Olympus mju 1030 SW and mju 850 SW

The Olympus mju 1030 SW and mju 850 SW digital cameras are new additions to the successful Olympus shock and waterproof camera range. Both models offer protection against falls, water immersion and the freezing cold. The Olympus mju 1030 SW is waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof against falls to 2m, freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to weights of up to 100kg. The mju 1030 SW has a 3.6x wide zoom lens (28-102mm), 10.1 megapixel sensor and 2.7 inch screen. The cheaper 8 megapixel mju 850 SW is waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10°C. They will be available from February 2008 at recommended prices of £319.99 for the Olympus mju 1030 SW and £229.99 for the Olympus mju 850 SW.

Olympus UK Press Release

Tough enough for everyone, everywhere

Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW & µ [mju:] 850 SW: Ready for adventure

London, 22 January 2008 – Not one, but two bar-raising additions join the highly-successful Olympus shock and waterproof line-up this season. Both the Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW are remarkably tough, offering protection against falls, water immersion and the freezing cold. They are the ideal choice for great image results no matter the intended photographic terrain. They will be available from February 2008 at recommended prices of £319.99 for the µ [mju:] 1030 SW and £229.99 for the µ [mju:] 850 SW .

Building on the tough reputation of their predecessors – including the TIPA Award-winning µ [mju:] 770 SW – the new µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW set you up for adventure. Drop them in a muddy puddle on a hike through the mountains and don’t worry: simply wash the mud off in the next stream and keep shooting. Adventure is really yours for the taking. Go for dives in lakes or the sea and capture the wonders under the water’s surface, or take to the snow and immortalise those sub-zero moments. Whatever your lifestyle, these extraordinary, chic models take it all. Despite their tough attributes, image quality doesn’t take a back seat. Precision Olympus optics deliver true-to-life results, while integrated cutting-edge technologies provide intelligent solutions to ensure the flawless reproduction of subjects. In addition, a choice of several striking colours serves to further brighten the photo-taking experience.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW
There’s no other camera like it. The Olympus µ [mju:] 1030 SW is waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof against falls to 2m, freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to weights of up to 100kg. And now, its stylish metal exterior – which is available in a choice of three colours (Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green) – is also scratchproof. But this model isn’t only tough and good-looking; its great image results also make it a delight to have with you at all times. The incorporation of a 3.6x wide zoom (28-102mm on a 35mm camera) provides plenty of flexibility when it comes to framing: get more of the family into a group photo, or zoom in close from afar for candid shots. A 10.1 Megapixel sensor provides plenty of image detail, giving users the flexibility to crop shots later on a computer and still retain high quality. Meanwhile, an extra-large 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD boasts a wider viewing angle as well as improved views – even in bright sunlight. In addition, Digital Image Stabilisation reduces blur caused by shakes. A new battery (LI-50B) provides more power so shooting can go on for longer.

The Olympus µ [mju:] 850 SW
Sporting a sleek metal body in a choice of Starry Silver, Midnight Black or Metal Pink, the Olympus µ [mju:] 850 SW brings the durability of the shockproof, waterproof line-up to everyone. Waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10°C, this camera is ready for the bumps and bangs of everyday life. In conjunction with its tough exterior, the µ [mju:] 850 SW boasts a hearty 8.0 Megapixels to guarantee the flawless capture of every detail. Digital Image Stabilisation is also on board to reduce blur. For framing flexibility, a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) gets you in close, and the large 2.5”/6.4cm LCD makes it easy to quickly preview and review shots. In addition, an LED Macro Illuminator is available for enhancing shots of close-up subjects during macro photography. 

All-round quality
Both the µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW incorporate Face Detection Technology for the optimal exposure and focus of human subjects. Shadowy compositions are no longer a problem either, thanks to inclusion of Shadow Adjustment Technology. And with BrightCapture Technology, low-light shooting is significantly improved. The integrated TruePic III image processor works to enhance not only speed, but also colour reproduction and noise suppression for more realistic images. And for additional operating ease, Olympus has raised the number of languages on board to an incredible 38.  Furthermore, the underwater cases PT-043 and PT-041 are optionally available for the µ [mju:] 1030 SW and the µ [mju:] 850 SW respectively for additional fun up to 40m below the water’s surface.

The ultra-tough µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW are the perfect companions for fun and outdoor adventure, and will be available from February 2008.

Main features

µ [mju:] 1030 SW
Exciting shots in and by the pool and water as waterproof to 10m*
Take it anywhere, anytime as shockproof up to 2.0m**
Crushproof 100kg***
10.1 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm****) for stunning close-ups
6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
Scratchproof metal body in 3 colours: Platinum Silver, Midnight Black and British Green
Underwater shooting up to a water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-043

µ [mju:] 850 SW
Exciting shots in and by the water as waterproof to 3m*
Take it anywhere, anytime as shockproof up to 1.5m**
6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight
8.0 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
3x optical zoom (38-114mm****) for stunning portraits
Sleek metal body in 5 colours: Starry Silver, Midnight Black or Metal Pink
Underwater shooting up to a water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-041

Common features of the µ [mju:] 1030 SW and µ [mju:] 850 SW:
Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
Best companion also in winter as freezeproof
24 scene modes for the best results in different situations
Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality

* According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to Olympus test conditions
**** Equivalent to a 35mm camera

Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Reader Comments

1. Nice camera with lots of fun options but image quality very, very poor. 10M pics quality you can compare to 2M.

   ilona at 08:53pm on Saturday, March 08, 2008

2. I am thinking of buying this camera solely due to the SW factor. But I am worried about image quality. Can anyone else confirm if this camera is worth buying?

   C at 07:44am on Friday, March 21, 2008

3. The poster above who says the image quality is poor is an idiot. Image quality is actually very good on the the SW 1030. A fine point and shoot that I tested today on a 10m dive with no leakage issues. Very bright display.

   Speiler at 06:05pm on Saturday, April 19, 2008

4. I have recently purchased an 850 SW and I have found the image quality very poor and variable. I am struggling to establish whether the cause of the poor quality is my doing, or whether its the fault of the camera. There seems to be no apparent reason for the variability in the picture quality. Some of the shots are reasonable in sharpness, but the others are "fuzzy" as if out of focus, over the entire ficture field. I am particularly unhappy with the results and with the camera.

   Andy at 01:47am on Monday, May 12, 2008

5. Yes...the image quality isnt very nice :( i have one as well

   Margie at 11:42pm on Saturday, June 07, 2008

6. I concur with the "poor" comments. I would not recommend this camera to anyone. The only selling point would be the water-proofness. The only time it produces decent images is outside in bright sunlight. If you need SW feat. then there probably is no alternative, but if you figure "it's nice to have the SW feat" you dont really need it and should look at another product.

   Nick at 04:50am on Sunday, June 15, 2008

7. The previous blogs appear to be describing the 850. The 1030 appears to be the perfect solution to SW. Any further comments on the 1030 before I purchase

   frankie at 09:09am on Sunday, June 15, 2008

8. be VERY carefull to clean around the "doors" after opening, they store grit and salt. And before taking it swimming for the first time, put it in a bucket of water for a couple of hours. My first one failed at its first swim, but was replaced with no problems(took a week). The replacement has also failed, but i think it is my fault for not being anal enough about cleaning the seals and sealing faces. I did a visual inspection and it looked good, i was wrong. BE ANAL ABOUT THE SEAL CLEANLINESS. use a cotton-bud or something like it.
   Other than that it is a great cammera,starts fast, pics look great, strong flash, love the 28mm, batery lasts ages.

   Sibron at 03:29pm on Friday, July 04, 2008