Product Description

Less than 0.8" thick, this versatile, compact digital camera is designed with the signature style and performance for which the Stylus line is renowned with the added benefits of Shock and Waterproof technology - perfect for any situation, durable enough for shooting in any conditions. From hiking, surfing and skiing to parties and Little League games, the solid, shock-absorbing design combines with waterproof sealants to deliver clear, vibrant pictures of whatever, whenever, wherever.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24180 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 720SW
• Dimensions: 2.40" h x .80" w x 3.70" l, .38 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 7.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 20-inch prints
• Camera is shockproof from 5 feet and waterproof to 10 feet
• 2.5-inch Bright Capture LCD display; 3x optical zoom
• Features digital image stabilization and QuickTime movie (with sound) modes
• Bright Capture Technology aids in LCD viewability, low-light image capture, and photographing moving subjects

From the Manufacturer
The SP-720SW is the latest evolution in the Stylus series--a digital camera that can withstand a 5-foot drop, shoot under water up to 10 feet, and capture phenomenal photos in any situation. The Stylus 720SW combines light, durable body construction and shock-absorbing materials throughout the interior with the sealant technology used in Olympus underwater housings. The fully-featured, compact Stylus 720SW offers 7.1 megapixels, 3x optical Olympus zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, Bright Capture Technology, Digital Image Stabilization Mode, and much more. Designed for everyday use yet versatile enough to shoot on the mountain, at the game, at the party, on the beach, or under water, the Stylus 720SW is a breakthrough digital camera. Olympus introduces a durable, high-quality camera that doesn't skimp on style or features.

The 720SW is both shockproof and waterproof.

The rugged Stylus 720SW is packed with a wealth of premium features, such a large 2.5-inch LCD and Olympus's exclusive Bright Capture Technology, which provides dramatically improved shooting in low-light conditions--indoor, sunset, night time, and underwater. The combination of Olympus's TruePic TURBO Image Processor and the 7.1-megapixel image sensor captures crisp, high-quality images quickly. And the 28 shooting modes--including Digital Image Stabilization Mode--offer maximum versatility for shooting in most any situation.

Designed to Withstand Drops up to 5 Feet
Built with durable materials and shock-absorption technology that minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry, the Stylus 720SW delivers superior durability in a premium point-and-shoot digital camera. Swimming, surfing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, or snowboarding--the 720SW performs in any conditions.

Waterproof to 10 Feet
By combining a lightweight, metal, all-weather exterior with rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal the camera's interior, Olympus delivers a slim body design that performs as well under water as it does on land. The camera can shoot under water to depths up to 10 feet. The large 2.5-inch LCD, Bright Capture Technology, and four underwater scene modes make this the perfect camera for the pool, beach, or snorkeling. Want to dive deeper? The PT-033 underwater housing, designed specially for the Stylus 720SW, enables the camera to shoot at depths up to 130 feet.

The 720SW is ultracompact at a mere 0.78 inches wide. (Shown here from the top.)

Stylish, Compact Design
Like all Stylus series digital cameras, the 720SW is defined by high performance, durability, and style. In addition to the shockproof, waterproof construction, the Stylus 720SW features the metal body and clean, smooth lines that make it the ideal pocket camera. At a thickness of less than one inch--3.6 by 2.3 by 0.78 inches (W x H x D)--the camera easily slips into a pocket, handbag, or backpack.

Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography
Low-light photography has never been easier, thanks to Olympus's revolutionary Bright Capture Technology. Shooting in low light is easy with a brightened preview on the LCD--and with specific scene modes for high-sensitivity settings (up to ISO 2500) and rapid autofocus, even fast-action photos can be captured under low levels of available light.

Digital Image Stabilization Mode
The Stylus 720SW also features Digital Image Stabilization Mode for capturing crisp, clear pictures--free from the blur sometimes caused by camera shake or moving subjects--with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speed.

The large 2.5-inch LCD. Bright Capture Technology aids in both viewing and capturing images.

Large 2.5-Inch LCD
With a bright 2.5-inch LCD, the Stylus 720SW easily doubles as a portable digital photo album. The larger LCD makes it easier to see your images clearly both when shooting and sharing photos with friends without having to download to a computer.

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor for Superior Image Quality
The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 720SW delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints--up to poster sizes as large as 16 by 20 inches.

High-Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus lenses are known worldwide for producing sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus ED and high-refractive lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower from as close as 2.8 inches.

TruePic TURBO for High-Speed Response
Olympus's exclusive TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release, and playback. TruePic TURBO enables the Stylus 720SW to capture information from all 7.1 million pixels with pixel "micro-smoothing" that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensure a high-speed response, so your camera is always ready to take great pictures.

