking of ISO when shooting in burst modes and lack of full manual mode (to set both the shutter speed and aperture).
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – The Stylus 800 is definitely not a serious photographer’s ideal. Great for a vacation camera, but the serious hobbyist or pro will likely see this as a dressed-up point-and-shoot lacking noise control and manual shooting.
