This
Olympus Stylus 830 Review is based on a production
model. All sample images are unretouched, except
where specified.
Eaton Centre
The Olympus Stylus 830 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot digital camera with 8.0MP resolution and a 5x optical
zoom. AUTO and 22 Scene Modes simplify shooting. More advanced photographers can switch
to Programmed AE (P) mode which provides control
over ISO (ISO 64 to 1600), WB, exposure compensation,
and light metering.
What differentiates the Stylus 830 from other 8MP P&S digital cameras is that it is weatherproof, which means it can keep taking pictures even when it starts to rain or in conditions the camera can get wet or dusty. It can therefore be used at the beach, boating on the lake or ocean, hiking, skiing, or just traveling
-- without worrying about rain, sand or dust! Though splashproof, it is, however, not waterproof and cannot be soaked under water, like the Stylus 790 SW can.
Sensor-shift Image Stabilization helps reduce blur due to camera shake and Digital Image Stabilization
favours a high ISO and fast shutter speed to reduce
or eliminate blurring caused by subject movement.
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. If you are tired of not being able to see the image on the LCD in low-light, the LCD monitor
of the Stylus 830 is one of the best I've used in low-light, gaining up very well to permit
easier composition.
Startup is fast at about 1 sec. and shot to shot times are about 2.2 sec.
There is no practical shutter lag. Image quality is average for 8MP digicams with ISO 64
producing low noise images but higher ISO images are noisy and lose detail.
The Olympus 830 records movies at 640x480 30fps with sound. Other useful features include Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a practical Mode Dial. Handling is good and though
the buttons are on the small side, they are easy
enough to operate. Those with large hands will want to try it out first.
You can even use the Stylus 830 as a travel Alarm Clock. For those who travel a lot, that's one less gadget to carry.
The Olympus Stylus 830 is for those who want an easy-to-use P&S digital camera that they will use mostly for 4x6 in. prints and for Web display -- and if you live where the weather is rainy most of the year, you definitely will love its all-weather capability.
See if you fit the Olympus Stylus 830 User
Profile below:
Olympus
Stylus 830
User Profile
•
Desire a 8.0 MP
resolution point-and-shoot digital camera.
•
Camera is protected against water sprays and rain.
•
Want image stabilization and easy-to-use scene modes.
•
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.
•
Wants a bit more zoom than usual (5x vs. 3x optical).
