Olympus Mju 1030 SW gets reviewed

Olympus' Mju 1030 SW compact digital camera got a little lost in the jumble of cameras that the company released earlier this year, but the folks at Photography Blog have now given the compact shooter its due with a full review. As you might expect, the 10-megapixel camera's main selling point (its toughness) earned it the highest marks, with its metal case proving to be decidedly studier than the competition -- not to mention shockproof and waterproof, although the site apparently didn't test those features too strenuously. It was a bit of a different story when it came to actually taking pictures, however, with the Mju turning in only "acceptable" results, and only then after some basic tweaking. The fact that you have to pay a fairly hefty premium for all that sturdiness ($399) doesn't help things either, but if you're the type that goes through cameras like nobody's business, it may not be the worst option to consider.

[Mark @ Apr 11th 2008 11:23AM]

this is a camera.

[DisposableGardenHouse @ Apr 11th 2008 11:44AM]

A camera is a camera is a camera. Why don't I take a pict-cha of the green grass that groes? Tickle me pink, the top of my nossel just seems to spurt with joy!

[DisposableGardenHouse @ Apr 11th 2008 11:46AM]

Hose* that is! I shall return to the wrack and retire for the day.

[Jeff @ Apr 11th 2008 11:29AM]

Actually when I worked in electronics, this kind of camera would be a hot seller despite all of its flaws. Aparently people want to be idiots with their electronics and this product allows them that luxury of idiocy.

Like the woman with a short temper who throws her camera at her boyfriend (truth...she bought a new one from me because of that). Or the woman who just happened to drop her boyfriend's Canon S3IS in the lake because she wanted to get an extreme close-up of the lake (truth).

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 11th 2008 11:30AM]

*Article Summary*

If you fall down a mountain, plunge through a valley of burning bricks, than roll down off a cliff into the stormiest ocean, then get swallowed by a whale and are then subsequently rescued, no one will believe your ordeal due to low quality picture quality and people will whisper

"there's the dude that photoshopped those images of him getting eaten by a whale"

every time you go past.

Disclaimer: The above comment may contain minute traces of sanity, although this is not guaranteed and highly unlikely. To get a proper understanding of the article it is highly reccommended that you read the proper engadget article, written by a saner person. That is all.

[David @ Apr 11th 2008 11:46AM]

My Panasonic DMC-FX07 was stepped on by a cow and didn't survive. This just might be the camera for me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89568275@N00/536651295/

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 11th 2008 12:32PM]

You HAVE to tell me the cow story. It's too intriguing to pass up.

There's so many scenarios flashing through my head, each more hilarious than the last!

[Nathan @ Jun 14th 2008 3:22AM]

1) Shock proof rated to 100kg
2) Cows heavier than 100kg ...
3) Camera wont survive

[TIMMAH! @ Apr 11th 2008 11:52AM]

Another sad example of trading off image quality for megapixel cramming. Too bad they don't have a 5 or 6 megapixel version of this camera...

[finch @ Apr 11th 2008 4:46PM]

I have the 770SW and i am absolutely happy with it. I live and work in Alaska, and this camera continues to take a beating and still turns out decent photos. Its not professional grade but it still takes a decent picture and good up close video footage (with the extra large memory card).

[Christopher @ Apr 11th 2008 12:01PM]

I got the previous model 770SW. I use it while being on the boat in any conditions. This easter i brought it to a resort on Tenerife, Spain. I just had it in my swimming trunks and didn't have to worry about it when entering the pool. The other guest looked kinda funny when i asked my brother to throw me my camera while being in the pool.

The only bad thing about it is really the weight. It's heavy. Everything else is fine with me.

[umijin @ Apr 11th 2008 12:38PM]

As crappy as it might be, IT'S NOT MJU! It's mu, pronounced "myu" or "mew". Or just write the symbol µ!

[chopper @ Apr 11th 2008 1:25PM]

Foster: All right mju. Hand over your license and registration.

[The man gives him his license.]

Foster: Your registration? Hurry up mju.

Driver: [laughing] Sorry.

Foster: Is there something funny here boy?

Driver: Oh, no.

Foster: Then why you laughing, Mister... Larry Johnson?

[Foster stares at him.]

Foster: All right mju, where were we?

Driver: Excuse me, are you saying mju?

Foster: Am I saying mju?

Driver: I thought...

Foster: Don't think boy. Mju, do you know how fast you were going?

[The man laughs.]

Foster: Mju. What is so damn funny?

[psxp @ Apr 11th 2008 1:39PM]

I have the 850sw - better than the 720sw series as the menus are better to navigate. Pics are "ok" but works great when snorkelling, snowboarding, Jetboating and kyaking.

I wish the 850sw had a longer record time for video at 640x480 res (10s only) - this is the biggest fault.

[spyboy @ Apr 12th 2008 9:05AM]

I have the Olympus Stylus 770 SW (7.1mp). I got it for sea kayaking, I can leave it attached to my deck rigging and take pictures when needed, it's shock proof for getting bounced around and scratched (metal case is scratched up) and waterproof (they said the 770 is good to 33 feet, but I never put it more than a foot underwater). I chose this camera over a Sony (sony + plastic waterproof case) because it's so much smaller, makes it more convenient. It also slips into a jeans pocket no problem.

[Pxleak @ Apr 20th 2008 1:37AM]

We got the 1030 two weeks ago, I did canvas on other cameras but the durability takes the cake. Sure we should have gotten a $399 from any brand but could never take it under water like snorkiling in fiji. My dog dragged it outside on the grass lawn. My baby stuffed it with cereal and my eldest son taking it back seat with his girlfriend. I'm planning to make a Borg snowman out it next year with that metal look on one of its eye.


To my amazement my wife bought a skin casing for it even...;P

[Sousuke @ May 26th 2008 12:52PM]

Actually I own a 795SW. I wouldn't say the pictures are always good, but it's acceptable for me (i'm no pro photographer obviously). Besides being shockproof (useful) waterproof (you can do a little snorkelling with it if you so desire, i've gone swimming with it), it also happens to be freezeproof, which is more than useful when i'm touring in arctic areas (like norway, where i am), and the batteries don't die as quickly because of the cold as well.

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 11th 2008 11:44AM]

Your comment is far more sensible and a much more useful input than mine. Prepare to be ranked up.