Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (Black)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc. Part number: 226345
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Other cameras may deliver better image quality and performance, but none can survive the range of conditions that the Olympus 1030 SW was designed for.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (Black) price range: $599.00
- Reviewed by: Theano Nikitas
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 09/05/2008
- Released on: 03/01/2008
The good: Rugged, sealed body that's waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, and freezeproof; solid build and design, onboard Guide for beginners; live preview.
The bad: Average image quality and performance.
The bottom line: Other cameras may deliver better image quality and performance, but none can survive the range of conditions that the Olympus 1030 SW was designed for.
Olympus has some of the roughest and toughest cameras on the market, most notably the 10-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, a compact, point-and-shoot camera that's rugged enough to outlast any contestant on Survivor. But you don't have to be exiled or an adventurer to take advantage of the camera's waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof specifications.
Although the 1050 SW is newer than the 1030 SW, don't let the numerical sequence fool you. The 1030 SW succeeds the 790 SW while the not-quite-as-tough 1050 SW replaces the 770 SW. What you really need to know is that the 1050 doesn't match up to the 1030's capability to withstand pretty much anything you can throw at it (or throw it at). While the 1050 SW is shockproof to 5 feet, waterproof to 10 feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the 1030 SW beats on all counts and adds a few extras. You can drop the latter from a height of 6.6 feet, take it underwater to a depth of 33 feet, haul it out in 14-degree weather and attempt to crush it with up to 220 pounds of pressure. A 3.6x wide-angle zoom lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 28mm-102mm also sets it apart from its siblings.
You only have to look at--and hold--the metal-bodied 1030 SW to start believing that this compact camera is rugged enough to withstand everything Olympus promises. At the same time, the camera is attractively designed; at 3.7 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.8 inch and 6.8 ounces fully loaded, it's compact enough to carry in your pocket while you're hiking up the side of a mountain or around your wrist while diving a shipwreck or a garden of coral and pretty fish.
Scuba divers should note that underwater time is limited to one hour. If you want to take the camera deeper or on an extended dive, check out Olympus' underwater housing for the 1030 SW. Also, anyone using the camera under, on or near the water should be aware that the camera is not buoyant--if you let go, the camera's going to sink.
But you don't have to participate in extreme sports to benefit from the camera's tightly sealed seams. Gaskets and O-rings, as long as you maintain them, will keep out water, snow, sand, dirt and other assorted tiny debris that would wreak havoc with more vulnerable digital cameras.
Like most snapshot cameras, the 1030 SW lacks an optical viewfinder. But its 2.7-inch, 230K-dot LCD features a wide angle of view and, with its five-step brightness adjustment, can be tweaked to work reasonably well under most conditions. If you're diving in dark environments--East Coast shipwrecks come to mind--you may have some problems viewing the display. But midsummer swimming pool conditions with bright sunlight overhead improves the LCD's underwater usability.
Given the camera's physical dimensions and the LCD's size, the controls are pretty small and tightly grouped. If you have large hands, try the camera before you buy it (which we recommend for all camera purchases). More important, even though the camera can handle subfreezing temperatures, you may not be able to handle the 1030 SW while wearing heavy gloves. It's going to be interesting to see how well the 1050 SW's new TAP control interface works since that might be a good option for the 1030 SW's successor.
On the plus side, the 1030 provides easy access to settings through its dedicated controls and function button, a good thing since I've never been crazy about Olympus' virtual menu system. Since the 1030 SW is strictly point-and-shoot, you probably won't be fiddling with too many adjustments, but when you do, the function button will provide quick and easy access to settings you're most likely to change: white balance, ISO, drive mode, metering, and image quality.
The 1030 SW offers the requisite Auto, Program AE, and Movie modes along with a variety of scene modes, including special underwater options. However, the camera is tricked out with a couple of cool features. Live preview allows you to see how different settings--white balance, for example--will affect the photo you're about to shoot. And beginners will appreciate the 1030 SW's onboard Guide. Just choose from one of more than a dozen shooting situations or tasks (such as backlight or brightening a subject) and the Guide will offer options and automatically set the camera for whatever selection you make. It's a good learning tool, too.
Although performance is improved over the 790SW, speed isn't one of the 1030 SW's big selling points. Although start-up time is a respectable 1 second, it takes close to two seconds between shots without flash and more than double that with the flash. At only 0.8 second, the burst mode won't keep up with action. But autofocus is fairly responsive and its shot lag of 0.5 second under optimal conditions and 0.6 second in dim, is minimal.
