Value (5.0)
The Stylus 830 has a longer lens than most slim-bodied point-and-shoots, we’ll give it that. And it comes in a bunch of colors, if that’s your bag. But in this price range are compact cameras with longer zoom lenses and similarly built slim models with standard 3x zoom lenses that have superior image quality. For us, image quality reigns superior to the 5x zoom and weatherproof body. There are better options available for the same price or for less than $100 more.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A720 IS – Though the PowerShot A720 IS is part of Canon’s budget line, the 8-megapixel A720 IS incorporates some nice components and features typically reserved for pricier cameras. A 6x optically stabilized zoom lens, face detection, and manual controls are among the highlights. Comparatively, the cameras have the same size LCD screen, but the 830’s has more resolution. The A720 IS has a slightly longer zoom lens – 6x versus the 830’s 5x zoom. The A720 IS has an extensive amount of flash options, while the Stylus 830 only offers basic flash controls. If portability is a priority, the Stylus 830 is the clear winner, as it can easily slide into a pocket and is weather-resistant. The A720 IS is bulky and heavy. The Stylus is offered in several colors while the PowerShot comes in silver. The A720 had an introductory price of $249.99.
Canon PowerShot A650 IS – This model is a step up from the Canon PowerShot A720 IS in features and price. The 12-megapixel PowerShot A650 IS has a 6x optically stabilized zoom lens, 2.5-inch fold-out LCD screen, and face detection. The LCD screen has less resolution than the 830’s; 173,000 pixels versus 230,000 pixels. The A650 IS offers a range of flash options and host of manual and automatic shooting modes. Like the A720 IS, it has a bulky body, with a protruding right hand grip. The added resolution, LCD’s fold-out capabilities, and longer zoom lens contribute to its $399 price tag, $70 more than the Stylus 830.
Panasonic LZ7 – The LZ7, introduced in January 2007, has some of the same features as the Olympus Stylus 830, but costs about $130 less. The 7.2-megapixel Panasonic camera has a 6x optically stabilized zoom lens. Similar to Olympus’s Dual Image Stabilization, Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. combines high ISO sensitivities with optical image stabilization. The LZ7 has a 2.5-inch LCD, but it has less resolution than the Stylus 830. The LZ7 lacks face detection and the weatherproof body of the Stylus 830.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 – This model offers a 10x optically stabilized zoom lens, 7.2-megapixel resolution, and a high sensitivity mode for $299.95. The lens reaches much further than the Stylus 830’s and at its widest, the lens is equivalent to 28mm in the 35mm format. The wide angle is useful for shooting expansive landscapes or large groups of people. In comparison, the Stylus 830’s lens’s wide end is equivalent to 36mm. The TZ3 has a 3-inch LCD monitor with 230,000-pixel resolution versus the Stylus 830’s 2.5-inch monitor. The TZ3 is almost twice as thick as the Stylus 830, so it won’t fit in most pockets. The TZ3 lacks face detection.
Casio Exilim V8 - The 8.1-megapixel V8 was announced in August 2007 at the same $329 introductory price as the Stylus 830. The V8 has a 7x non-extending optical zoom lens, longer than the 830’s 5x zoom. According to Casio, it is the “world’s slimmest digital camera with a 7x optical zoom.” Like the 830, the V8 has a 2.5-inch LCD, but it has slightly higher resolution; 230,400 pixels versus the 830’s 230,000 pixels. The V8 has other features in common with the Stylus 830, such as face detection and mechanical image stabilization. The YouTube Capture mode optimizes video clips for the Web.
Sony DSC-T100 – This is another of the few slim-bodied models with a 5x zoom lens. At $399, the Sony T100 costs $70 more than the Olympus Stylus 830, but there are justifiable reasons for the higher price. The 8.1-megapixel T100 has a stellar 3-inch LCD screen, the stabilized zoom lens is fully functional in the Movie mode, and it has a snappy Burst mode. These are areas where the T100 notably outperforms the Stylus 830. The T100 is a really sexy camera; its slim body and big LCD are sure to turn heads. The T100 has customizable slideshows, a wide ISO range, effective face detection, and HD viewing capabilities. All these factors combined make it a better option than the Stylus 830, if you have the money to spare.
