Product Description

8-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD with 5-level brightness adjustment * 3X optical zoom (5X digital/15X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm * top JPEG resolution: 3264 x 2448 * digital image stabilization * shockproof metal body designed to withstand a 5-foot drop * waterproof down to 10 feet for underwater shots * performs in below-freezing temperatures down to 14°F * airtight build keeps out dirt, dust, and other particles *

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #390 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Yellow
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 226335
• Released on: 2008-02-12
• Dimensions: 2.40" h x .84" w x 3.69" l, .29 pounds
• Display size: 2.5
• Included Software: Yes

Features

• 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
• 3x optical zoom; Face Detection
• 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD; Perfect Shot Preview mode
• Waterproof to 10 feet; shockproof to 5 feet
• Stores images on xD Picture Cards (not included)

Manufacturer Description

With the rugged and stylish 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW, Olympus proves that you do not need to be a windsurfer or snowboarder to appreciate a camera that is immune to five-foot falls, works in freezing snowstorms, swims with dolphins and survives everyday life with kids. Designed for the adventurer in all of us, the new Stylus 850 SW weathers harsh conditions in five stylish colors that make it attractive in action while it captures brilliant images to last a lifetime.

Olympus Stylus 850 SW Highlights

Shockproof design The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Stylus 850 SW minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera is dropped from heights up to 5 feet. Whether the camera slips out of a backpack or a toddler drops it down a staircase, the Stylus 850 SW can take life's hard knocks.

Waterproof for underwater fun The Stylus 850 SW performs as well underwater as it does on land because its lightweight, aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can take photos while being fully submerged to depths of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes the Stylus 850 SW perfect for snorkeling or a day in the pool. It 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 conditions Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 850 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready to hit the slopes when you are.

Dustproof for worry-free fun The rugged Stylus 850 SW is an ideal companion for a weekend in the great outdoors as it is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles. Shoot without worry in the wind and when the camera gets dirty, just rinse it off and keep shooting.

Face Detection Technology Face Detection Technology 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 This camera 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. Shadow Adjustment Technology 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.

2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD The Stylus 850 SW features a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD that displays clear, high-contrast images. HyperCrystal technology increases the LCD brightness for better visibility in low-light and bright-light situations -- perfect for composing pictures underwater or in direct sunlight. Images are also viewable from more than 140 degrees, enabling photos to be composed from a wider range of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Perfect Shot Preview The Stylus 850 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. This feature 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 850 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.

Practical and fashionable accessories Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus 850 SW. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures in depths beyond 10 feet (3 meters), Olympus offers the PT-041 underwater housing, which enables users to take pictures in depths to approximately 130 feet (40 meters). A red floating wrist strap frees consumers' hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave, and a trendy silicone skin protects the camera from scratches.

Olympus also offers premium cases in a variety of new colors, including cream plaid and gray plaid as well as a new brown leather, which features a masculine wallet design. The premium cases are also available in black, pink and red leather. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are perfect for active or outdoor expeditions, and they are available in black and olive. The new olive color neoprene case features a carabineer, which can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. A neoprene armband case is the ideal accompaniment for surfing, hiking or any activity where having free hands is a must.

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.

Customer Reviews

Love it!
It's a great little camera. I use it for the quick grab shots of friends,family and activities and I purchased it for it's ability to be used in different environments. I had upgraded from the 720SW due to some additional features. It seems like I'm always on a river or around water. I like the Olympus cameras as they are easy to figure out and use. Results are good and the true test came when I went on a float trip down a river with a bunch of friends. We were all on inner-tubes which means no-one is holding still for a picture. I'm constantly moving and the subject is constantly in motion. I put it on the stabilizer setting and got a lot of sharp images.

I went river rafting down the Colorado River in May and used the 720sw and again the shots were absolutely great!
Both cameras got dunked under water on these trips so for me this is a great series of cameras.

Love it :-)
Overall great camera that is easy to use but takes great pictures in any condition!

Almost perfect
I bought this as my "field" camera while out hiking, trail running, X-Ctry skiing, etc when I don't feel like carrying our normal load of camera gear. It also goes with me when deployed and field exercises with the Army.

Other than dropping it, I have put it through its paces and it continues to take quality photos. The stabilization feature works well for photos in daylight but longer exposures have noticable shake. The pictures are crisp, telephoto is more than adequate and basic macro photo is possible with this camera. It is lightweight and slim enough to be a truly portable, go anywhere camera. It really is waterproof and produces very good (but not excellent) underwater shots. The quality of photos surpasses my expectations of a point and click digital and captures plenty of detail for memorable photos. For the price, I don't think there is a better camera on the market with these features.

The only point against this camera is the battery. It does not last long enough and if you put it in backwards or upside down it will get stuck and be nearly impossible to remove (see other reviews and their own manual). This is just poor engineering/design; a simple change in the shape of the battery would prevent this flaw.