While colors reproduce accurately, the camera's bright exposures can sometimes make them look a bit washed out. Although test shots show good detail, the photos tend to be soft. In fact, the 1030 SW isn't going to score many points for sharp focus. Overall, the photos look pretty pleasing, though.
Let's face it; other cameras will deliver better image quality, a broader feature set, and faster performance at the same price or less. But you're not going to find another camera that's as tough as the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.
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User reviews
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The everything camera
by king1117 on June 6, 2008
Pros: Destruction proof
Cons: Its a brick. Olympus card needed for panoramic mode
Summary: If your the type just shooting fun photos, keeping memories...this camera is perfect! I've gone through 6 cameras, shatterred LCD screens, water damaged, boring...the moment i got ...
Summary: If your the type just shooting fun photos, keeping memories...this camera is perfect! I've gone through 6 cameras, shatterred LCD screens, water damaged, boring...the moment i got this camera I ran to the sink and started to soak it in water. I then took my camera and dunked it in my fish tank and took photos. I love it. 10 mega-pixels is more than enough for me. All the old reviews included not being able to take longer movies but update the camera with the new firmware to take care of that problem. I have a Micro SD stick in it and can take 800 photos or 45 min of 30 spf movie clips. The only you cannot do with the micro-sd stick is use the panoramic function. You need the Olympus type H card to do so but i will never use that feature ever.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Camera is NOT waterproof
by loneale on November 22, 2008
Pros: works well in the rain
Cons: camera is not waterproof when taking pictures underwater
Summary: I bought this camera specifically to take pictures snorkeling in Fiji. I had used it in the rain and it was fine. Minute I tried to take a picture underwater (...
Summary: I bought this camera specifically to take pictures snorkeling in Fiji. I had used it in the rain and it was fine. Minute I tried to take a picture underwater (less than 1m down, and it should be good to 10m) it broke. Water leaked into the body, ruining the card and battery. Thankfully it was a new card and I didn't lose any pictures.
I am NOT the only one this happened to. Another woman at the resort I was at had the exact same camera and it broke the exact same way. I, now camera-less and complaining about it, met three other people who had similar problems. Everyone who has one of the 700s or the 850 has no problems. But the 1030 is faulty.
Thankfully, the camera was under warranty and it was repaired and the battery and card were replaced. I still won't trust it underwater however. I'm going to buy it a case.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Leaked 2nd time in water
by Robmoo on August 21, 2009
Pros: Compact and takes a fall
Cons: Not water proof
Summary: save your money
Summary: save your money
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Best camera I was able to find!!
by richard98754 on November 29, 2008
Pros: Great picture quality, even for moving objects.
Cons: The buttons are kind of small for people with fat fingers.
Summary: I searched online for 3 hous to try and find a camera for my wife for Christmas. I thought I had found the perfect one. Then I went into Best ...
Summary: I searched online for 3 hous to try and find a camera for my wife for Christmas. I thought I had found the perfect one. Then I went into Best Buy to pick it up and when I tested it on walking people, it was blurry. Cnet and the reviews it got were great, but to me it was garbage. So I started to test around. This camera was by far superior in every way to the one I seached so long to find. The picture quality, even for moving objects is outstanding. The zoom is even clear. Menus are easy to navigate as well. I am dumb when it comes to cameras, but this one is easy to use for those of us who know nothing about digital cameras. So if you want simplicity, great picture quality, and a tough camera, this is definitely the way to go!!!
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Outstanding addition to the SW lineup and 10 megapixel
by HedhuntrNC on May 24, 2008
Pros: Waterproof to 33ft, shock and crushproof, wider angle lens, underwater movies
Cons: Sharpness and zoom
Summary: I am very impressed with this new addition to the Olympus SW lineup. I have owned the 720 SW and 790 SW and wanted a 10 megapixel camera with a ...
Summary: I am very impressed with this new addition to the Olympus SW lineup. I have owned the 720 SW and 790 SW and wanted a 10 megapixel camera with a higher quality movie mode. Olympus has just released an Xd PLUS memory card (1 and 2 meg) that allow you to take VGA videos up to the capacity of the card - 17 minutes. This camera takes excellent photos at 10 megs or 5 megs and video quality is much improved over earlier models. It is easy to use, safe enough to allow 6 and 8 year old grandsons to use and has a wider 2.7" view finder. I have used it in snowy mountains and in the pool with great results. This camera is a better buy than the 850 SW for the extra money for the 33 ft deep underwater ability and 10 megapixel with a wider angle lens.
