UK Digital Cameras Blog

A new model from Olympus is as rugged as it is innovative, a new review has suggested.

The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW digital camera has been praised in a recent article for the Indian Tech Gadgets website for its tough exterior and range of interesting features.

It is noted that the Olympus 1050 SW is shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof and incorporates touch-sensitive and motion sensing technology.

Nadine Clark, product manager of Olympus Imaging America Inc said that the purpose behind the model was to offer high-performance features that were easy for consumers to get to grips with.

“Consumers are familiar with motion-sensor technology from popular videogame controls that translate physical motion into electronic commands, she said.

“The Stylus 1050 SW employs similar technology. Adjusting the camera settings is intuitive, because the whole camera reacts to the way it’s tapped.”

The camera features a 10.1-megapixel sensor, is available in blue, champagne, silver and black - and is equipped with shadow adjustment, face detection, smile shot and red eye reduction.

The Olympus family of digital cameras have been praised in a review for the Trusted Reviews website.

It is noted that the Olympus FE-340 is a welcome eight-megapixel addition to the clan and has been able to build on some of the more successful elements of its predecessors.

The manufacturer’s previous FE model, the Olympus FE-250, is the most notable of these and the review notes that this camera was in itself “rather good”.

It adds that the Olympus FE-340 is equipped with a 5x zoom lens, as well as a 2.7-inch, 230k LCD monitor “which is sharp and bright, has excellent contrast and a nice fast refresh rate”.

The review states that the unit is available in a range of colours such as pink, black grey and silver and that its £120 price tag puts it “towards the budget end of the price spectrum”.

Other similar compact digital cameras which consumers may wish to consider would include Pentax’s Optio L50, the Nikon CoolPix S550 and the Sony Cyber-Shot S800.

Another addition is about to be made to the Olympus Mju family, according to reports.

Pocket Lint states that the digital camera manufacturer will next week release a new model into the range that is strong on zoom power but stays as slim and lightweight as a compact.

The site claims that the Olympus Mju 1060 is a ten-megapixel model that will be equipped with a 7x optical zoom lens as well as a range of other features - making it a great gift idea.

“Featuring … image stabilising technology and a three-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen, Olympus is hoping it will be the choice of the digital camera fan this Christmas,” the article adds.

It states that Advanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment and Intelligent Auto Mode are among the standard quality applications that will also feature in the camera.

Olympus’ other Mju models include the 840, 850, 790, 1010 and 1030.

The number of brightly coloured digital cameras currently available suggests that they are all the rage, a new article suggests.

In a post for the Crave website, Lori Grunin notes that the recent launch of two new models from Olympus are indicative of a trend for manufacturers to offer a splash of colour to their compact models.

Ms Grunin notes that the Olympus FE-360 and the Olympus FE-370 are both ultra-compact models that are equipped with an eight-megapixel CCD sensor and that the two cameras also “have similar attractive designs”.

“In addition to the staid black and silver and omnipresent pink, like many other manufacturers Olympus is offering this pair in eye-searing red and blue,” she notes.

However, some differences are apparent. The FE-360 boasts a 2.5-inch LCD screen in comparison to the FE-370 and although both have a 36-to-108mm-equivalent lens, the latter is a 5x zoom model, compared to the former’s 3x offering.

Consumers looking for a tough and versatile digital camera may be interested in a 10.1-megapixel model from Olympus.

According to the Adorama website, the Olympus 1030 SW is tough enough to handle most conditions and is built to be resistant to dust, water and shock as well as being freezeproof.

It is noted this means that for consumers with an active lifestyle, who may like to take adventurous holidays or take part in extreme sports, the Olympus 1030 SW could be the ideal companion.

“A rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 6.6-foot fall, drop or other mishap,” it states, adding that its waterproof seals allow it to “take underwater movies and amazing pictures in a pool, lake or ocean”.

In terms of features the Olympus 1030 SW is not lacking either, the unit is equipped with a 3.6x wide optical zoom, face detection technology, digital image stabilisation and the manufacturer’s BrightCapture system.