28 Selectable Shooting Modes
With 25 preprogrammed scene modes, such as Beach and Snow, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, and Under Water Snapshot, the Stylus 720SW makes it easy to capture beautiful images in a variety of lighting and shooting situations. And with its QuickTime Movie Mode, the Stylus 720SW can also record VGA-quality videos with sound, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD-Picture Card in the camera.

PictBridge Enabled--No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge technology enables your photos to be printed directly from the Stylus 720SW to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. And the one-touch Print button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier.

In-Camera Editing
With in-camera editing features such as red-eye fix, resizing, adding frames or text, and color brightness or saturation adjustments, you can edit photos anywhere with ease and touch up or embellish your photos without your computer.

Easy USB Autoconnect
Connecting the Stylus 720SW to a computer is easy with the USB Autoconnect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software.

Olympus Master Software
Olympus Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades, and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Customer Reviews

720SW gets 3.5 stars
I'd give this camera 3.5 stars for the money.

I arrived at the decision to buy this camera after a bit of circuitous route. Long ago I loved my old Nikon CP-990. Then I had a kid and for the first year or so it was ok. But after he started moving around on his own I found the camera to lacking in focus speed, frames per second and a few other tech specs. Not wanting to spend a fortune shooting him with my F3 Film camera so I got a D-70 and life was good, still is.

However as he gets older and more adventurous we find ourselves in places I dare not take the "nice" camera. The pool, the beach, the sandbox, muddy days, the creek etc. At the same time my wife wanted a pursable camera so that we could have something with us at all times without lugging around a rig.

So a pocket Point and shoot (PNS) seemed to be in the cards. I was all set to get the Pentax Optio WPi when Olympus announced the 720SW. It was good to 10 feet instead of 5 and was shockproof and had a form factor liked better than my wife (bigger LCD). So we held out and bought it. I've had a chance to play with it a couple of weeks and this is my impression.

Pros-
Small - Fits in the pocket/purse without issue.

Faster than yesterdays PNS for turn on, focus and lock time
Easy to use - Has the standard full auto mode and some "scene" modes that are easy enough to figure out. They tell you what they are for and give sample pictures.

Build Quality - I've never seen a point and shoot built like this. You could put this thing on the end of a chain and use it as a weapon and then take pictures of your vanquished foe afterward. Its tough. It has an all metal frame that surround it, the front plate is plastic, the back glass, metal and plastic. It feeds very solid. I haven't tested its robustness yet but its good.

Internally focusing lens - You know those cameras that stick a snoot out when you turn them on? I find that somewhat annoying but more importantly I've seen those die when you get dirt or sand in the snoot. I've lost a couple of film PNS that way and seen a few digitals go down as well. Everything here is internally focusing. Its sealed, nothing to stick out or break off. I let my 2 year old play with the camera, he didn't break it but seems to instinctivally grip it with a sticky finger on top of the lens.

Lenscap - The Pentax WPi does not have a lenscap! This one does. I once heard the salesman say "oh but it has a protective plastic cover in front of the lens so it doesn't need one" Ookkkay, so the lens doesn't get scratch, the cheap non replacable plastic in front of it does. Its still a scratch in front of your picture! The olympus has a more robust wiper type lenscap that can sweep stuff away instead of getting gummed up.

Waterproof - This trick more than anything else is why I got the camera. Take it to the pool, take it IN the pool and get cool pictures. Pay the beach no head, splashing at bathtime, no worries. My son gooped it up pretty good, just ran it under the faucet and dried it off with a soft towel. Don't try that with your normal camera.

High ISO - This camera can go to ISO 1600 which for its class is amazing. Higher ISOs make your sensor more sensitive but increase noise. ISO 800 and above starts looking very noisy and that's not uncommon in many digitals. Most small ones fall apart by ISO 400.

Big Screen, Fast Zoom - It has a very generous 2.5" LCD screen. When you take a picture and review it you can zoom in very quickly. Really great for taking a picture of a tourist map and taking it with you.

Cons-
Too small - Yes, too small. I'm not a big guy, my fingers fit ok but big guys might have some issues. Also the camera is so small and light its kind of hard to hold very steady. It doesn't have the weight to dampen your tremors and you really can get a good two handed grip on it, its always a finger hold.

The "Image stabilization" - It promises no more blurry pictures because of "image stabilization". Well its not really image stabilization. When you kick that feature in it does an ISO boost (makes the sensor more sensitive to light) which lets you reduce the shutter speed so you don't have camera shake as much. The drawback is that you get more noise and less quality in your picture than if it had real image stabilization.

Camera downloads kill the battery - If you plug your camera into the computer to download the pictures plan on charging the battery right after. It sucks it down big time. Get a card reader for $15 at any discount shop.

Stupid XD Card memory format - It uses the "XD" memory format which is neither as cheap or fast as Secure digital or Compact flash. It's the same size as an SD card but different shape. Had to go get a new card reader to deal with it. Dowloaded about 5x faster. Most people don't have those cards laying around so plan on forking out some extra $$$.

