My camera is more likely to be destroyed by a toddler than a tumble from the side of a cliff. Yet, I was still intrigued by Olympus’ newest addition, which was supposedly designed for adventure shooters who sign up for National Geographic-type expeditions. The company claims its new 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW is the “toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world.”
There is no way I have the means to travel to the far reaches of the globe to put the camera to the test so I did the next best thing, I called my professional photographer pal who gave me his take on this alleged indestructible camera.
According to Olympus, the digital camera is shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof. And not only can withstand a drop from 6 feet it also features a 3.6-inch wide-angle optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and digital imaging advances, including Face Detection, and Shadow Adjustment Technology.
So, exactly how does a camera withstand a 6-foot drop? According to my pal who had the chance to test-drive this particular Olympus model, the camera is equipped with shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and the camera’s innards. It also helps that the body of the Stylus 1030 SW is made of a material (a combination of stainless steel and aluminum) that can withstand up to 220 pounds of crushing pressure.
The camera can also be fully submerged in water without sustaining damage because it is equipped with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. If you are looking for the ideal camera to take on a SCUBA or snorkeling adventure this is the camera for you. In addition to having a built-in manometer that logs the depth of where your photos were snapped, the camera also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens.
Given that my friend lives in Wisconsin and takes photographs for a living he was better suited to test the camera’s claim that it is freezeproof. The makers of the Stylus 1030 SW claim the camera performs “beautifully” at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius. According to my friend, the Stylus 1030 SW performs well at temperatures well below those claims. He used the Stylus 1030 SW at Lambeau Field during the NFC Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants in late January when the temperature was 4 degrees above zero and the end results were incredible.
As for being dustproof you’ll have to take the company’s word. It claims the camera’s airtight construction is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles.
The camera retails for about $400, which is a steal if it is truly is as indestructible as it claims to be.
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