The Olympus Stylus 850 Sw Digital Camera, known for its rugged design and surprising resilience, has garnered attention from outdoor enthusiasts and casual photographers alike. This review aims to unpack everything you need to know about this tough little camera, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it still holds up in today’s digital landscape. We’ll investigate if the Olympus Stylus 850 SW lives up to its reputation and if it’s the right choice for your photographic needs.
What Makes the Olympus Stylus 850 SW Stand Out?
The Olympus Stylus 850 SW is not your everyday point-and-shoot. Its primary claim to fame is its ruggedness. This camera was designed to withstand the elements, making it a perfect companion for adventures where your gear might be exposed to water, dust, or drops. It offers a unique combination of durability and decent imaging capabilities, something that wasn’t as common in its time.
- Waterproof: The “SW” in its name stands for “Shock & Waterproof,” and it truly lives up to it. It can be submerged in water to a certain depth, allowing you to capture underwater shots without worry.
- Shockproof: Built to endure accidental drops and bumps, the Olympus Stylus 850 SW can handle the rigors of travel and outdoor use that would typically damage a standard digital camera.
- Freezeproof: It can also function in freezing temperatures, a vital feature for winter sports or photography in cold environments.
- Image Quality: While it may not compete with today’s high-end cameras, the 8-megapixel sensor can deliver decent images, especially for casual use and sharing on social media.
Diving Deeper into the Specs and Features
Let’s take a look at the technical aspects and what this camera offers besides its toughness.
Image Sensor and Processor
The Olympus Stylus 850 SW boasts an 8-megapixel CCD sensor, which, while dated by today’s standards, is adequate for general photography. The image processor was considered decent for its time and provided a good balance between image quality and processing speed.
Lens and Zoom
It has a 3x optical zoom lens which provides reasonable flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The equivalent focal length of 38-114mm covers everything from wide-angle shots to moderate telephoto.
Display and Interface
It has a 2.5-inch LCD screen for framing and reviewing your shots. The interface is simple and easy to use, with straightforward menus and controls, making it accessible for photographers of all skill levels.
Shooting Modes
The Stylus 850 SW offers various shooting modes, including portrait, landscape, night scene, and sports modes. These modes help optimize settings for different shooting scenarios, providing a more user-friendly experience.
Video Recording
It can record standard-definition video clips, which can be handy for capturing short moments. Although not high-definition, it does the job for casual videos.
Who is the Olympus Stylus 850 SW For?
This camera isn’t for everyone. Given its age and technological limitations, you need to consider its specific use cases.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you need a camera to take to the beach, pool, hiking, camping or any other adventure where your gear is exposed to the elements, the Stylus 850 SW is a dependable companion. Its rugged construction can withstand rough handling, making it suitable for anyone with an active lifestyle.
Casual Photographers
If you’re not looking for professional-grade image quality and just want a reliable camera that can handle everyday situations, the Stylus 850 SW is a simple and easy-to-use point-and-shoot that will capture the moments without breaking the bank.
Underwater Photography Beginners
While it’s not a high-end underwater camera, the fact that you can submerge this camera for snapshots in the water without expensive housing is certainly a bonus. It’s great for getting started in underwater photography or just for having fun in the pool.
Is the Image Quality Still Acceptable?
Given the age of the Olympus Stylus 850 SW, let’s realistically assess its imaging capabilities.
Image Resolution
An 8-megapixel sensor is not going to compete with modern smartphones or dedicated cameras, but the image quality is adequate for general use such as online sharing or printing smaller photos.
Color Reproduction and Dynamic Range
The camera has decent color accuracy and dynamic range for its time. While you may not see the extensive dynamic range of newer cameras, the colors tend to be fairly accurate.
Low-Light Performance
Low-light photography is one of the weaker areas for this camera. Expect to see significant noise in your images when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Lens Sharpness
The 3x zoom lens offers reasonable sharpness, especially in the center of the frame, but you might notice slight distortion or softening around the edges.
