Front (6.0)
The front of the Stylus 800 has a Metallized plastic shell with rounded corners that blend into the edges of the camera. In the center of the face is a raised silver plastic strip with “Olympus” embossed onto it, which also doubles as a finger rest. Underneath the strip, the all-important product information “Stylus 800 All-Weather” resides. To the right of the strip is the sliding lens cover, providing a weatherproof seal for the camera’s optics. When the camera is on, the cover slides laterally and the lens extends from the body. The lens itself also contains some identifying text: “Olympus Lens, AF 3X Optical Zoom, 8-24 mm 1:2.8-4.9.” More writing is placed to the right of the lens, alerting potentially oblivious spectators to the camera’s massive resolution: 8.0 megapixels. Above and slightly to the right of the lens are three holes covering the camera’s microphone. At the middle of the top sits the flash and the self-timer light. To the right of the flash is an infrared sensor for the optional remote control.
Back (6.5)
The oddly sculpted back face of the Stylus 800 is dominated by the 215,000 pixel, 2.5-inch screen. The screen has a black glossy frame and is branded “Olympus” along the bottom. To the left of the screen are four buttons set into a curved depression: Quick View (toggles from record to playback); Guide (brings up the camera’s shooting guide); DISP (overlays a grid, sighting x, and live histogram, as well as aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation info); and Self Timer/Trash (turns on the self-timer or deletes images in playback mode). To the right of the screen are the zoom, mode, and navigation controls. At the top right is the zoom toggle, with “W” on the left and “T” on the right. The zoom is a single rocker that curves inward to provide a finger rest. Below the toggle is the mode dial, which is set into the camera’s body. The dial has different icons for the various recording modes and playback mode. Below the dial are the navigation and menu controls which consist of a four-way rocker button surrounding a small, round “OK/Menu” button. The top of the rocker has the conventional lightning bolt graphic for the flash, while the top is adorned with a flower icon for macro mode. Below the navigation controls is the release for the xD card slot door (see Bottom).
Left Side (6.5)
The left side of the Stylus 800 is relatively free of features. It has a raised silver strip that runs around the camera. At the top of the left side is an eyelet for the hand strap. Below the eyelet is a hinged door that slides open to reveal the battery slot as well as the USB / A/V out port and a plug for an optional AC adapter.
Right Side (6.5)
The relatively flat and smooth right side is free of any features or adornment except for the raised silver strip that encircles the camera.
Top (6.5)
In line with this camera’s décor, the top has rounded edges that blend into the sides. A raised silver strip has the words “HyperCrystal LCD” and “Power" printed on it. To the right of the highly-informative text is a green LED that glows when the camera is on. Further right of the LED is a small, round power button that is inset into the strip. On the far right of the button is a round, silver shutter release button, encircled by a silver ring. Slightly below and to the left of the power button is a slim, rectangular LED that blinks red whenever the camera is reading or writing images.
Bottom (4.0)
The bottom of the Stylus 800 contains a tripod socket located underneath and to the right of the lens. Unfortunately the socket is made of plastic, prone to breaking or stripping if ever used. To the left of the socket is a door that hides the xD card slot. The door is opened by a spring-loaded slider just above the door. On the right side of the bottom is a snowflake pattern of holes that covers the camera’s speaker.
