Olympus Stylus 850 SW is an 8 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera that features 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, ISO range up to 1600 and all wrapped into a waterproof and shockproof body.
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Read More Reviews – (updated 10 October’08)
DPInterface
“Looking for a camera that you can take swimming and diving, and a lot of abuse? If you are, check out the Olympus Stylus 850SW. But otherwise, you mind as well treat your camera well and take a look at other similar (but less rugged) cameras which offer better image quality.”
TrustedReviews
“Although the 850 SW continues the rugged tradition of its predecessors, with bomb-proof build quality, attractive design and excellent overall performance, its restricted zoom range and limited list of features are starting to look a bit dated in today’s market.”
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PCAdvisor
“Judged side by side with the exceptional Nikon Coolpix P5100 in terms of shots captured, the Olympus mju 850 SW comes up short, but this is a truly durable and capable sub-£200 compact camera with all the manual controls you could want.”
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CNET.co.uk reviews the Olympus Stylus 850 SW | mju 850 SW and writes -
“If you’re in the market for an all-weather, tough compact camera, there’s nothing out there to compete with Olympus’ SW range. The mju 850SW’s image quality and handling might be a little frustrating in everyday use, but hit the slopes or the surf and you can simply keep on shooting when everyone else is too scared to try.”
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Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 850 SW and they write -
“This is a waterproof and shockproof camera. Picture quality may not be top drawer, but this is a fun camera you can take more or less anywhere with you. I also like the design.”
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GoodGearGuide – 25 February’08 – reviews the Olympus Stylus 850 SW and thinks is offers pretty peppy performance. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Past “tough” models have been on the slow side, but not the 850 SW. What really sets this camera apart is its build quality, which allow it to survive treatment that would render other cameras inoperative. One of the weakest aspects of the camera is he color balance which sad to say has not seen improvement over earlier models. Inaccurate colors reveal themselves primarily with indoor shots, however, outdoor pictures seemed normal.”
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ThinkCamera – 25 February’08 – reviews the Olympus Stylus 850 SW and it has just about every feature you would want plus you can take it in the shower. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Picture quality and performance may not be record setters but if you grade it on all around toughness it would get an A. The main reason this camera is so attractive is its toughness. To make sure your photos are good make sure and stay between ISO 64 and 400, anything above that suffers.”
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Actual Owner Feedback
“I have been very satisfied with my stylus 850sw. It has been on the construction jobsite with me as well as the jungles of Central America in the back of a truck.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I got this camera to take on a trip to the Yucatan. We did some snorkeling, but a lot of sightseeing as well. The camera did GREAT! I have videos of sea turtles, as well as some great shots of Mayan pyramids, monkeys, sunsets.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Both my husband and I purchased this camera (he in black, me in pink) and we’ve had them for about four months. We just returned from a rafting trip in Montana – and all I can say is – AMAZING!! Our cameras spent hours in and out of the water, his even got bounced on some rocks – and the photos they took are absolutely superb!”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I have had this camera for a few weeks and really love it! I have taken it to the pool with my godsons and gotten some really fun shots although not perfect clarity. I also took it to a concert and got some video. The picture was clear and the sound was surprisingly good!”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I was wanting a digital camera that I could use while fishing and not be afraid to get it wet. Not only could this camera take moisture, but it could also take some awesome underwater shots. I even accidentally dropped it while on the boat and it didn’t suffer any damage.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“All the features are great, except battery duration, and the fact that you need to take off the battery to get it charged.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at DPInterface]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample High ISO Test Photos at ThinkCamera]
Specifications
[Official Olympus Specifications]
Owners Manual
Press Release
London, 22 January 2008 – Olympus announces the shock and waterproof Stylus 850 SW. It is remarkably tough, offering protection against falls, water immersion and the freezing cold. It is an ideal choice for great image results no matter the intended photographic terrain.
It will be available from February 2008.
Building on the tough reputation of their predecessors – including the TIPA Award-winning µ [mju:] 770 SW – the new µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW set you up for adventure. Drop them in a muddy puddle on a hike through the mountains and don’t worry: simply wash the mud off in the next stream and keep shooting. Adventure is really yours for the taking. Go for dives in lakes or the sea and capture the wonders under the water’s surface, or take to the snow and immortalize those sub-zero moments. Whatever your lifestyle, these extraordinary, chic models take it all. Despite their tough attributes, image quality doesn’t take a back seat. Precision Olympus optics deliver true-to-life results, while integrated cutting-edge technologies provide intelligent solutions to ensure the flawless reproduction of subjects. In addition, a choice of several striking colors serves to further brighten the photo-taking experience.
The Olympus Stylus 850 SW
Sporting a sleek metal body in a choice of Starry Silver, Midnight Black or Metal Pink, the Olympus Stylus 850 SW brings the durability of the shockproof, waterproof line-up to everyone. Waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freeze proof to -10°C, this camera is ready for the bumps and bangs of everyday life. In conjunction with its tough exterior, the Stylus 850 SW boasts a hearty 8.0 Megapixels to guarantee the flawless capture of every detail. Digital Image Stabilization is also on board to reduce blur. For framing flexibility, a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) gets you in close, and the large 2.5”/6.4cm LCD makes it easy to quickly preview and review shots. In addition, an LED Macro Illuminator is available for enhancing shots of close-up subjects during macro photography.
All-round quality
The 850 SW incorporate Face Detection Technology for the optimal exposure and focus of human subjects. Shadowy compositions are no longer a problem either, thanks to inclusion of Shadow Adjustment Technology. And with BrightCapture Technology, low-light shooting is significantly improved. The integrated TruePic III image processor works to enhance not only speed, but also color reproduction and noise suppression for more realistic images. And for additional operating ease, Olympus has raised the number of languages on board to an incredible 38. Furthermore, the underwater case PT-041 is optionally available for the Stylus 850 SW for additional fun up to 40m below the water’s surface.
