Latest – Review and Sample Photos by DPInterface (added 17 October’08)
Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a 10.1 megapixel digital camera and it features 3.6x optical zoom lens, waterproof, digital image stabilization, 2.7 inch LCD, and an ISO range from 80 to 1600.
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Read More Reviews – (updated 17 October’08)
DPInterface
“As of whole, image quality produced by the camera was just satisfactory. Noise levels were controlled until ISO 400 where it started to get muddy and barrel distortion on the camera’s 28 mm lens was present in most cases.”
Digicamera
“The Stylus 1030 SW is the camera a lot of divers have been waiting for. It brings 10-megapixel resolution to scuba diving without the need of an underwater case. It’s also the most rugged Olympus Stylus camera yet, being able to survive huge drops from almost seven feet and freezing temperatures.”
CEN
“The 1030SW is currently the top of the line camera in the family that supports the deepest water depth. Olympus offers up the 1050SW but it only has a rated depth of 10ft.”
PCMag
“You’d think a camera that’s constantly exposed to the elements would require a lot of upkeep, but surprisingly, the 1030SW proved to be low-maintenance. I rarely saw water spots or clouding on the lens or in pictures.”
Rating: 
PhotographyReview
“Of course, I’m a picky pro with access to the very best photo equipment available. For me, the bottom line is usually publishable, magazine quality photos. But for most people reading this review – especially those of you who fish, hunt, ride bikes, surf, etc. – the 1030 SW may be your dream camera.”
CNET
“Let’s face it; other cameras will deliver better image quality, a broader feature set, and faster performance at the same price or less. But you’re not going to find another camera that’s as tough as the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.”
Rating: 
DigitalCameraInfo
“The Olympus 1030 SW is both a treat and a disappointment. We love the idea of a camera we can mistreat in a wide range of difficult shooting situations without having to worry about babying our gear. And while image quality wasn’t stellar, it was certainly acceptable for a compact camera.”
Overall, Review was Favorable: 
ImagingResource
“You won’t find the best image quality, although if you don’t look too closely you’ll be happy with prints up to 8×10 inches at lower ISOs; and you can still get decent 5×7’s as long as you don’t go above ISO 800.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
DCResource has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Undoubtedly, the Stylus 1030SW’s weak spot is its photo quality. On the positive side, the camera took well-exposed photos, with pleasing, saturated colors, and it also keeps purple fringing at bay. The bad news is that these photos have heavy noise reduction, and substantial blurring around the edges of the frame (no doubt due to the lens design).”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
InfoSnycWorld has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Pros: Tough as Conan the Barbarian; possibly tougher. Cool little mode-wheel on back. Helpful panorama modes.
Cons: Clumsy interface. Only supports xD and microSD. Making features proprietary to Olympus xD cards is underhanded. Image quality poor for this price range.”
Rating: 
T3 has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Olympus has manufactured the essential camera for festival goers, travelers, families with kids, the chronically clumsy, or anyone who likes life outdoors and/or dropping things. Superb stuff.”
Rating:
CNET.co.uk has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Make no mistake, this is a genuinely tough camera, suitable for genuinely tough expedition work — as well as family daytrips to the beach. It’s easy and fast to use in most conditions, has a lovely wide-angle lens and just enough modern photo smarts (such as face detection) to hold its head up in company. Image quality doesn’t quite reach the heights of similarly priced rivals — but then those cameras can’t literally reach the heights (or depths) that the 1030SW attains with ease.”
Rating:
Photoxels has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Digital Image Stabilization favours a high ISO and fast shutter speed to reduce blurring caused by camera shake or subject movement. The use of high ISOs, however, do introduce noise and loss of image detail, and so the 1030 SW gives its best when used in the bright outdoors.”
Rating:
Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“The MJU 1030 SW is a tremendously tough and rugged camera. It is small enough to slip into a pocket and takes a good snap shot too. This camera is well worth considering if you are looking for a robust, take anywhere camera.”
Rating:
DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW definitely has the rugged qualities needed to fulfill its mission. If you need a waterproof, shockproof, coldproof, and crush-proof camera, it absolutely fits the bill and it even looks good doing it. Operationally, the camera works well and operates quickly, but could have better battery life and an easier user interface.
If you don’t need the rugged features, however, then this camera is not a great choice. Image quality is less pleasing than just about any other available compact digital camera over $300, making it hard to justify the high cost if you don’t need the ruggedness the 1030 SW offers.”
Rating:
DigicamReview has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“The camera produces very good images that are colourful, pleasing, richly saturated with good exposure, and noise is generally low. You also have the option to use the Shadow Adjustment feature to bring out extra detail in the shadows. This camera should survive wherever you take it, and has a screen that works in any situation, including bright sunlight. The camera is quick to use, and easy to use. Given the excellent value for money this camera provides, and the almost endless features, I’d highly recommend this camera!”
