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- Outstanding build quality
- Waterproof, freeze-proof, drop-proof and crush-proof (within limits)
- Speedy performance
- Mediocre image quality
- Expensive
We found the best review of the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW at Steves-Digicams.com. The reporting there is incredibly detailed and includes many photos, but the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming at times. Britain's PhotographyBLOG.com is nearly as detailed. TrustedReviews.com doesn't delve as deeply into things, but it still does a good job covering high and low points. There are also several user reviews at Amazon.com.
If you are looking for an everyday camera, experts say you should look elsewhere; on the other hand, if you ski, dive, kayak, rock climb, mountain climb or take part in almost any other type of rugged outdoor adventure, the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a runaway pick. It's waterproof down to 33 feet, freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and drop-proof to 6.6 feet. Beyond that, the feature lineup is a mixed bag. The camera lacks optical image stabilization, but it includes face detection and shadow adjustment technology. Critics say the picture quality is only decent. If you don't need a camera that can withstand outdoor abuse, we found better reviews overall for the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250).
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The reviews at Steve's Digicams are incredibly detailed and complete, including rigorous, consistent testing and well-explained results. The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is complimented for its rugged construction and speedy performance. The site evaluates picture quality on dry land and underwater, and calls it "a great camera for an active and adventurous person or someone looking for a waterproof model."
Review: Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Review, Editors of Steves-Digicams.com, Apr. 3, 2008
Reviews at Britain's PhotographyBlog.com are very detailed and complete, and picture quality, performance, ergonomics and more are all discussed. The reviews are also nicely illustrated, with tons of sample images to help readers judge image quality for themselves. Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (which is known as the Olympus Mju 1030 SW outside of the U.S.) is recommended, but just barely. Still, he says that the camera's rugged build is "genuinely useful."
Review: Olympus Mju 1030 SW Review, Gavin Stoker, Apr. 11, 2008
The reviews at this British site aren't as detailed as those at the sites above, but they still discuss cameras -- including the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (known as the Mju 1030 SW in Europe and Southeast Asia) -- in reasonable depth and provide sample shots. Jamie Harrison says the image quality is a bit of a let down, but that the excellent build quality makes the 1030 SW a good choice for some.
Review: Olympus Mju 1030 SW, Jamie Harrison, Apr. 16, 2008
4. Amazon.com
Most users among the more than 150 postings here -- especially those who bought the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW for adventure use -- seem pleased. Most complaints revolve around the less-than-perfect image quality, which echoes what we see in professional reviews.
Review: Olympus Stylus 1030 SW, Contributors to Amazon.com
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