Olympus Stylus 850SW 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Pink)
From Olympus
The Stylus 850 SW is designed for active people who want a tough camera that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyles. Incredibly durable, sleek and stylish, the Stylus 850 SW is a must-have vacation and party accessory.Accidents happen. A rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 5-foot fall, drop or other mishaps. Innovative waterproof seals and gaskets allow you to take underwater movies and amazing pictures in a pool, lake or ocean. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other winter fun, this camera is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures. Tracks faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. With high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds you can freeze the action to capture sharp, blur-free images even if you or your subject is moving.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #14877 in Camera & Photo
- Color: Pink
- Brand: Olympus
- Model: B0011EAA04
- Released on: 2008-02-27
- Dimensions: 2.40" h x .84" w x 3.69" l, .29 pounds
- Display size: 2.5
Manufacturer Description
With the rugged and stylish 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW, Olympus proves that you do not need to be a windsurfer or snowboarder to appreciate a camera that is immune to five-foot falls, works in freezing snowstorms, swims with dolphins and survives everyday life with kids. Designed for the adventurer in all of us, the new Stylus 850 SW weathers harsh conditions in five stylish colors that make it attractive in action while it captures brilliant images to last a lifetime.
Olympus Stylus 850 SW Highlights
Shockproof design The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Stylus 850 SW minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera is dropped from heights up to 5 feet. Whether the camera slips out of a backpack or a toddler drops it down a staircase, the Stylus 850 SW can take life’s hard knocks.
Waterproof for underwater fun The Stylus 850 SW performs as well underwater as it does on land because its lightweight, aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can take photos while being fully submerged to depths of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 850 SW perfect for snorkeling or a day in the pool. It also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.
Freezeproof for icy conditions Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 850 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to hit the slopes when you are.
Dustproof for worry-free fun The rugged Stylus 850 SW is an ideal companion for a weekend in the great outdoors as it is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. Shoot without worry in the wind and when the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off and keep shooting.
Face Detection Technology Face Detection Technology tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
Digital Image Stabilization This camera features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to capture crisp, clear pictures. By boosting the camera’s ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and provides blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.
In-camera panorama In-camera panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image -- resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus Master 2 software to stitch up to 10 images together.
Shadow Adjustment Technology Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. Shadow Adjustment Technology compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.
2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 850 SW features a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD that displays clear, high-contrast images. HyperCrystal technology increases the LCD brightness for better visibility in low-light and bright-light situations -- perfect for composing pictures underwater or in direct sunlight. Images are also viewable from more than 140 degrees, enabling photos to be composed from a wider range of angles and viewed by several people at once.
Perfect Shot Preview The Stylus 850 SW features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. This feature enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.
Perfect Fix in-camera editing The Stylus 850 offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.
Practical and fashionable accessories Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 850 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures in depths beyond 10 feet (3 meters), Olympus offers the PT-041 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures in depths to approximately 130 feet (40 meters). A red floating wrist strap frees consumers’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave, and a trendy silicone skin protects the camera from scratches.
Olympus also offers premium cases in a variety of new colors, including cream plaid and gray plaid as well as a new brown leather, which features a masculine wallet design. The premium cases are also available in black, pink and red leather. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions, and they are available in black and olive. The new olive color neoprene case features a carabineer, which can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. A neoprene armband case is the ideal accompaniment for surfing, hiking or any activity where having free hands is a must.
Olympus Master 2 software Olympus Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.
Superb 
First off, the cons, since they're most important
-XD Picture Card.
This is the biggest thing that irks me, since XD is a dying brand and Olympus refuses to give it up. However, since working with it, i've found nothing really bad about xd, only that it's like sd but just a tiny bit bigger, so don't worry about this.
-Doesn't come in orange.
Oh well, I think i'll live with silver (which is very nice by the way)
-Has an odd "favorites mode" i probably won't use*
*see below for disclaimer
-Panorama only works in P mode
Who cares, i take all my pictures in that mode anyway (But it took me a while to learn that)
-Low battery
For some odd reason, i get a low battery signal even when i know i've got a couple of hours left. No big deal, i carry an extra battery with me all the time.
Uhhh, i truthfully can't think of anything else
Pros:
-Rugged
This camera is a beast. I don't think you can break it. i saw C-net freeze two of these things in a block of ice and when i was at National Camera Exchange, they literally swept it off the counter and let it crash to the floor. It also feels really sturdy in your hands
-Waterproof
What can i say, built in waterproof. Does that mean i don't have to worry about the rain or snow? Yes. Yes it does.
-Compact
For all it's ruggedness, this camera is small. Thin, with a lens you don't have to worry about protruding.
-Easy to use
Comparing it to some Cannon brands at a store, this camera was WAY easier to use and was a lot faster in selecting modes, types of shots, ect.