There are a number of things thrill-seekers should bear in mind when shopping for digital cameras, according to one expert.

In an article published on the Lindsay Post website, Michelle Finch states that outdoor adventurers need to consider what the camera will be used for and the conditions it will have to endure.

Whether a camera can deal with being bounced around on horseback or handle extreme conditions such as ice cold snow, intense heat or raging rapids, can be an important part of some people’s buying decision.

She states that one model, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW, claims to be just the right model, as the manufacturer claims it is “shockproof, waterproof, freeze-proof and, possibly most enticingly, shake-proof”.

The camera is a 10.1-megapixel model that weighs 200 grams and can be taken to an underwater depth of up to ten metres.

Olympus’ Stylus 1030 SW is available in silver of black and has a 3.6x wide optical zoom, face detection, BrightCapture technology and 24 scene modes.

A new digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) model from Olympus combines performance with practicality, it has been suggested.

In a review for the Trusted Reviews website, Jamie Harrison states the Olympus E-420 offers a high level of quality, while still managing to be lightweight and pocketable.

The ten-megapixel camera comes with a number of features that aim to bring out the best in your shots, including a 2.7-inch LCD screen and - although lacking image stabilisation - the camera is equipped with an autofocus function that can be used in the Live View mode.

“The Olympus E-420 is a pleasure to use and its simplicity combined with the more advanced features allows the newbie to learn and grow as well as just enjoying taking good images,” Mr Harrison concludes.

Also available in the manufacturer’s range is the Olympus SP-570UZ. The camera is a ten-megapixel model that, unlike the Olympus E-420, carries image stabilisation technology.

A new digital SLR model from Olympus is good enough to take on some of the best in its class, a new review suggests.

According to buy-n-shoot. com, the new Olympus E-3 has similar models from Nikon and Canon in its sights and has a list of features that could challenge their dominance of the digital SLR market.

The Olympus E-3 is equipped with a 270-degree 2.5-inch swivel HyperCrystal LCD screen and has an 11-point AF sensor, optional metering modes, exposure compensation, multiple focusing modes and noise reduction among other things.

The unit’s viewfinder and live view function is singled out for particular praise and the reviewer concludes that those serious about their shots may like to consider it.

“If you have had previous DSLR experience or you are enthusiastic and patient enough to take the time to learn, then the Olympus E-3 is a camera you should consider before making any final purchases,” it states.

The manufacturer has a number of other models available including the 10.1-megapixel
Olympus Mju 1030sw.

A new digital camera from Olympus has been put to the test this week by Computer Active magazine.

According to a review for the publication, the Olympus E-420 digital camera follows the manufacturer’s E-410 model and offers a ten-megapixel digital SLR which is worth attention.

The article states that the Olympus E-420 does have some similarities to its predecessor but adds that a number of things make the model “a step forward”.

“A new processor … in the E-420 does allows a faster shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second and Shadow Adjustment Technology now automatically adjusts tricky exposures so that detail in both light and shade is maintained,” the review notes.

A 2.7-inch screen is also welcomed over the Olympus E-410’s 2.5-inch model, however, it is pointed out that the resolution here remains the same.

For those looking for a more compact model, the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Mju 1030sw may be of interest.

A new compact digital camera from Olympus has been launched that a new review states follows on from one of its “rather good” predecessors.

According to an article for the Trusted Reviews website, the Olympus FE-340 is an eight-megapixel model that builds on some of the successful elements of the previous FE, the Olympus FE-250.

It is reported that the camera is equipped with a 5x zoom lens and has a 2.7-inch, 230k LCD monitor “which is sharp and bright, has excellent contrast and a nice fast refresh rate,” the review states.

Available in a number of different colours that include pink, black grey and silver the site notes that at around £120 “it is definitely towards the budget end of the price spectrum”.

As such, it notes, other considerations when looking at this model could be the Pentax Optio L50, the Nikon CoolPix S550 and the Sony Cyber-Shot S800.

“The build quality is good and the LCD monitor is outstanding,” the site concludes.