This
Olympus Stylus 790 SW Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
Waterfront
The third generation Olympus SW digital camera, the Olympus Stylus 790 SW, gains a more elegant design in its all-metal
brushed silver compact body which is JeansPocket™
Certified. It basically retains its "toughness": it is shockproof and can internally withstand a 1.5m (5 ft) fall; is waterproof up to 3m (10 ft); and, is freezeproof to -10°C (14°F).
The Stylus 790 SW 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!
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. 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 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 and ISO 80
produces low noise images.
For those who want to stay a long time underwater
or go explore deeper, there is an optional PT-041 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 790 SW has an improved movie mode at 640x480 @ 30fps, adds Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a more practical Mode Dial. It handles well and, though
the buttons are on the small side, they are easy
enough to operate. [Those with large hands may want to try it out first.]
What do you get with an Olympus Stylus 790 SW? You get a tough and elegant digital camera that won't get damaged if you bump it, drop it, or dunk it. This is the digital camera you may want in your pocket if you travel a lot, do boating, hiking, skiing, and other sports activities. It is not afraid of falls, bumps, salt water sprays or snow. [Olympus advertises the 790 SW for the "casual active users" and the 795 SW for the "real active users."] It is easy to get good pictures with the Stylus 790 SW using any
one of its 27 shooting modes. Get it in one of four or five colours, depending on your country: Silver, Black, Blue, Orange and Green.
See if you fit the Olympus Stylus 790 SW User
Profile below:
Olympus
Stylus 790 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 3m / 10ft).
•
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.
