This
Olympus Stylus 770 SW Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
This
review has been submitted to DIWA
Awards [Total: 75%].
Peace
Not happy to sit on its laurel, Olympus has equipped its second generation SW digital camera, the Olympus Stylus 770 SW, with even more "toughness." We thought last year's Stylus 720 SW was built as tough
as it gets -- but the Stylus 770 SW improves upon it with waterproof capability up to 10m (33 ft); in addition, it is now also crushproof and winterized. The body is, of course, still shock proof
and can internally withstand a 5 foot fall.
This is a digital camera that can be used at the beach, boating on the lake or ocean, hiking, skiing, or just traveling
-- without worrying about bumps, knocks,
rain, mud, sand or dust!
The Olympus 770 SW is elegant in its all-metal
brushed silver compact body, which is JeansPocket™
Certified. The faceplate is available in three colours: Silver, Bronze and Royal Blue. It handles very well, and though
the buttons are on the small side, they are easy
enough to operate.
This camera is targeted to Point-and-Shoot photographers,
has 7.1MP resolution and a 3x optical
zoom. AUTO and 24 Scene Modes simplify shooting,
and more advanced photographers can also switch
to the Programmed AE (P) mode which provides control
over ISO (ISO 80 to 1600), WB, exposure compensation,
and light metering. Digital Image Stabilization
favours a high ISO and fast shutter speed to reduce
or eliminate blurring caused by camera shake and/or
subject movement (though the use of high ISOs introduce noise and/or loss of image detail).
The large 2.5-in. LCD monitor has a high
230,000 pixels resolution which, together with
a fast refresh rate, makes for a clear and smooth
display. The LCD monitor
gains up very well in low-light to permit
easier composition.
Startup is fast at about 1 sec. and shot to shot times are about 3 sec.
There is a slight practical shutter lag, though
pre-focusing takes care of that.
Image quality is good to very good and ISO 80
produces low noise images. Chromatic Aberration
is slight in high contrast shots.
Standard movies (with sound) can record 640x480
pixels at 15fps until the memory card is full.
For those who want to stay a long time underwater
or go explore deeper, there is an optional PT-035 Underwater Housing made of durable, high quality polycarbonate construction and which is waterproof up to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 40 meters.
The Olympus Stylus 770 SW is the perfect
digital camera to take with you if you do a lot
of traveling -- or if you have to use one in weather
conditions or rough situations when other cameras normally get put
away. It is easy to get great pictures using any
one of its 27 shooting modes. Compact, rugged
and elegant, it's a digital camera you
can safely take with you anywhere.
See if you fit the Olympus Stylus 770 SW User
Profile below:
Olympus
Stylus 770 SW
User Profile
•
Desire a quality 7.1 MP
resolution point-and-shoot digital camera.
•
Camera must be able to
take bumps, knocks and falls... and
keep working, even in cold temperatures.
•
Camera must be weather
and waterproof (up to 10m / 33ft).
•
Want a compact, JeansPocket™
Certified digital camera (small
fashion purse, jeans pocket).
•
Have no problem with small
buttons and dial as long as they are
precise and responsive.
•
Able to hold a small camera
steady and gentle with shutter release.
•
Like the WOW! Factor:
this camera makes a fashion statement.
