Manufacturer Description
The shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and sand/dustproof Stylus 790SW captures amazing 7.1-megapixel images in any situation — whether it is a day of fun at the beach, an action-packed snorkel adventure, a family ski trip or a night out with friends.
Bright Capture Technology in Action
Digital Image Stabilization The Stylus 790 SW features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) for capturing crisp, clear pictures. By boosting the cameras ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and provides blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.
Perfect Shot Preview mode The Stylus 790 SW features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is a great way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.
TruePic III image processor Olympus enhanced TruePic III image processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.
LED Illuminator An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting -- great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.
Stylish, compact, rugged design The Stylus 790 SW combines light, durable body construction with shock-absorbing materials throughout the interior and the sealant technology used in Olympus underwater housings. In addition to the shockproof and waterproof construction, the Stylus 790 SW features a light-weight, all-metal body and clean, smooth lines that make it the ultimate pocket camera. At a slim 0.8 inches, the camera easily slips into a pocket, handbag or backpack.
27 selectable shooting modes With 27 pre-programmed shooting modes, such as Beach & Snow, Available Light Portrait, Sunset and Under Water Snapshot, the Stylus 790 SW makes it easy to capture beautiful images in a variety of lighting and shooting situations. The Stylus 790 SW features a Movie Mode that can record TV-quality video (640x480/30fps) with sound -- above and below the waters surface.
In-camera editing With in-camera editing features such as red-eye fix, resizing, adding frames or text, and color or saturation adjustments, users can edit photos anywhere with ease -- touch up or embellish photos without a computer.
Olympus Master 2 software Olympus Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. 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. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.
Product Description
The Stylus 790SW combines Olympus precision optics with innovative waterproof sealants so you can capture beautiful images above and below the surface. Have fun taking snapshots in the pool, at the waterpark or in the ocean down to depths of 10 feet. Accidents happen -- but don't worry. The Stylus 790SW is designed to withstand a 5-foot drop, bump or other mishap. The rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction minimize impact to the lens, LCD, image processor and other sensitive components for worry-free shooting. Freeze the action! With high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds, you can capture sharp, blur-free images, even if you or your subject is moving. With the large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD, you can have more fun in the sun. Now you can easily compose, view and share your images indoors and outdoors, even in direct sunlight. The large, high-resolution LCD features a wider viewing angle (140 degrees, left to right or up and down) and anti-glare technology that uses natural light to brighten the LCD.












June 20th, 2009 on 10:42 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 stars for Olympus warranty, minus 1 star for durability
We purchased this camera for our son who builds water parks and takes photographs of job progress. We figured he would need a camera that was waterproof and rugged.
June 21st, 2009 on 1:47 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Handy Camera for many occasions
I have owned this camera since September 2007. I took it to Egypt, Aruba, Belize. I took about 1400 photos in Egypt -in the water, in the desert, from the bus window, at night, at…
June 21st, 2009 on 1:56 am
I will admit I was a skeptic when I bought this camera. I have a toddler and a tech-retarded wife, both of whom are responsible for previous spectacular digicam annihilations. So I turned to the Stylus 790 more out of desperation than anything.
Now I admit to being a total convert. For the price-point, I was just hoping for something that took mediocre pics and wouldn’t die in 6 months at the hands of my ruthless gadget assassins. It, in fact, takes remarkable pictures, comes with a ton of handy features barely noted on Amazon, and really is indestructible.
Really. And by indestructible I mean it has survived being burried at the beach, dropped in the bubble bath, thrown in the toilet (more than once), gone through the dishwasher cycle (don’t ask), dropped from our 3-level balcony to the sidewalk below, and having been laundered (washer AND dryer).
Plus battery is good for hundreds of shots, the video clips are surprisingly crisp, and I rarely have issues with blurry pictures any more. Also, Olympus’ face-finding technology is pretty amazing stuff.
Overall I would highly recommend this camera on its own merits as a great camera. The fact the it survived my household is the icing on the cake, since (I hope) you won’t be nearly as rough in testing it. Enjoy!
June 21st, 2009 on 2:22 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard as nails and takes great pictures !!
I purcahsed this as a Christmas present for my step daughter, she is very heavy handed and dare I say it clumsy, it has taken several drops to the ground and has a few war wounds…
June 21st, 2009 on 3:41 am
I am a pro photographer, shooting with a Nikon D2Xs. I was looking for a compact camera for my wife, when I saw this camera in the reviews, it seemed like a good choice. I did some research and found a SCUBA website that tested it to 64′ deep, and although the depth gauge stops at 30 something feet, it performed fine event at over double the rated depth.
