Olympus Stylus 1050 SW: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-06-17

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Review:

The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW is the latest in Olympus' line of Stylus lifeproof cameras. It features 10 megapixel resolution, 3X optical zoom lens and is freezeproof (down to 14 degrees F), shockproof (built to withstand a 5 ft. drop) and waterproof (to 10ft.). In addition, it features a new Tap feature, which allows you to access some camera features simply by tapping on the back or sides of the camera - this is great when you're wearing heavy winter gloves and you can't operate the small controls.

The camera also comes with face detection autofocus, Smile Shot, which automatically detects when your subject is smiling and takes the shot for you, and a large 2.7 inch LCD display. The display features live preview of camera settings so you can see what the image is going to look like before you take the shot and a viewing angle of 170 degrees, which is nice for taking pictures in awkward positions.

Rating:

3.4 out of 5

Quality

You have to give any camera high marks for quality if it can be dropped from 5 ft., operate in water up to 10 feet deep, and work in freezing weather. Even if you never plan to use it underwater and you live in the tropics, it means this little jewel is built like a tank. Digital cameras are pretty sensitive devices, and you won't have to handle this one with kid gloves. It also makes the perfect camera to give younger folks who might be a bit rough on their cameras.

Performance

Apparently most of the cost of this camera went into the weatherproof and shockproof construction. Many users reported poor image quality, especially with moving subjects. The ISO sensitivity of the small sensor causes too much noise at higher ISO's required in action shots. Some users were perfectly happy with the image quality, but I suspect they weren't taking many pictures in high ISO settings. In addition, the display is almost impossible to see in bright sunlight. Another common complaint was that the combination sliding lens cover/power switch was constantly turning the camera on when in a pocket or purse and draining the batteries.

Summary

If you need a rugged, all-weather point-and-shoot camera, you probably should give the Stylus 1050 SW a try, but be sure and try it out in a store that will let you look at some test images you've taken, as image quality seems to be the number one complaint about this camera. But if most of your picture taking will be in excellent light, you'll probably be happy with the image quality. And it's the kind of camera that will at least allow you to get a shot that you wouldn't be able to get at all with a less rugged model.

Pros

Shockproof (to 5ft.)
Waterproof (to 10ft.)
Freezeproof (down to 10 degrees F)
Face detect AF

Cons

Image quality is suspect