Olympus Stylus 790SW 7.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Orange) - Stylus 790SW Orange

Good waterproof camera

3/30/2008

We bought this camera because of its waterproof feature. We have just returned from a kayaking trip and the camera performed up to expectation. Based on other reviews, that expectation did not include good color reproduction and, indeed, color reproduction was not its strong point. We used it in manual mode which seemed to produce better pictures, but required us to learn quite a bit about the camera. Still, if you need a waterproof, small digital camera, this seems to be the best option.

So far so good

3/25/2008

I just picked up one of these for $225 yesterday along with a Kodak 2Gb Type H memory card. After reading reviews I was worried about picture quality & the card write speed, but I am completely satisfied by both. I had been using a 3.0Mp Nikon camera for home and 6.0 Mp Panasonic for work. Obviously this camera takes better pics than the Nikon, and I would say the pics are comparable to the Panasonic (which is good enough for me). I also wanted something for snowboarding that could take snow, wind, and rain as well as take continuous shots of my buddies dropping cliffs or hitting jumps. Based on reviews of the XD card format I was worried about continuous shooting. My buddy has an Olympus Stylus 820 with a 2Gb M type card that takes several seconds to write photos onto the card. Luckily, for bursts and video, the claims that the H type card is 2-3 times faster are true (for my setup anyway). I am able to take an UNLIMITED amount of continuous shots. Additionally, I can capture about 30 min of standard quality video. I'm a picky consumer, and kept my receipts in case I wanted to return it. For this combo however I am fully satisfied with my purchase. I have yet to test the water/shock proof features, but according to reviews that shouldn't be a problem.

Love the camera

3/24/2008

I found this just before leaving for a cruise. It's taken several droppings, it's been in salt water for about 10 hrs total and it's still taking great pictures. The quality is far better than any "water camera" you pick up at wal-mart for $10. I love that it's digital and so you can keep re-taking if needed.

With the right expectations this is a great camera. I wanted something small enough for a pocket, a good size screen on the back, take memory cards, a decent zoom, and easy to use. This camera delivers on all those. It dose have good battery life, nice land or under water pictures, nice color selections, and good buttons.

A few small short comings, it takes special batteries (AAAs would be nice, but not a big deal)and all the options are great but can be a little annoying sorting through.

If you want something simple and are reasonable about what your getting in such a small water tight package then you'll be happy. If your wanting something similar specs without the water proof/shock for the price you can do a lot better.

I would buy this camera again exactly the same if this one dies, it's allowed me great freedom while at sea and also out mudding in the Jeep cause I can just wash it off, no problem if it's dropped either. You can't beat that.

Bad customer service from Olympus

3/24/2008

My 16 year old daughter received the silver 790 SW for Christmas from a relative. The reason she chose this camera over others is due to the advertising of being shockproof, freezeproof, dust/rain/waterproof. She opened it on Christmas morning. It was with her at all times... and broken by Jan. 15. It fell about 3 feet from her desk at school. The LCD screen cracked. It remains cracked and black to this day.
I have been trying to get some help and answers from Olympus, and so far no one has responded to my queries.
When she gets another camera, it won't be an Olympus. Simply due to customer service.

Its Wife proof!

3/19/2008

Awesome! I bought the camera for my wife and she loves it, great pictures. It has a large screen so you can view your pictures. Best of all its almost wife proof. I would highly recommend the Olympus Stylus 790SW