I was specifically concerned about the contrast these little point and shot cameras have, coming from the world of pro DSLRs… This isn’t a $4500 D2Xs, but I was very surprised how good the picture is. The large screen is very sharp and bright. The integrated lens cover is metal, and seems like it would be sturdy.
I would recommend this camera as a high performance compact point-and-shoot.
June 21st, 2009 on 5:46 am
I have some special requirements for a digital camera, and the Olympus is one of the few that seemed to fit the bill. In particular I needed a camera that had image stabilization and be somewhat weather proof as I use it to take one-handed shots from a moving vehicle. While I am not a photo journalist, I do take a lot of photos for a motorcycle publication and needed something that I could use in less than ideal circumstances.
Unfortunately my last camera had no image stabilization, so about 1/3 to 1/2 of all the photos I took came out blurred. But before I could make a decision on a replacement, my old one died. Apparently some road grit had gotten into the lens and one day it refused to extend or retract. Since most of the compact digital cameras on the market have lenses that extend prior to use, it narrowed the field down dramatically. This was the main reason I decided to go with the Olympus.
I’ve had it for a few months now and had occasion to use it for both moving and normal photography (I’ve posted a few good and bad photos here). I’m not completely sold on it, but to me the pros outweigh the cons so I’m going to keep it. There are however, a few design issues that I find frustrating.
The first is the focus time (the time between pushing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken). With my old compact digital it was almost instantaneous, so “I got what I shot”. With the Olympus it takes a second or two, which when shooting moving vehicles (from a moving vehicle) is enough time to allow the subject to change position and now be slightly out of focus. Unfortunately image stabilization will not compensate for that.
Another issue is the placement of the flash. On most cameras the flash is on the opposite side from where you hold it (the flash is usually on the left while you hold it on the right). However, on the 790SW the flash is on the same side as the hand grip, which means that if you are not extremely careful your finger will block part of the flash. I have some group photos taken at night where the people on the right side are in darkness while those on the left and in the center are properly lit.
But the biggest issue I have is with the battery life. Typically I would get between 300-400 shots from the battery on my old compact digital camera. However, the battery life on the 790SW is amazingly short. My first trip I got only 170 daylight shots before the camera completely shut down. As it was only mid morning and I wouldn’t be able to charge the battery until that night, I spent the rest of the day with a useless camera while dozens of great photos got away. Since then I picked up a second battery, but still have to keep an eye on my power consumption so that I don’t run out before the end of the day. I thought about buying a third or forth battery, but at that point I would be spending a large chunk of the overall cost of camera just to keep it powered.
In short:
Pros:
Bulletproof (water/dust/freeze/crush/shock proof)
Non extending lens will not jam from dirt or dust
Auto open/shut metal lens cover
Image Stabilization
7.1 Megapixel
Cons:
Focus time
Placement of the flash
Battery life
Must remove the battery to charge it
While the focus lag-time problem might be unique to my work, the flash and battery issues are ones that everyone should consider before buying this camera. If you have unique needs (camera robustness, weather/water proof) then this is one of the few choices on the market and worth the money. However, if you don’t need the special abilities this camera has to offer, I think you would be better served looking for something else in this (or even a lower) price range.
June 21st, 2009 on 7:33 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
OLYMPUS 790SW
THIS CAMERA IS GREAT, TAKE REALLY GOOD QUALITY, COLOR, DIGITAL PICTURES. I CARRY IT AROUND ALL DAY IN POCKET SO IT GETS A LOT OF WEAR AND TEAR AND IT STILL WORKS GREAT.
June 21st, 2009 on 11:29 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing compact camera
This camera is absolutely amazing. I have had it for over a year now and have used it in almost every imaginable environment.
June 21st, 2009 on 4:59 pm
1.0 out of 5 stars
poor overall design
Olympus Stylus 790SW 7.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Orange)
Very disappointing camera.
June 21st, 2009 on 9:33 pm
1.0 out of 5 stars
Bad water proof system
I bought this camera because i was traveling to galapagos and i thought that this trip deserves a water proof camera.
June 22nd, 2009 on 2:15 am
3.0 out of 5 stars
It’s Ok but not great
I purchased this camera for vacations on the water and the ability to take shots in rainy weather. It is indeed waterproof and durable, however the shutter lag makes it very…
June 22nd, 2009 on 4:25 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best camera for a kid
This is a great camera for a kid. It looks good and is water resistant and shockproof. However, make sure to read the directions together to learn to use it well.
June 22nd, 2009 on 11:09 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sturdy Camera for City Public Works Dept
I have purchase 7 of the Olympus Stylus 790SW cameras for the City in their Parks & Rec, Building & Zoning, Engineering, and Utilities departments.