Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Silver)

Other products by Olympus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 0.8 x 2.4 inches ; 6.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0011E87QI
• Item model number: B0011E87QI
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (229 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,424 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 22, 2008

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Scuba divers, mountain climbers and adventurers worldwide will love the 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, the toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world. This shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof model builds on the Olympus Stylus SW series’ reputation of delivering amazing images while enduring extreme expeditions and everyday adventures, including life with kids.

Even more durable than its predecessors -- it can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet -- the camera has also been pumping up its power with a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and digital imaging advances, including Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a TruePic III image processor to capture rich, vibrant detail with every shot.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW Highlights

Shockproof and crushproof design Afraid the mountain winds might sweep a camera out of your gloves? Never fear, the Stylus 1030 SW can withstand a 6.6-foot drop with its shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. In addition, the Stylus 1030 SW features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of crushing pressure.

Waterproof for underwater photos The Stylus 1030 SW performs as well underwater as it does on land because its lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can be fully submerged to capture beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were taken. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 1030 SW perfect for taking photos while snorkeling or scuba diving. Additionally, movies are simple thanks to an underwater movie mode. The camera 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 action Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 1030 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to climb the mountain or hit the slopes when you are.

Dustproof for desert winds The rugged Stylus 1030 SW is an ideal companion for an expedition in the Sahara because its airtight construction is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. When the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off with your canteen.

Advanced HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 1030 SW boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD.

Wide optical zoom in ultra-slim body design The Stylus 1030 SW features a 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot -- perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body, so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Face Detection Face Detection 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 The Stylus 1030 SW 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. The Stylus 1030 SW addresses this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which 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.

Perfect Shot Preview The Stylus 1030 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. Perfect Shot Preview 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 1030 SW 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.

LED Illuminator An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting -- great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.

TruePic III image processor Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III image processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

New, powerful battery The Stylus 1030 SW includes the new LI-50B Li-Ion battery, which charges 2.5 times faster (two hours instead of five) than its predecessor. The new 925-mAh battery boasts a 25 percent increase in power.

Practical and Fashionable Accessories Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 1030 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers the PT-043 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly visible floating wrist strap frees users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera from scratches. Skins are available for the Stylus 1030 SW in a new stealth gray color.

Additionally, Olympus offers premium cases in a variety of colors, including a new cream plaid, a new gray plaid as well as camel and red leather. The premium cases are now also available in a new brown leather wallet-like design. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. The neoprene cases are available in black and a new olive color. Carabineers now come with the neoprene cases so they can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts.

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.

Product Description

The Stylus 1030SW is designed for active people who want a tough camera that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyles. The Shockproof & Crushproof casing is a durable metal body that has an innovative shock-absorbing construction with a floating circuit board that can protect the Stylus 1030SW from drops up to 6.6 feet and withstand 220 lbs of pressure. If you ever wanted to take pictures of aquatic life now you can, the Stylus 1030SW has Waterproof seals and gaskets that keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 33 feet underwater. When you're skiing or snowboarding you will enjoy the Freezeproof and Digital Image Stabilization features that allows you to take perfect photos of fast moving subjects in cold climates up to -10c/14f. With the 10.1 MP setting you can capture high quality images and then easily view it on the 2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD display at extra-wide viewing angles even in direct sunlight.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

203 of 206 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great little camera that takes VGA 30fps videos for more than 10sec!, April 17, 2008

By	Elmira (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews

After 5 years with a 5MP Olympus Camedia C-50 with the underwater housing, I decided it was time to upgrade. We only used the underwater housing to protect the camera from the elements when we went sailing. We used it a couple of times to go snorkeling, but it wasn't worth the bulkiness of the housing.

So, that being said, I went looking for another camera that was waterproof--we could take it on the boat or for the occasional swim without buying an underwater housing. The options were limited with the Pentax and the Olympus. I went for the Olympus because we were happy with the old camera and still have a few xd cards. I went for the 1030sw since it is the latest and greatest. So far I am glad with my choice.

In the box: The camera, USB cable (not the same camera connection as the old one), audio/video cable, microSD converter (put the microSD card in to fit into the xd space), Olympus Master Software, battery, and wall plug-in charger (no more cord--although the manual says in some areas a cord is still used). No xd-card is included.

I took the camera right out of the box and started playing. I took videos of my dog and plenty of pictures of him, too. I loved it! It is strange to me not to have an eye viewfinder, but I am getting used to it. It is super easy to use and I had so much fun dropping it in a bowl of water to test it out and having it work! I've ruined a camera before because it got wet, so this was the coolest feature!

I bought the camera even though I knew it only took VGA video at 30fps for 10sec, which was a disappointment, but I figured I could live with it. Well, after registering the camera a couple of days ago, I got an email this morning saying that an update to the firmware was available that would allow longer video at 30fps! Yea! I upgraded the firmware (through the provided software) and tried it out and it didn't work. Then I re-read the email--an M+ or H xd card is required. The older (or cheaper) M xd cards don't allow for the longer videos at 30fps. So, I ran out and bought a 2GB M+ xd card and sure enough, I can take VGA videos at 30fps for as long as the card can hold. That does away with that negative!