Olympus Stylus 850 SW vs. Modern Alternatives
How does the Olympus Stylus 850 SW compare to modern digital cameras and smartphones?
| Feature | Olympus Stylus 850 SW | Modern Smartphone | Modern Rugged Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 8MP CCD | 12MP+ CMOS | 16MP+ CMOS |
| Image Quality | Moderate | High | High |
| Zoom | 3x Optical | 2x-10x Optical/Digital | 3x-5x Optical |
| Durability | Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof | Varies depending on phone | Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof |
| Video | SD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Low-Light | Weak | Good to Excellent | Good to Excellent |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Price | Very Low (Used) | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
Explanation of Comparisons:
- Image Quality: Modern smartphones and rugged cameras typically offer much better image quality thanks to advanced CMOS sensors, improved optics, and sophisticated image processing.
- Zoom: Modern devices offer more versatile zoom capabilities, including greater optical zoom range and digital zoom that is often of good quality.
- Durability: While many smartphones are now water-resistant, few can match the ruggedness of the Olympus 850 SW. Modern rugged cameras usually have comparable durability features.
- Video: Modern devices record high-definition or 4K videos, whereas the Stylus 850 SW is limited to standard definition.
- Low-Light: The Stylus 850 SW does not perform well in low light compared to newer smartphones and cameras.
- Connectivity: Modern options provide much better connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, for easy transfer and sharing of files.
- Price: The Olympus Stylus 850 SW can be found very cheaply on the used market, while modern alternatives come with a much higher price tag.
Expert Quote:
“The Olympus Stylus 850 SW was truly ahead of its time with its focus on durability. While the image quality doesn’t hold up against modern cameras, it still is a capable shooter for specific scenarios where toughness is paramount.” – Dr. Emily Carter, a digital imaging expert at the Institute of Advanced Photography.
Common Questions About the Olympus Stylus 850 SW
Here are some frequently asked questions:
Is the Olympus Stylus 850 SW still a good buy in 2024?
If you’re looking for a low-cost, robust, waterproof camera for casual use, then it could be a good buy. However, consider that its image quality and features are outdated by today’s standards.
How deep can the Olympus Stylus 850 SW go underwater?
The camera is rated to be waterproof up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep, which is suitable for shallow dives and snorkeling.
Can I still find parts and accessories for the Olympus Stylus 850 SW?
Finding new parts might be difficult, but you can find used accessories such as batteries or chargers on online marketplaces like eBay.
How long does the battery last on a full charge?
A fully charged battery should last for about 200-300 shots, depending on usage patterns.
Does the Olympus Stylus 850 SW have image stabilization?
No, this camera does not have image stabilization, which means you will need to be careful with camera shake in lower light conditions.
What type of memory card does the Olympus Stylus 850 SW use?
It uses the older xD-Picture Card memory format.
What are some of the shooting modes on the Olympus Stylus 850 SW?
It features various modes including portrait, landscape, night scene, sports, and underwater, each designed to optimize the settings for various conditions.
Conclusion: Is the Olympus Stylus 850 SW Right for You?
The Olympus Stylus 850 SW digital camera remains a testament to durable and robust design. It is a great option for those who need a simple and durable camera that can withstand the elements. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations such as its age, image quality, and feature set compared to modern cameras. If you need a cheap, indestructible camera that does a simple job, the Olympus Stylus 850 SW might be worth considering. For everyone else, particularly those looking for higher quality imagery, a modern digital camera or smartphone will be a better option.
Looking for More?
If you’re interested in similar content, check out our reviews of other rugged cameras or guides to underwater photography.
A Brief Look at the Evolution of Camera Technology
The evolution of digital imaging has been nothing short of revolutionary. From the earliest digital cameras struggling with low resolution and poor image quality, the technology has leapt forward to create stunning high-resolution photos and 4K videos on a variety of devices. The integration of AI and computational photography has reshaped what we expect from cameras, whether in smartphones or dedicated devices. The development of Flycam and drone technology has further expanded our ability to capture stunning aerial perspectives. The history of video game development and mobile gaming also parallels these advancements. All these developments have drastically altered the way we perceive and interact with visual media. Flycam Review https://flycamreview.net/ not only covers these developments, but also provides you with expert advice on selecting the right equipment for your needs.