The ultra-tough Stylus 850 SW is the perfect companions for fun and outdoor adventure, and will be available from February 2008.
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Can anyone tell me how underwater shots turn out? Let’s say snorkeling shots? Better than a “throw away” camera?
Just tried out my new 850 in the local swimming hole and it works great. But, one thing, people will scream at you when you wade into the water with the camera on your wrist. Be sure to get the accessory floating wrist band.
I bought this camera before I came on deployment. I went to a water park in Dubai and about 30 minutes later it stopped working. I took all precautions the instruction book recemmended and it still didn’t work in the water. Hopefully i just got a deffective camera and Olympus will replace it.
I loved this camera for the first 4 months I used it swimming in salt water, having it go in the mud and everything. Although it was harder to get clear shots, the advantage of the durability made it worth it.
But unfortunately, Last time I went swimming there was error messages that that cover didn’t close and water got inside. It is now completely broken…
How long is battery life on the camera??
I bought this camera and I am not sure what to think. The battery did not stay charged long at all, maybe 1 day, and the shots are blurry even though they said they were focused. Inside shots are grainy. I chalked it up to a bum camera and made and exchange for the same after two weeks. I hope the new one is better or it will go back for a full refund. Anyone else had issues?? I had a Fuji Fine Pix that worked terrific until it broke. Was able to get crystal clear images on it. I am very frustrated with this camera. Some of the features don’t seem to work that great either. Have not used it in the water yet.
I’ve been pretty satisfied with the camera. I came from a 10px 7x Optical zoom camera to the 850 SW so as for quality it is a bit on the downside but my cameras never last more than a few months as I always tend to drop them or damage them, for me it’s fantastic… it even shaped up well after dunking it in my blue cocktail!
I’ve recently purchased this camera, and was so excited about using in water (i already had a ’snapshot’ camera, the SONY cybershot), but this intreagued me with his underwater capabilites, not just stills but video footage too. i’m very happy with the quality of the underwater shots and video, it just amazes my friends and they can’t get over that i’m taking my camera into the water with me! however, the only thing i’m complaining about & wondered if anyone else has had the same issue, is the sound on the video footage. it’s so quiet i dont hear it at all when playing back on the camera, and when i watch thru my pc, i have to turn the volume up until almost the maximum. when i shoot the same footage on the other camera at exactly the same time, the sony sound quality is great but i can’t hear a thing on the olympus. the olympus LCD screen quality is amazing. oh,i can’t seem to get the panoramic feature to work..i’ve finally managed to work out how to change from P to Auto mode (that was difficult enough), but what now? can anyone offer any advice on either of these 2 features please?
I had purchased the 790 SW about a year ago. I took it cliff diving in Hawaii and snorkeling almost every day. Took some awesome surfing shots. It lasted the whole trip until the last day I received the error message that the battery cover was open. I imediately took it apart and let it all dry. It began to work again and then the lense fogged up and now will only let me look at photos I have already taken. I purchased the 890 yesterday and after reading these reviews it doesnt look like much has changed. I am not going to take my camera into the water unless i absolutely need to. For those of you who have recieved the same error as me, call Olympus and send it in, you can get it fixed for around $100..
i have gone through two of these camers. I got one at the beginning of the summer in 2008 and took it on a cruise and it fell off the side of the table and the LCD screen cracked. The table was only 3 ft off the ground and the second one i got i took it to Mexico and had it in a 3 ft pool and somw how water got in the screen ad now its broken. Olympus has does nothing to replace them.
My boyfriend purchased this camera for my birthday last year in May and I absolutely love it. It takes pretty good and we took it with us to a few water trips and it did fine. I would recommend it =)
I have purchased two of these olympus stylus sw waterproof cameras and cleaned and treated them exactly according to instructions after snorkeling to a max of 6 feet – soaking for 10 minutes in a bucket of fresh water, pressing the ‘on off’ several time under water etc… BOTH!!! leaked ocean water. One new from the shelf leaked during the second time it was underwater, the other had been under about six times and one year old. Both are damaged and unusable. Very displeased. Will never purchase again with such poor response from olympus.
A Sony underwater owned by a friend, was also on the same three week trip. It had been underwater many many times over a couple of years and she simply runs it under the tap for 5 seconds after a salt water snorkel. It works like a charm. It also takes much better underwater macros.
I bought this camera one and a half year ago. At first, the new charger did not work. I went to the service center several times and finally the charger got fixed. but then i found that the camera has a very short battery lifetime. luckily i have 3 batteries. okie…. i bear with it
I used it for snorkeling in the sea for 2-3 times. I washed it according to the instruction every time i used it. Yesterday i go to snorkeling with the camera again. it leaked ocean water!!!
I will never buy an olympus again. compared to some other brands, its picture is not the best.
Olympus sw 850 underwater camera?!?
i bought this camera last year in singapore coz i needed one that is waterproof.. it was fine until i used it for the first time in the pool (nov 8, 2009) after juz some pictures the battery went low.. after a couple of pictures more it died..
the worst part is yet to come.. i went home to charge the battery.. and after charging it i placed it back in.. but it doesnt turn on anymore.. it is completely dead.. i read the instructions carefully several times before i used it in water to make sure i would not do anything wrong..
when i opened the battery and usb compartment there were some drops of water inside.. i tried to power cycle it but the only thing it does is the lens cover opening and closing but i cant see anything on the screen.. there seems to be moist inside coz there are white spots everytime i turn it on and it just dissapears after some minutes after turning the cam of and taking the battery out..
what can i do?
can it be repaired?
help!!!!!!!!!