Let's get down to the pros and cons:
Pros:
*small & lightweight,
*takes nice pictures,
*easy to change settings (a quick click on the "ok" button and you can change settings,
*lots of available features on the camera itself (it even has a selection that will "guide" you for certain things),
*nice big LCD

Cons:
*the xd card--just about every other camera out there uses an SD card and computers don't have built-in xd reading capability,
*it doesn't have a remote to take group photos--the c-50 did and I loved it because I didn't have to set the timer and run into the picture--I'm going to miss that,
*it is easy to get your finger in front of the lens--I will have to learn to keep my fingers off to the side.

It doesn't have all the features of an SLR, but hey, it isn't an SLR! For a point and shoot, it does enough for me. I have the SLR for the "big" projects and this is for the times when I don't want something bulky and want to take pictures. I can't wait to take it on the boat or snorkeling!

I highly recommend this camera for someone looking for a sturdy camera that is waterproof (not just all weather) and easy to carry around. Go for the M+ xd card for the video capability (I went for the 2GB). I would also recommend protective covering for the LCD (I'm thinking about the silicone cover, too). An extra battery is always nice, too, but it doesn't seem necessary so far--I've been playing with it for 3 days running around taking videos and pictures and it still shows a full battery even though I don't think I even charged the battery all the way when I first got it because I was so excited to play with the camera.

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Olympus 1030SW - I like it!, March 20, 2008

By	Andrew S. Cohen (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I, after much research, purchased this camera about a week ago. Since then I have shot about 100 pictures both indoors and out, on cloudy and sunny days. I have also shot quite a few macro photos on both manual and automatic settings. I have experimented with some the scene modes. I have not tested the movie mode and have not dropped it, frozen it or submerged it yet (however I am going snorkeling in the Bahamas next month). The build design is definitely rugged and the fit and finish is excellent. This is the best built point and shoot I have ever handled. The LCD is big and bright and the buttons and menus are well designed and laid out. Flash seems consistent with other point and shoots in this category (so-so).

Photo Quality: For the most part I am pleased with the photos, especially those taken close up using all three of the macro modes. Outdoor pictures in sunlight were sharp and clear. Cloudy day photos lacked a little sharpness that I felt I got more of with my Canon 870 however I also think that I need to experiment with the spot metering focus mode versus the ESP metering mode. I know my Canon had 9 point AiAf focusing which seemed to make more objects in the photo in focus. I don't think this camera has the same type of focusing system. I haven't really tried the face recognition feature that much but it did work when I tried it in the store prior to purchasing. The color reproduction seems accurate to me and the photos I took outdoors on a sunny day seemed to really pop. Indoor photos seemed overly noisy however this has been consistent with other point and shoots that I have owned (Canon S500 and 870).

Value: The price of this camera is admittedly high however it does offer features that other point and shoots in this category don't. The crush, freeze and water resistant features are compelling. I typically have very high expectations for items that I purchase and initially was a little disappointed with this camera. However as I use it more and take more pictures with it I am becoming increasingly satisfied. It's not a digital SLR and it doesn't have a lot of manual controls, viewfinder, light-up-the-night-sky flash, etc. It is a very well built, extremely rugged and water proof (to 33ft) 10MP digital camera with a decent LCD, zoom and software that takes good point and shoot quality photos.

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Point and Shoot - Special features balance make it great, May 27, 2008

By	Arthur Held (Missoula MT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This camera is NOT a replacement for a good DSLR. If you aren't expecting that, you won't be disappointed by this Point and Shoot (P&S) camera.

This camera offers strong features for a "take it anywhere" camera - water PROOF (to 30 feet) drop proof (to 6 feet) and dust proof. After a month of dragging it everywhere, I think the claims are real. I've gotten it soaked, dropped it, and been in wind-blown dirt without any damage or crud appearing on my shots.

The camera also offers numerous metering modes for shooting. The auto exposure is current with today's best P&S technology. Once you learn the menu system, you can get a good shot almost anywhere, and the default setting works well almost anywhere.

Yes, it is 10MP. No, it won't rival shots from a Canon 40D (unless you have really cheap glass on it). But you will get shots that don't fall apart into blurriness when you crop them or blow them up a bit, the colors will be good, and you'll have it with you, in your pocket, not home in the camera bag.

Downsides? Sure, there are a few, and they will probably vary by personal taste. Mine include:
1. There is NO finder window, you MUST use the view screen to frame your shot. It's awkward for those of us accustomed to a view finder. But I've learned... (and I'm over 50, so you probably can too ;))
2. The menus are not complex, but there are a lot of options. There are settings that work for "instant" shots. But for more challenging situations there are great options - especially useful is the "portrait flash" options that let you highlight a face while not losing the background. It actually works as advertised.
3. The lens is limited in aperture. This type of camera does not let you stop down to f/11 for that "perfect" depth of field shot. You are shooting around f/5 and changing the exposure time as you select different settings. What it sees is what you get.
4. It's small. I have several great shots -- that feature my finger over the left 1/3 of the lens.
5. it has the usual metering delay of P&S - so you can't take a TRULY instant shot - but there IS a feature called SHOOT&SELECT - which takes about 8 shots in "motor drive" mode - you then pick one or more that you want to keep. (you must do it NOW - before going on to the next shot, and it does take a moment for them to save.) But for action shots of kids, its fun and works well.

SUMMARY: For a camera you can throw in your kayak, drop off your bike, keep in your jacket pocket, and let your kids take pictures from the monkey bars without worrying about, this is the perfect fit.