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Tough camara, but....
by jmwho on March 21, 2008
Pros: big LCD screen, tough, waterproof
Cons: Picture quality
Summary: you could get far better picture quality out of a camara at alot lower price, if you want to give up the toughness!!
Summary: you could get far better picture quality out of a camara at alot lower price, if you want to give up the toughness!!
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
- Part number: 226345
- Description: The Stylus 1030 SW is one tough camera. The shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and dustproof design gives active people the confidence to take this camera anywhere and shoot in nearly any condition. Plus, the wide-angle lens lets users capture more of what they see. It is great for divers, surfers, rafters, skiers and anyone with an active lifestyle.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.7 in
- Depth 0.8 in
- Height 2.4 in
- Weight 6 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
- Body Material Metal
Main Features
- Resolution 10.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,700,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,100,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.35 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 5 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Candle, Indoor, Sunset, Auction, Cuisine, Documents, Fireworks, Landscape, Anti shake, Beach/snow, Night scene, Sports mode, Behind glass, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Night portrait, Panorama assist, Shoot & select 1, Shoot & select 2, Underwater macro, Underwater wide 1, Underwater wide 2, Landscape-portrait, Underwater snapshot, Available light portrait
- Special Effects Sepia, Frames, Saturation, Black & White
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 4 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Matrix
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (daylight), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Digital Video Format AVI
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 5.2 frames per second
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480 - 8 sec - With 14MB built-in memory, AVI - 640 x 480 - 16 sec - With 14MB built-in memory, AVI - 320 x 240 - 19 sec - With 14MB built-in memory, AVI - 320 x 240 - 38 sec - With 14MB built-in memory
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 14.7 MB Flash - XD-Picture Card
- Integrated Memory 14.7 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Digital Storage Media None
- Image Storage Fine JPEG 3648 x 2736 : 3 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 3648 x 2736 : 5 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 2560 x 1920 : 6 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 2560 x 1920 : 12 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 9 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 19 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 15 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 30 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 1280 x 960 : 24 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 1280 x 960 : 47 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 89 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 640 x 480 : 163 - With 14MB built-in memory, Fine JPEG 1920 x 1080 : 14 - With 14MB built-in memory, Normal JPEG 1920 x 1080 : 28 - With 14MB built-in memory
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 3.3 ft - 13.4 ft
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5 mm - 18.2 mm - F/3.5-5.1
- Focal Length 5 mm - 18.2 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 28 - 102 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 19.7 in
- Macro Focus Range 2cm
- Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.1
- Optical Zoom 3.6 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 10 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Olympus
- Features ED glass, Aspherical lens
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 12 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Direct print, Face detection, Audio recording, Auto power save, Shock resistant, Cropping an image, Histogram display, Resizing an image, Built-in manometer, PictBridge support, PRINT Image Matching, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, Digital noise reduction, Display brightness control, In-camera panorama preview, Automatic Pixel Mapping (APM)
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x xD-Picture Card
Software
- Software Olympus Master, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows Vista, Apple Mac OS X 10.3 or later
- Peripheral Devices USB port
- System Requirements Details Windows 2000/XP/Vista - Pentium III - 256 MB - 500 MB, MacOS X 10.3 or later - PowerPC G3 - 256 MB - 500 MB
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Underwater Depth up to 30ft
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Wrist strap, microSD to XD adapter
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Olympus Li-50B
- Supported Battery 1 x Olympus Li-50B Li-ion rechargeable battery - 925 mAh ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 14 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Min Storage Temperature -4 °F
- Max Storage Temperature 140 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 30 - 100%
- Humidity Range Storage 10 - 90%
Product series
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Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (Silver)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: Ultracompact, 10.1 megapixels, 3.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 14.7 MB - XD-Picture Card
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Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (Black)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: Ultracompact, 10.1 megapixels, 3.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 14.7 MB - XD-Picture Card
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Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (Green)
Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc.
Specs: Ultracompact, 10.1 megapixels, 3.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 14.7 MB - XD-Picture Card
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Olympus America Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Olympus America Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.olympusamerica.com/
- Address:
Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747 - Phone: 631-844-5000
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