Rating:
NeoCamera has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Let’s face it, those looking for a really tough camera are looking for the Olympus Stylus 1030SW. This camera’s tough exterior can take a beating like no other and be taken underwater up to 10m, enough for water sports and snorkeling. Just keep it well attached, because this metal camera does not float.”
Rating:
LapTopMag has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Even after we had taken 30 10-MP shots, the 1030 SW continued to perform speedily. It took the camera 1 second to turn on and off and 5 seconds to ready itself for consecutive shots, which is respectable but not impressive. We were also happy with the battery life; a single charge allowed for several days of light use.”
Rating:
TrustedReviews has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“For those possessed of an adventurous spirit, such as skiers, gap year backpackers or snorkelling enthusiasts, the Olympus mju 1030 SW could be the answer to their dreams. The build of this camera is fantastic and a remarkable feat of engineering in what is usually a delicate electronic instrument.
The image quality lets it down a little, but compromises must be made somewhere, and I imagine this is an area sacrificed for the convenience of robustness. That said, if you are climbing a mountain, for example, it’s better to have a tough camera that takes average pictures than a perfect camera that’s broken.”
Rating:
PhotographyBlog has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Also in its favor, this is a camera that is fast in operation and as easy to use as it is sturdy – as it should be if you’re hurtling down the slopes with it or diving into the pool at the villa. The negatives are those unimpressive (at this price point) plastic controls at the rear, and an image performance that is just above average, though the shadow adjustment is a nice touch that provides better results with minimum fuss. The Olympus Mju 1030 SW comes with a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind should you indeed test it to breaking point.”
Rating:
PhotoReview has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“Pictures taken with the test camera appeared very similar to test shots from other Olympus digicams we’ve reviewed recently. Saturation was generally well controlled, although reds were a little emphatic. Exposure metering was generally reliable in each of the modes supported. Autofocusing was reasonably fast and accurate in bright conditions but slowed down noticeably in dim lighting.”
Rating:
StevesDigicams has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a great camera for an active and adventurous person or someone looking for a waterproof model. The combination of style, durability, performance and quality make this an excellent choice if you are in the market for a 10-megapixel compact camera of any type. With a MSRP of US$399.99 the 1030 SW offers an excellent value for the versatility and features provided.”
Rating:
DigitalCameraInfo has a first impressions review of the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW and they write -
“The 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030SW now lets casual divers record higher resolution images of fish and underwater fauna. This digital camera is the toughest on the market – even tougher than the 770SW. It can be smashed, dunked, frozen, and dropped and the warranty will still be valid. You won’t get that from any other digital camera.
As far as the camera’s inner features go, the 1030SW is solid, but won’t satisfy you if you want manual control. It is brief with controls and instead opts for lots of automated features and a long list of Scene modes. Still, it’s an easy-to-use point-and-shoot.”
Rating:
Actual Owner Feedback
“I have used this camera in the pool and in the water park for many times and it has worked great. No leaks or any other problems. Picture quality is average/mediocre compared to other digital cameras in the same price range at around $300+”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Was shocked to see that Olympus warrantee excludes damage caused by water, shock, or “abuse” to a supposedly waterproof, shockproof and crushproof camera. After the horror stories I see posted on the Internet regarding Olympus “No Service” and charging people to fix their defective/leaking cameras, I’m considering contesting the credit card charge I bought it with.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“We took this camera to Puerto Vallarta last August. It did really well with pictures taken on the outside. The underwater pictures were great too. The only problem I have with this camera is the fact that when in movie recording mode, you can’t zoom.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Amazing camera! It traveling to Iraq and is doing great in the sand and heat!”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Appears to be a nice product, but if the LCD goes black then you have no view finder and no access to the functions. The camera only worked for a few days so I would not recommend it.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at DPInterface]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyReview]
[Sample Photos at DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at Photoxels]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at DigicamReview]
[Sample Photos at NeoCamera]
[Sample Test Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Test Photos at StevesDigicams]
Specifications
[Official Olympus Specifications]
Owners Manual
Press Release
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 22, 2008 – Scuba divers, mountain climbers and adventurers worldwide rejoice today as Olympus unleashes the new 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.
“The Stylus 1030 SW is one of, if not the toughest camera on the market, built strong enough to withstand some of the harshest conditions,” said Mark Hoffman, director, Product Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Now with more pixels, a bigger, brighter LCD, and greater durability, it features innovative technologies designed to make getting the best image easier than ever.”
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 – the flagship of the SW line – 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 Software 2 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.
Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Stylus 1030 SW will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.
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.
Availability
The Stylus 1030 SW will be available in March 2008. It includes: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).
