| Likes |
- Good resolution
- Good dynamic range
- Low noise up to ISO 200
- User-friendly features: Perfect Shot Preview, Shooting Guide, lots of Scene modes, and explanation of settings and features with a touch of a button
- 5x optical zoom lens |
| Dislikes |
- Poor color accuracy
- Poor white balance accuracy
- Poor low light performance
- Flawed video mode can only record up to 10 seconds at full resolution
- Menu system
- Weak flash
- Lack of options in Movie mode |
Conclusion
If portability and a mid-range zoom lens are of equal concern to you, the 8-megapixel Stylus 830 may at first glance be very attractive. The Olympus Stylus 830 has a slim body like many other point-and-shoots, but its 5x zoom lens reaches beyond the standard 3x. There are similarly priced models with longer zoom lens, but they’re not as thin.
However, a look beyond the specs reveals the Stylus 830 struggles with image quality. The camera suffers from poor color and white balance accuracy. Additionally, there is noticeable blurriness at the bottom of the picture frame, and it has a flawed, limited Movie mode. We prefer good image quality over portability.
There are a few highlights, namely the Dual Image Stabilization System, good resolution and dynamic range, and a bunch of user-friendly features. But when it comes down to it, there are better options in the $300 to $400 price range.
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