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Product summary
Specifications: Digital camera type: Compact; Resolution: 10.1 megapixels; Optical zoom: 7 x; See full specs
Price range: $233.95 - $299.99
CNET editors' take
- Published on: 01/21/2008
The Stylus 1020 is among the first Olympus compacts to include sensor-shift image stabilization.
(Credit: Olympus)
In addition to the two new waterproof models announced today, Olympus has shared plans to sell three new Stylus compact cameras, all of which include sensor-shift image stabilization. Like some of their competitors, Olympus offers their IS in conjunction with an ISO-boosting mode, which they call Digital Image Stabilization. Together they somewhat predictably call the combo Dual Image Stabilization. Like Fujifilm models, Olympus compact cameras record their images to xD Picture Cards. Last year Fuji transitioned to xD/SD combo slots in all of their compact cameras. Olympus has chosen to stick with xD slots, but will include adapters with all of their new compact cameras so that you can use MicroSD cards if you want to.
Chief among the three new cameras is the 10-megapixel Stylus 1020, which sports a 7x optical zoom lens that covers an equivalent of 37-260mm with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3-5.3. The 1020 also has a new type of screen for Olympus, which they're calling HyperCrystal II. The company says that it provides an increased contrast ratio and better color reproduction when compared to their older HyperCrystal LCDs. The 1020 includes a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD, as well as illuminated buttons and a continuous shooting mode that lets you shoot successive images with the flash turned on-- many continuous shooting modes won't allow flash, or only use it for the first shot. Olympus expects the Stylus 1020 to hit stores this March for about $350 with blue, pink, black, or silver glossy finishes.
Next in the line comes the 10-megapixel Stylus 1010. It doesn't boast the 1020's continuous shooting with flash, and has a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD instead of the newer HyperCrystal II, but other than that it has all the same features as the 1020. The Stylus 1010 is also expected in stores this March and should sell for about $300 in a choice of silver, black, blue, and purple colors.
The Stylus 840 steps down to an 8-megapixel sensor and 5X optical, 36-180mm f/3.3-5.0 zoom lens. Like the 1010, the 840 as a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD. In addition to the features mentioned above, all three of these new cameras also include a handful of other convenient features including face detection auto exposure and autofocus, shadow adjustment technology to help preserve details in shadows when trying to capture a high contrast scene, and in-camera editing to help remove red-eye, resize images, adjust saturation, or even bring out shadow detail in photos that have already been captured.
They also include Olympus' Perfect Shot Preview, which lets you see the effects of certain adjustments, such as exposure compensation, in a multi-window screen before capturing the image. Finally, they all include in-camera panoramic stitching of up to three images. If you're willing to wait to stitch, the Olympus Master software that comes with the cameras allows panoramas of up to ten images. Olympus plans to start shipping the Stylus 840 to stores this month where you should be able to buy it for about $250 in a choice of silver, blue, black, and pink finishes.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital cameras. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camera.
Image stabilization (Anti-shake)
When using handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds, or with high optical zoom, image stabilization (aka anti-shake) will help with capturing sharper images. There are two types of image stabilization, optical and electronic. Electronic, or digital, stabilization works by shifting pixels within the image frame to interpolate sharpness. Optical sharpness is attained by physical movement within either the camera body or the lens element, which compensates for handheld shaking. Of the two, optical is generally considered more favorable by most photographers.
Read more in the Digital Camera Buying Guide
Snapshooter
The casual photographer needs a camera that is easy to carry and easy to use, so compact and ultracompact cameras make the best choice. These cameras are the most useful for taking snapshots anywhere, and can produce nice photos for email, web, or prints smaller than 8x10 inches.
The specs that matter
| Resolution | It doesn't matter. Most cameras on the market today have sufficient resolution for your needs. |
| Price | $150 to $300 |
| Lens type | Zoom (range encompassing at least 38mm to 114mm, 35mm equivalent) |
| Storage media | Internal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format | JPEG |
| Interfaces | USB, NTSC/PAL television connection |
| Exposure controls | Automatic, programmed scene modes, exposure compensation (for tweaking the automatic exposure) |
| Focus controls | Automatic |
| Flash modes | Automatic, fill, red-eye reduction |
| Software | Photo stitching, photo album, slide show |
| Multimedia | VGA (640x480), 30fps video-clip recording with sound |
| Cool features to look for | Direct-to-printer (PictBridge) output compatibility, in-camera red-eye removal, automatic exposure fix, optical or mechanical image stabilization, face detection |
Read more in the Digital Camera Buying Guide
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