Olympus Stylus 1030 sw

[Keri]

Hi :)

I am considering picking this up as a little point and shoot and I like that it can be submerged in the tank as well. I have a Nikon D40 that's great but I want something that fits better in a purse, can anyone tell me what their experience with this camera (inside and outside of the aquarium) is? I have seen some cool macros by OCD I think.
Photo examples would be appreciated!!
Do you think it's worth the pricetag? I used to have a samsung slim 'n wave (I think I paid 3-something, on sale from $400) that took INCREDIBLE macro shots until it crapped out on me a little over the warranty date, but it wasn't submersible.
Thanks!!!

edit: oh poop! Would a mod mind correcting the spelling of "stylus" in my thread title? Thanks!!!

[Keri]

Hmmm... reading this review is making me reconsider... :(

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3444

[str255]

If you are considering the 1030SW, you may also want to consider/wait-for the "new" model, the "STYLUS TOUGH-8000", which s/b available soon (Feb. in the US, anyways) ... more info at http://www.steves-digicams.com/pr/olympus_01072009_stylus_tough_pr.html.

I picked up a 1030sw in december specifically for its toughness and underwater abilities (for skiing, skating, waterpark events ... and of course some future in-tank shots) ... didn't want to worry about handling the camera with kiddie gloves in the elements.

I am happy with it's performance with respect to how I had planned to use it. Considering only picture quality and ergonomics, I've had a couple of compact Canons and I find them clearly better.

A couple of quick pro's/con's:
Cons
- easy to get your fingers in the picture
- weird video rec modes ... I think ... in one mode you cannot zoom but get sound; in another mode you get sound but cannot zoom; I don't think you can get sound and zoom together
Pros
- its toughness and underwater capability
- a macro mode using a built-in led light ... helps prevent over-exposure (e.g., if the flash was used instead)
- can use microSDHC cards

[Keri]

Thank you for all of the info!! I may wait for the newer model, if it produces a better picture as well.


I'm not going to be too rough (hopefully!) with the camera, but it's nice to have some security, I know my heart stops for a second if I fumble with the DSLR lol

[BlueAbyss]

This thread has some shots from this camera... http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=48911 I'm considering looking for someone to buy my Panasonic Lumix LZ8 so I can get one of these.

[mark]

Have a 770SW so a little bias but I think the camera is excellent for what it's made for. Sure there's better cameras but can they go from the beach, to the surf, then under it. They're fairly cheap, rugged and compact, don't need to worry about it in the rain and can left your kid go wild.

Check this post (http://canreef.com/vbullehttp://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h316/das75/Phil_backgnd_lrg.jpgtin/showthread.php?t=42077&highlight=olympus) by Diana for some underwater shots with a 720SW.

[24storm]

These shots in my thread are done with a 720s. By the way i have no idea what i am doing when it comes to cameras so i thought this one would be perfect to just drop in the tank and shoot away.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=39015

Keith

[Keri]

Thanks for the examples!

I like this shot:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f349/canadiandawn/tank018.jpg

[kipsix]

I can't speak for the 1030, but I have the 790SW.

I'm truly surprised it's still going. Mine shows visible signs of abuse. I use it for snowboard/skiing, and regularly make a 'tripod' out of snow. I take it for ocean kayak training where it spends hours in and under the water, or dangling from my kayak attached to the deck rigging. I clip it to front rack of my ATV when we go offroading, and usually have to spend time cleaning mud out of it.

Mine has dents, scratches, nice scars, and I have yet to be disappointed in the pictures it takes.

That's just my experience abusing it though.

[mossman604]

i own it and i dont like it, it shoots to slow and not the best quality on the other hand it does some cool stuff, i took it white water rafting

if you get any underwater camera purchase the extended warrenty.

[msobon]

Some macro shots taken by the SW1030 Model :

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220513.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220512.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220510.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220509.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220508.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P7220506.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P6260032.JPG

http://sobon.ca/AP/75%20Gallon/P6260013.JPG

I would say if you're looking for a underwate camera or a camera to take for that trip that involves water and dirt then this one is for you.
If you're looking for a day to day use this camera may not be the best in it's price range. Shots are ok from a point and shoot, need to tinker a little to get good shots i.e. don't leave it on auto but actually choose the right setting for what you want to do.