Great little underwater camera with video! Updated
Pros:
Compact, easy to use, waterproof, super underwater video feature.
Cons:
See update
The Bottom Line:
Good point and shoot with extra features like underwater photo and video. I recommend it as a secondary, not a primary camera.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
My Olympus Stylus 790SW digital camera had to be sent back to Olympus after its first use this year. The darn thing turned on, but all operations were frozen. Olympus fixed the camera, but to my dismay never indicated what the original problem was. I only received a notice on the slip inside the return box reminding me to rinse after underwater use. I did rinse the camera off, and used it for 3 days on land before it froze up. In the end, I'll never know if the freeze was a malfunctioning part or user error. Since its return, the camera has worked great so I would recommend it. Recently, I used the video camera while snorkeling in the Caribbean. The video is super! Of course it helps to have gin clear water while filming! I do not like the strap that comes with the camera as I always feel like it's going to slip off my wrist. I am looking to buy a buoyant strap. Without the strap, or firm grip, this little camera is going to go to the bottom of the ocean so beware! I've also used this camera in extreme cold while skiing. It has been dropped in the snow and survived some bad wipeouts on blue and black runs this year. This is one tough camera and I haven't even read the easy reading Users Guide to get pointers on taking better pictures. Battery life is always an annoyance with electronics. I have not run out of battery life, but always recharge after each outing.
Update: Jan 2009
* Strap: After my last review I purchased the bright orange Olympus floating wrist strap for the camera and I love it! No more worrying about the camera sinking to the bottom of the ocean or lost in mounds of snow. I recommend upgrading to this strap if you are using this camera in the water.
* Back to Olympus Camera Hospital: In Nov 2008 I had to send the camera back to Olympus again; this time for a malfunctioning battery or battery charger. Olympus was awesome at getting my camera back in working order and back to me within 14 days, however, although I'm appreciative of the great work they did, I incurred the expense of sending the camera to them and again wasn't informed as to what the issue was, a bad battery or a bad charger. I guess I should be happy I wasn't sent a bill. LOL
* At this point, I wonder what's next in this camera's nine lives. I'll keep using though until Olympus tells me it's a goner.