Click on the Stylus 830 to take a QuickTime VR tour

Olympus has added three more models to their versatile Stylus line of weather-resistant digicams, the Stylus 830, Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200. They include features like Face Detection Technology, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Perfect Shot Preview, Image Stabilization, and large HyperCrystal LCD screens as well as plenty of user-friendly preset shooting modes. The three new cameras also enable consumers to capture TV-quality video with sound, and the cameras easily connect directly to a television or LCD screen for convenient playback.

The Stylus 830 features Dual Image Stabilization, which combines mechanical Sensor-Shift Stabilization with Digital Image Stabilization (High ISO) to compensate for both camera shake and moving subjects. The camera also offers a 5x optical zoom to bring the action closer and a large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD in a sleek, compact design. Additionally, the Stylus 830 also provides illuminated buttons for easy viewing in low-light situations.

Stylus digital cameras are renowned for their high performance, style and ability to withstand the elements. The Stylus 830, Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200 feature light-weight metal bodies with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, sleet and snow will not get in the way of great photos. Additionally, the three new cameras feature ultra-compact bodies less than 1-inch thick. The Stylus 820 is offered in red, blue, black and silver. The Stylus 830 is offered in orange, green, blue, black and silver. The Stylus 1200 is offered in black and silver.

Dual Image Stabilization technology combines two technologies - mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization - to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. By combining the two technologies, the Stylus 830 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation. The Stylus 820 and Stylus 1200 feature digital image stabilization (DIS) and DIS Edit, which enables the user to retouch blurry photos right in the camera.

Face Detection Technology tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks your subjects' faces without having to press the shutter button.

Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlight areas - while the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus cameras address this challenge head-on with a new Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With the new technology, users can preview and capture images that have the same contrast as seen with the naked eye.

These models feature Olympus' exclusive new TruePic™ III image processor developed for the demanding performance of Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. 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 crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Stylus 830 Features at a Glance:

• 8-megapixel effective CCD and 5x optical zoom lens
• Durable all-metal (all-weather) body lets you shoot in almost any weather condition
• Built-in Help GUIDE for easy operation.
• Digital Image Stabilization to prevent image blurring
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 26 shooting modes - 23 are preprogrammed Scene modes
• 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution
• Bright Capture Technology for enhanced previewing and image quality in low light
• TruePic™ III image processor
• Movies at 640x480 @ 30fps with audio, length limited only by memory
• Add voice memos to still pictures
• ISO sensitivity; Auto, 80 - 1600
• Built-in all-weather speaker and microphone
• ~14.8MB of internal memory + xD-Picture Card slot (up to 2GB)
• Auto-Connect USB for quick and easy image transfer to computer
• Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included

The Stylus Digital 830 is available in orange, green, blue, black and silver with an estimated street price of $329.99 (U.S.). It includes: Wrist Strap, USB Cable, Audio/Video cable, Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master 2 Software, and reference manual. See our Buy Box below for current pricing at various online vendors.

Physical Views

The Stylus 830 compared in size to a standard CD.