Olympus...camera of the Gods...maybe?
Written: Jun 25 '05
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Pros: Compact, looks "high-end", 4 MP images, "weaterproof-ed", feels real...not toy like, battery life is GREAT!
Cons: Menu can be cumbersome, bad image quality in low light, limited video clip size
The Bottom Line: The Olympus Stylus 410 is for anyone looking for an eay to use, point and shoot camera, that looks great, is built like a tank and won't break the bank!
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| maverick808's Full Review: Olympus Stylus 410 / µ 410 Digital Camera |
Right off the bat
At first glance the Olympus Stylus 410 is a hot little item. Definitely "a looker." It's elegant gold trimmings, compliment it's cool brushed metal body, giving it a real "high-end" look. It's a compact package, measuring just 4 inches wide, 2.25 inches tall and a sukoshi short of being an inch fat. Thus making it very easy to hold in your hand or put in a pocket. It's a little heavy for a shirt pocket, but nothing a pants pocket could hold. It has a "slider" which pretty much acts as it's "on and off" switch. When slid into the "on" position, the lens automatically comes alive and is ready for action. To turn off the camera, just slide the "slider" to its original position and the lens retracts, turning off the camera. The "picture taking button" is conveniently placed on the top of the camera, making it comfortable to hold while taking a picture. The back of the camera is home to the viewfinder, a 1x1.5 LCD screen, zoom toggle button, 4 directional buttons that coincide with different menu options, speaker, "Quick view" button and the "OK" button. There is a hinged door on the button where the battery lives. Also there is a mount for an optional tripod. Another hinged door on one side, when opened exposes the xD memory card/slot, AV out and USB port. All doors are fitted with rubber seals to keep the elements out. On the opposite end there is a DC outlet.
The review
Before I start, I'm not going to get too technical on the features and menu options that this camera posses. I'm mainly writing this review to let others know how I feel about the camera, how it does and doesn't fit into my life and my experiences whether good or bad that I’ve encountered while owning this camera.
The few days before my big trip to OR, my old Sony Cybershot breaks and I'm in a scurry to buy a new camera...you, to properly document my vacation from start to finish. I researched the Internet for digi-cams in my price range and was attracted to the Olympus Stylus 410. Aside from the looks of the camera, I was more than satisfied with it's 4MP capabilities, 3x Optical zoom and most of all it's "weatherproof-ness."
Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the battery. I was hoping that the camera would use "regular" sized batteries, but instead it utilizes a proprietary Olympus battery. The battery charged in less than an hour and a half and it was ready to go. Ok, let's stop here for a second, I willing admit that the camera has THE BEST life span that I've seen yet. While on my weeklong trip, I forgot to stick the battery in the charger every night and ended up only charging it once...the whole trip. And mind you, I constantly "open and closed" the lens all day/night long. Moving on, the size and weight of the camera is nice. It feels solid and well build. Some people like light petite cameras, but personally, I like a camera with a little bit of weight, to let me know it's there. The LCD is of "normal" size. Because of its smooth finish, looking at in under direct sunlight can be straining on the eyes. The Menu is accessed through the use of 4 directional keys. I'm not going to get too in depth about that, but I will say, if you've never used an Olympus digital camera before, it can be a bit frustrating and tiring. Maybe I'm just used to my old Sony, but accessing the menu options did feel quite awkward at first and even now after a few drinks, it can prove to be a fighter when trying to change modes or turn the flash on/off, etc... The sliding lens cover is nifty and makes it easy to turn the camera on and off. I was worried at first because I thought when turning off the camera, the sliding lens cover was pushing against the lens, but it wasn't, it just seemed that way. Oh and I want to add, that even though the sliding lens cover is a nifty feature, I often find the slider in the "on" position when I take the camera out of my pants pocket. Which doesn't hurt the battery life, because the camera does have an "auto-off" feature after so many minutes when in idle. My gripe is I usually have keys or a lighter in my pocket and those things could potentially scratch the exposed lens. So just be careful. The Stylus 410 does take video clips, but I was disappointed to find out that it only takes 1-minute video clips (w/sound). No matter how big your memory card, it will only take video in 1-minute clips. Unlike my Sony and my cousins Kodak that the video length is dependent on the amount of storage size you have. Though I don't take videos often with my digi-cam, I wish I had that ability. Also let me note that your flash and zoom can not be used while in the video mode. Speaking of flash, the flash works well with this camera, but I do find that in low or no light conditions, if the person taking the picture does not stand close enough, pictures tend to come out dark and most times blurry. On the other hand, in daylight or optimal light conditions, pictures come out crisp, clear and the colors are vibrant and true. As for the durability of the camera, I give it a 10. I've taken pictures at the beach, in the rain and I've even dropped my camera in the snow while snowboarding in Oregon, all not having any effect on the operation or image quality of the camera. In fact, just the other day I had my camera on my lap while driving and I forgot it was there. I parked, opened my door and stepped out. I drive a Ford Explorer and the drop from seat level to the ground is at least 3 feet. The camera hit the ground and I thought the worst. But to my surprised, it did have a few scratches, as to be expected, but no dents or dings. I turned it on and it takes pictures and all the functions work. Maybe I got lucky, maybe Olympus's design team built a tank. Either way, I'm very happy with my Olympus Stylus 410 and it has proved itself worthy of my life and the pictures I take while living it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 259
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Easy Enough for Anyone to Use
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Epinions.com ID:
maverick808
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Reviews written: 2
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