-Panorama
Has an in camera panorama that is amazingly easy to figure out. First time i tried it, i got exactly the type of shot i wanted, no learning curve. Stitches three pictures together in camera. Perfect for those spectacle nature shots and whatever else you need to capture. (note: Panorama only works with an xd card, and not compatible with the micro sd to xd converter that you get in the box)
-LED lamp
Super bright white LED on the front for those really dark shots. You can also turn it on when the camera isn't on, really useful if you need it in a cinch.
-Surprising Video
Can take video in 30fps, which came out really good. Option of 15fps as well.
-Quick shot view
has a button to press while in camera mode to quickly view shots. When finished, press shutter half way and it zips back to camera mode.
-Very, VERY fast
Even when it wasn't pre-focused, the shot time was in under a second. When pre-focused, the speed really was instantaneous. (as in feeling like an SLR speed)
-8mp
Excellent image quality. Outshot cannon models in outdoor shots bar none. Indoor, we found cannon did it a little better, but that was digitally zoomed in all the way, comparing it side by side with some hesitation. ergo, it's so small, who cares, and even then the quality was still amazing. But if you're that passionate about perfect pictures, you need an SLR.
-3x zoom
Not kidding, a 3x OPTICAL zoom with a lens that doesn't protrude from the camera. Since it's 8mp, i don't think i'll use the zoom, but wow, it really does work.
-Fast startup
With no external lens to push out, startup time is blazingly fast.
-Favorites
If you set a picture in your favorites, it can never be erased from the camera (unless removed from favorites) even when formatting internal memory as well. Plus, you can set one of these pictures to your menu background, which is a nice touch.
What else can i say, this camera really took me by surprise. It has everything i could want in a camera, plus it's amazing durability. Great buy, suggest getting one of the packs that Amazon offers if you want a really good price. If you want to see it, compare it, hold it, test it, whatever, i suggest heading over to National Camera Exchange. They should have it, and they really know they're stuff.
Amazing
So i purchased this camera to take with me on my trip to cancun where im planning on doing some snorkeling, although i still have not taken the camera on the trip i have already used it and know what its capable of. The camera has the BEST image stabalizer and anti-blurr system i have ever seen, my brother took the camera to a nascar race and took a picture of a car going over 175mph right infront of him and there was no blurr. It has a great macro setting to take close up pictures, i took a picture of a quarter on my desk from about 1 1/2 inches away and it looked amazing, same with a picture of a flower (the built in LED bulb for macro shots helps a lot!). The VGA with 30fps only takes 10 seconds of video which sucks, but it u do VGA with 15fps (frames per second) you can do up to 30 minutes, and i could not tell a difference between the two when i uploaded two similar videos i shot to test it. The camera takes great pictures, and the 20+ shot modes help out sooo much. (candle lit mode for that special night, sunset mode, fireworks mode, underwater wide and 2 other underwater modes, night mode, portait, everything u can think of.)I tested it under water at my local pool and it works great, very fine underwater pictures, the lens has a metal lens cover that closes when u turn off the camera and its very durable (ex. when my dog grabbed it from my hand and ran off with it) nothing but a few minor scratches. sorry for the long review but i wish i had a long one when i bought it, would have helped me make a decision much faster. Camera only goes 10ft so the underwater case is a must if you are going scubadiving, i will at the end of march and ill update the review to let u know how that is. Hope this helps, all in all, this is a great camera!
Great for older kids!
I was looking for an 'unbreakable' camera for my hopelessly clumsy 10 year old who begged me for one as a birthday gift. Considering that my dad trusted me with an SLR when I was 10, I decided to give her a chance too - but with precaution. I've read many reviews that the picture quality of the Olympus 850 SW was not so great - and that's true if you're so used to Canon and Nikon (we have both in point and shoot and dSLR).
However, the greatest features of this camera are it's capability to take shots under water and it's being shockproof (6-ft drop). Taking shots in rain, snow, or other wet conditions - as well as wild conditions - is worry-free. If the picture quality is not as important as HAVING pictures on those occasions, then using this camera is a no brainer. The 24-scene modes, framing, labeling, shadow fix, etc. are just bonuses in my opinion - though my daughter loves experimenting with them. It does not offer much in the way of manual control, but I guess that's the point of a point-and-shoot.
She's taken it swimming many times now and it always amazes me to see our own smiling faces under water! Maybe the pictures are less vivid than I would have hoped - but for that, I would have to buy an underwater case for my Nikon D80 - and spend twice the cost of my original camera :) So until I'm an avid underwater photographer, I can settle for my daughter's Olympus 850 SW.
I must add though, that the battery life is quite mediocre. It must be charged after only less than a hundred shots in VGA mode. Opt to get a second battery.
