Olympus 1030SW

[bob_rock]

Hi,

I'm buying my first digital camera.Very Happy I have read a lot of different reviews / tests and other articles on the web so I know now a little what means what (in theory of course).But there are a lot and I mean a lot of cameras in the price range that I am willing to pay. I'm buying a compact camera for starters and I do a lot of backpacking. I'm very interested in Olympus 1030 SW because of its waterproof and shockproof body , but i read that it's not the best and not the worst camera in its class. I love the fact that you can dive 10m (33feet) with it. Did anybody test the camera under water and are the pictures ok , and does the waterproof and shockproof body makes up for the price and lack of picture quality (I don't mind so much the price). Me and my friends had a lot of bad experiences with sony and olympus they both died when we went skiing one from moisture (snow/water) and one from impact (i'm not gonna talk about fog on the lens ). So what do you think is it worth it ? Thank you in advance (sorry for my english )

[sk66]

Not much help here, but I'm also looking at these..
I will say that 10MP in a P/S is alot and any criticism of image quality is likely nit-picking...You can't compare it to a 10MP DSLR or even another larger "transition camera"....It's a super compact.

I don't think the specs can be beat for the price, and image quality will be more than adequate. (I've been using a 4MP Casio for years as my P/S)
I'm looking at it for it's overall durability for canoing, rock climbing, etc...
I'll still use my DSLR for most where a DSLR makes sense...But I've never found a good way to carry it when rock climbing and taking the DSLR canoing scares me...

Additionally, This would be a GREAT camera to let the kids use when they go creek walking/lake swimming/canoing...When it's kids and water, somehow we always ALL end up soaked.

My only problem is I was looking for a SMALLER camera than my Casio. This one's a touch larger (But, about the same size as my Casio in it's case!)

[mr_lemon]

It's unfortunate that Olympus is the only company doing waterproof cameras. While I applaud the idea and in some cases the build quality, I am disappointed that image quality takes a back seat.

I loved my first Olympus digital point and shoot, but I n the last 5 years I'm not sure they make anything that takes a good picture, compared to the competition.

That being said, these are pretty much your only choice when you need water proofing.

Here is a couple of things I read to keep in mind...

- shooting at the lower 5MP setting makes for better picture.
- be very careful with the seals, make sure they are clean, and close up the battery compartments properly before taking a dip.
- Supposedly the seals need to be replaced every year or so.

Still, really are there any other choices?

TOM...

[Nicole]

I have an earlier model of the Olympus (the 790SW) which has similar features. I've taken it out in the rain, stuck it underwater, run it under the tap, and it's held up so far. Mind you, I haven't put it in salt or chlorine water which may be something which would wear out the seals more. I've found the image quality pretty good on the 790, some distortion around the corners, but it's a P&S and I don't expect perfection. But I did want it for the waterproofing and dropability

[zannster]

Originally Posted by mr_lemon

It's unfortunate that Olympus is the only company doing waterproof cameras.

What about Pentax?