Can't zoom on video mode - When you start taking a movie you can't use the optical zoom, it can use the digital zoom be those are not too good.

Review screen isn't all that pretty- Big screen but not great resolution. You can zoom in real close but it lacks sharpness. This might let you think the image is not sharp but it is.

That sums up the pros and cons, but what about image quality? Does it take good pictures? Well I would say it takes ok pictures. I've seen better, I've seen worse. I've gotten somewhat used to Digital SLRs with good lenses so perhaps I'm not the best to judge. My wife thinks they are fine.

For family stapshots of the kids by the pool or at the beach it is fine. Don't expect your photos of opportunity on vacation to far away lands to make the cover of a magazine though. This camera is at its best when getting the shot becomes more of an issue than getting it perfect.

The best camera to use for any shot is the one you have with you. This little thing is a go anywhere do anything kind of camera. You can take it with you to the beach, the pool, on a 3 day hike through the mud and rain, across the desert and into the rainforest and not worry about it when you fall of your mountain bike doing it all..

If it gets dirty or goopy find a bucket of water or a hose and wash it off. If that's important then this is the way to go. If that doesn't really matter there are smaller and cheaper cameras that will serve you just as well.

This thing rocks (Updated June 2006 - with bad/good news)
I just got back from whitewater rafting the Grand Canyon and this thing rocks. I just got done uploading about 200 pictures and video off this thing and the photo quality is amazing.

Obviously the cool part is the waterproof part. I had this thing on a carabiner off my life jacket for 7 days in and out of water and sand pretty much constantly. It got hit repeatedly by various things and no electronic gear should have survived what I put it through. I did give it a few "beauty marks" including a scratch on the screen and a few dings but it still works fine.

The video it takes is awesome, I have video of us running the rapids in the Grand Canyon and obviously this thing doesn't care about a water hit which made me a star out there.

Couple of things,quirks, etc.:
1. Wish it had a regular optical viewfinder in addition to the big screen. However, when I was outside in the sun taking photos I never got it washed out unlike others' cameras I used.
2. I had to go on Ebay and buy a 1 gig memory chip for the trip. That gave me almost 300 pictures on the super highest setting. It comes with none of them. Plan on buying a chip.
3. I had two batteries for the trip (bought an extra one). For some reason the first one died in about a day which worried me a lot, but for some reason the second one lasted for the entire rest of the trip.
4. Keep in mind, I lost a few photos because while this camera is a good underwater camera, a few times there were water drops on the lense which blurred the shot. Not sure if there is a fix for that but FYI.

Overall - this camera kicks[..]. If you are going to be outside and active, get this thing.

UPDATED JUNE 2006:
- My camera is now DOA. This thing survives being in the desert, underwater, around sand etc, now I come back and go to the pool for about an hour and the thing is now dead. Looks like water got inside the unit through the battery door. Seals look fine and intact so I don't have a clue. Water behind the lense, this thing acts like, well - a piece of electronics with water inside. It's totally fried. I basically had it at the pool and took one photo with it and it's gone.

Only warning to learn is this thing isn't some super ingenious design - basically it has the same vulnerable ports as all other electronics do but with rubber seals on the insides of the doors.

The good news is I sent it back to Olympus and they sent me a brand new camera about a week later without any explanation. I was expecting them to tell me I'm an idiot and forgot to do something but no questions asked. Not sure how many more of those I'll get but overall good story

Great alternative to lugging my digital SLR
I just took my 720 on its first vacation. I usually shoot with a Canon Digital Rebel SLR and was looking for something pocket-sized for when I didnt want to lug a big camera around. The weather-proof and shock-proof features sealed the deal.

I have to say that I am impressed with the color fidelity on the 720. White-balance is good and colors are sharp and vivid without looking unnatural.

Start-up time is good as is the time between shots. Its slower than my SLR but that is to be expected.

I can get around 300 photos on a 1meg card (not included, you'll want to buy one at the same time). I also like the video feature. Sure its only 15fps, but it's an addition to the features on the camera already.

The best part is the digital image stabilization which helps to steady your shots. I've had other small point and shoot cameras in the past and have gotten rid of them because of all of the great shots that were ruined by blur caused by camera-shake. Think twice before going for a small camera without stabilization. You can't possibly hold a camera this small without some shake, so without stabilization you're wasting your time and money.

The digital zoom, as with all digital cameras, adds too much noise to the photos to be useful.

My only complaint is that the small size makes holding the camera without getting a finger or two in the shot difficult.

I would highly recommend this camera. I can's say the same for many of the small Sonys that I have used in the past. I am truly impressed with the quality of the photos this camera takes. I used it the first day of vacation and the SLR never left my room!